The recent currency increase affected the rent, my roommate doesn't understand

It seems like your friend looks more like someone who has gotten used to being the one carrying the burden of the raise rather than someone who objects to it. I wonder what reaction they would have if you said, "Come on, let's move and look for a cheaper place." Their true face would then emerge.

Call the landlord and say something like, "My friend is having a hard time understanding the raise percentage, could you clarify it?" Let's see who gets stressed.

Could it be that your roommate is more concerned with pushing that increase onto you rather than complaining about it? Otherwise, they would have suggested a solution like "this rent is too high for us, let's move". If the issue is more about sharing responsibilities rather than money, then just talk about it openly.

And there's this: Is there a legal limit that the landlord relies on when determining the increase rate? Or have they just raised the rent saying "that's how the market is"? Because according to the contract you have, the increase rate might actually be subject to a limit. Maybe your roommate should question this part to show more reasonable resistance. Right now, it feels like they are just stopping at saying "I don't want to."

Well, is your friend expecting to achieve a result like "no raise" by resisting this increase, or is the target of this reaction you? Because it seems a bit strange that the focus is on you rather than the landlord. If there's a competition between you two about "who carries more weight," I think that's what should be discussed.

Your friend isn't directly discussing the landlord or the rent increase; it seems like they're putting you in the position to discuss it. Are they talking in a way that suggests "let's decide together" or are they expecting you to just take care of it? Because the former indicates a joint solution, while the latter is just shifting the burden. I would focus on the point where they're shifting the responsibility onto you.

The part in the title saying "doesn't understand" is a bit striking. Does he really not understand, or is it just convenient for him? There’s a fine line in between. If he doesn’t grasp the reasoning behind the raise at all, that’s one thing, but if this is slipping into negligence or self-interest, then we need to talk about intent. Which one is it?

Your roommate might hide behind the mask of "I don't understand" instead of truly engaging. If they really don't understand, it's strange they still can't grasp the rental dynamics of the house they've been living in for so long. But even if they do understand, it might not suit them, as sometimes it's easier to brush off responsibilities with the excuse of "not understanding." Why not give it a try and see if explaining this increase in detail changes anything? If they're still indifferent, their intentions will become clear.

So have you ever tried comparing the rate of increase and the current market value of the house? Is the homeowner really asking for a reasonable increase, or have they turned it into an opportunity? Maybe your friend is questioning this part but isn't expressing it. If you look at the data and discuss it that way, it will bring clarity.

Could your friend saying "I don't understand" actually be questioning not the justification of the price increase, but why you still prefer this house? Maybe they are indirectly suggesting, "Is it reasonable to spend this money here?" but aren’t saying it directly. Try discussing the house as a whole.

Could your friend be questioning not the budget but the standard of living when they say "I don't understand"? Maybe, independent of the price increase, they have reached a point where this house no longer seems attractive to them at this price. They might be wondering, "Can we find something better somewhere else?" underneath it all. Have you clearly brought this up?

Could your friend be putting you through a test by saying "I don't understand"? It seems like they want to see who will take on the burden or the decision of this raise. You might need to push a bit to understand how much of their reaction is related to the raise and how much is tied to your roommate dynamic.

Maybe when they say "I don't understand," they actually don't want to talk about the rent or the increase, and there's completely different trouble going on? For example, in this dynamic of roommate relationships, there might be some accumulated discomfort related to you, and it seems like they're letting it out regarding this issue. Is the increase just an excuse, and is their issue something else?

Saying "I don't understand" can sometimes be a shield used just to avoid prolonging the issue or to skip conflict. Maybe they believe the outcome of the discussion will remain the same and think it won't be worth the effort. But if they are being this passive, we need to talk about how they will cover the rent. It wouldn't be fair if they expect a solution from you without contributing.

Maybe he really "doesn't understand" because he can't fully grasp the responsibility of paying rent. Has he ever rented a place on his own before, has he ever managed a budget directly? So, what is his experience in handling this burden, have you ever asked?

Those who say "I don’t understand" generally don’t look at the cost of the job; they are like cats, always thinking about where to stick their head in. They don’t care about the house, prices, the market, or anything like that. Just ask them what they would do if they had to bear this burden alone. Maybe they are so relaxed because they know they will never have to.

Now I'm asking this question: Is there really something behind this "I don't understand" or is it just said for the sake of saying it? Because it seems to lock up the longer it goes on. It needs to be asked straight out, "What do you want, what’s your alternative?" You can't get anywhere with that kind of uncertainty.

Saying "I don't understand" means saying nothing at all. Will they pay the raise, will they look for a new place, or is it just complaining? Without hearing a clear sentence, these "I don't understand" statements will remain inconclusive. What's at the bottom, pull it out.

Maybe they're just waiting for you to solve this by saying "I don't understand"? I mean, they might have no intention of coming up with a solution and are completely passing the buck to you. Have you made any other decisions up until now?

