Being assertive isn't easy for me (as I said), but I can think of a way to play to my strengths. If she makes one of those remarks or tells me to do something in a way I don't like, how would saying something along the lines of "I'd be happy to do it...if you asked me politely." That kind of lays out what my expectations are. If I get lip I can say "If you can't ask politely, I'm not going to do it."

And really, moving out is a very last option. Not only would it be hard to find a new place, but I couldn't get all my stuff out of there without a truck and some assistance (when I moved in, it was the family minivan and my father and brother helping).

My roommate is also a New Yorker (so am I, but I somehow grew up with a Midwest attitude) and of course a law student, so maybe that's just how she talks. And she's not anywhere near as bad as my first roommate.

*sigh* When I get my degree and a good job where I make lots of money, I am never sharing a house or apartment with anyone ever again, unless they are my SO.