I just moved in with a new roommate, but the air between us has been freezing from day one. Our interactions are brief, awkward, and painfully uncomfortable. Every attempt I’ve made to break the ice—a warm greeting, an invitation to hang out—has been met with a polite but firm wall.

Tonight, she came home late. After I unlocked the door for her, she slumped onto the sofa without a word. I tried starting a conversation, but she cut me off with a icy glare.

"Do you realize that you talk too much?" she said, her tone dripping with irritation.