But what if saying "I don't understand" actually sends a message about the power balance in your relationship or who will be the problem solver? In other words, rather than just the economic aspect, the battle of "who will lead" could come into play here. Therefore, the issue can be viewed not just as rent, but rather as a straightforward power struggle.

At the point where he says "I don't understand," could it actually be an effort to minimize his own contribution rather than just a lack of comprehension? Doesn't it seem like the more you rise, the more he appears to be left out? If someone says "I don't understand," you explain once, but if they still don't get it the second time, either they don't want to understand, or it doesn't suit their agenda. Which one is it?

If they brush it off by saying "I don’t understand," I think there is a sense of "it’ll work itself out" there. But are they willing to sit down with you and go over the details? That’s the key. Did you offer to discuss every penny and they still say they don't understand, or has this discussion never even come up?

Instead of wasting time with "I don't understand", just share the rent increase directly and pressure them by saying, "It's increasing this much, what are you planning to do about it?" If the answer isn't clear, that means you'll always be the one coming up with solutions. Let's see if an idea comes up.

Those who run away saying "I don't understand" usually try to leave themselves some space, so that the burden of raises and calculations doesn't fall on them. But maybe they are really hesitant to share their financial situation? You can't learn anything concrete without directly asking, "Can you put what you have on the table?"

Is this "I don't understand" issue maybe a tactic for not sharing responsibility? You know, it plays to cool things down so that you become the one who makes the first move. But should it always be you carrying the weight? Put the pressure on and toss the ball back into their court.

I've been wondering, he says "I don't understand" but have you presented how much the raise is, perhaps compared with previous amounts? Maybe the issue is that he doesn't realize the seriousness until he sees the direct numbers. Some people only get it when they see a table.

He brushes off the issue of price increases by saying he doesn't understand, but how does he act regarding other shared expenses? For example, with bills, grocery shopping, etc., is he just as relaxed about those? Or does he act quite understanding about issues that suit him? I think you can draw a model from that.

Rather than someone saying, "I don't understand," you need to look for an attitude that says, "I don't want to appear to understand and act." Because if the situation is one of resistance, it doesn't matter if you talk in figures or sit down and explain. If there is resistance, the goal is not to understand but to block the process. Have you ever paid attention to their tone of voice, facial expressions? There are clues there.

I think the "I don’t understand" part is also like a "buying time" tactic in some way. Even if the money is ready, it could be a test of how long I can drag this out. If you give it some time, they might see that things aren’t crumbling down, and then maybe they’ll speak more clearly. Have you ever tried stepping back for a while without saying anything?

There's also this: there might be a chance that they really don't understand. You know, some people just can't grasp calculations at all, their minds just don’t work that way. But they won't admit it, to avoid feeling inferior. Have you ever tried sitting next to them during the calculation process, showing them step by step? Maybe that's the only way it will become clear.

Okay, let's say they don't understand, but shouldn't there be a reaction after not understanding? Like, they could say, "I don't understand, let’s look at it together," or something like, "I have this much budget, what can we do?" Just saying they don't understand and withdrawing seems a bit irresponsible, right? If you were in their place until now, what would you do, think about it.

If he doesn't understand at all, then why doesn't he say anything even though the increased rent was paid at the end of the day? I mean, if you don't see any curiosity or problem-solving behind "I don't understand," don't you think this might be more of an excuse than a defense?

It's interesting that there is no reaction when the increased rent is paid. Shouldn't someone who says "I don't understand" be surprised and ask questions when they see the outcome? Doesn't this indifference imply that "I don't understand" is actually a comfort zone that works for them?

But when the rent is paid with an increase, hasn’t anyone ever asked something like, "Is that all we paid?" or "How much difference did it make?" Because sometimes people just look for a detail to hang onto, and saying "I didn’t understand" and stepping aside really shouldn’t be a way to distract oneself, right? It's really strange not to be curious.

Maybe it's not about not understanding, but rather about not caring? I mean, rather than an issue of inflation or calculations, it could be an attitude like, "This topic is not on my agenda." Have you ever looked at his other priorities, what issues he is actually thinking about?

It could also be that they are trying to appear indifferent, because they are consciously keeping their distance to avoid being paranoid. You know, like "I shouldn't get too involved, I don't want to seem intrusive." Have you ever thought about how they want to be perceived in this regard? Maybe you see them as irresponsible, but they might be avoiding feeling too intrusive/calculating.

I think saying "I don't understand" and withdrawing can be a passive-aggressive stance. It’s like you're handling things somehow, and they're using this "not understanding" as a leverage. Did you set a clear boundary from the beginning by saying, "We have to solve this rent issue together; I can't carry it all on my own"?

So what would happen if you acted differently at the point where you say "I don’t understand" and withdraw? For example, have you ever tried to throw the ball back to them once by saying, "I don’t understand, you think"? It seems like that’s when you would see what really isn’t working.

