Melanie Ran an Ad Searching for a Potential Roommate to Share

Essay

Melanie ran an ad searching for a potential roommate to share the rent on a two-bedroom house. Stephanie answers the ad, and Melanie suggests that they go out to lunch and assess their compatibility as roommates. At lunch, conversation starts off light, discussing where they grew up, etc. Then, Stephanie abruptly changes the topic of the conversation and discloses a time when she was sexually assaulted. Melanie is surprised that Stephanie is disclosing such intimate details since they have just met. Following Stephanie's self-disclosure, there is an awkward silence, and then Melanie changes the subject. Melanie is doubtful that they will get along as roommates. Discuss what happened in this incident in terms of reciprocity, appropriateness, and risk of self-disclosure.