Sometimes, the controlling roommate is right. I really don't like telling my roommates what to do or vice versa, but if the monthly AC bill is $400 for a small apartment, that's worth discussing. Regarding bills, chores, and the general atmosphere, it's the responsibility of all roommates to contribute positively instead of taking advantage of the people they sleep under the same roof as.
For every roommate who has a measured, essential, serious talk with their roommates about a serious matter, five more will micromanage the living daylights out of everyone around them. It's one thing to be told to do the dishes, but it's annoying to make sure your roommate fills up the dishwasher the exact way your mom taught you how to do it as a little girl because any other way would be inadequate and horrible. The roommate in this story is one of those roommates.
For every roommate who has a measured, essential, serious talk with their roommates about a serious matter, five more will micromanage the living daylights out of everyone around them. It's one thing to be told to do the dishes, but it's annoying to make sure your roommate fills up the dishwasher the exact way your mom taught you how to do it as a little girl because any other way would be inadequate and horrible. The roommate in this story is one of those roommates.