But there’s also this: saying "I don’t understand" and pulling back can be a defense mechanism. That is, maybe they have a fixed idea in their mind, like "I can’t handle this kind of stuff anyway; even if I tried, it would go wrong." Have you ever tried asking them once, "If you don’t understand, then what do you suggest?" to give them space to express themselves in that area?

After saying "I don't understand," have you ever directly set a limit with "Okay, so how much can you pay?" Because sometimes the issue may not be how much has been paid, but rather how much will be paid. Maybe when push comes to shove, you might actually see that you can calculate quite well.

The part that says "nothing is questioned when the increased rent is paid" leads me to a clear conclusion: either they have set up a system in their head like 'pay my share, the rest doesn’t concern me,' or they genuinely don’t realize the seriousness of the situation. Well, has that increased amount ever strained their budget? Because if it’s causing strain and they still don’t care, then the real oddity lies here.

The critical issue here is whether, when they say "I don't understand," they are truly expecting something to be resolved, or are they trying to make you a bearer of solutions rather than a partner in finding one? Because this distinction is important. If it's the latter, then you are generating solutions because they don't understand, and they may be living in a "comfort zone" built on that. I think you should try an open role reversal, like saying, "I won't solve it, you do whatever you want to do." That will clarify their intention.

So how would you handle a situation like this: Let's say the day comes for the rent increase, and you pay an amount that's short, saying, "This is my share, you sort out the rest." Wouldn't their reaction in this situation reveal their ability to take responsibility? But of course, this is a risky move; one must also be careful not to damage the relationship.

In my opinion, there's no need to overanalyze withdrawing by simply saying "I don't understand." Maybe they really don't care until it affects them? Sometimes people act as if they don't understand just because they are too comfortable. If you were to hand the situation over to them without hesitation and let them feel the consequences once, you would see it more clearly, I think.

So how many times have you actually taken on his responsibility because of this "I don't understand" attitude? I mean, if this isn't the first time, could your solution-oriented actions have created a sense of "this will be solved anyway" assurance for him? If you don't break this, won't it turn into a continuously repeating cycle?

No man, just saying "I don't understand" and avoiding the issue isn't the solution; relying on someone who allows it is the clear solution. Have you ever talked about opening a joint account or something? That way, it becomes clearer who is doing what and how much everyone is contributing. When passivity knows no bounds, confusion is normal.

I'm assuming we skipped the part about not understanding, but what if the rising rent burden is challenging you too? What will happen when you say, "I can't afford this increased amount"? Because the real issue here doesn't seem to be what his economic share should be, but rather how equitably this responsibility can be shared. So now is it about you paying the cost while he remains oblivious, or will everyone take a step to understand according to their own capacity?

Are we really sure whether this "I don't understand" issue is about genuinely not understanding or just an escape from responsibility? Because in this situation, it's very clear that you internalized the responsibility, but how far will you go without understanding their intention? Clearly say, "This is not just my issue, it's our issue, let's solve it together." If they still remain indifferent, then their intention becomes really clear.

Instead of trying to find a solution with someone who says "I don't understand" and withdraws, it would be more reasonable to clarify this situation within yourself. If they truly don't understand, then the effort to explain is in vain; if they're pretending not to understand, it's already hard to expect a fair solution. So, in this case, will your capacity for a solution only end up covering up their irresponsibility, or will you be able to draw your own boundaries?

What if he were to flip the house and tried for a moment a system in which you were completely out of the picture, what would happen then? If he were to step onto the very ground he says "I don't understand," would he still not understand, or would he be forced to come up with a solution? Because sometimes, being without a solution is just a chosen luxury.

Someone said that trying to explain is pointless, but I think the opposite is true; an open conversation is essential. Start from a clear place, like asking, "Should we try to find a common solution, or should we proceed individually?" Because leaving things up in the air and expecting them to understand one day would be passive-aggressive, after all, you’re still living in the same house.

So does he exhibit this "I don't understand" attitude in other areas besides rent? Is this a general habit of his, or is he only defensive on this issue? Because if he chooses the same route whenever he's cornered, then we should also consider how he protects his comfort zone as much as what you are asking for.

Consider this perspective as well: if they say "I don't understand" and truly have no intention of taking action, at worst, you will find a way to create your own solution despite them. Have you thought about reaching out to the real estate agent, the landlord, or another tenant on your own initiative? Because waiting for this to be resolved "together" might put you in a more difficult situation. Perhaps then they will recognize your seriousness.

I don’t understand it to a certain extent, but in the meantime, the rent increase is ticking away. The question is: has this state of "not understanding" become an economic cushion for him? In other words, while you’re coming up with solutions, does he act with the comfort of being unaffected by the time? Because if everyone's troubles are not equal, you can't find an equal solution.

So is there anything that will be affected because of the price increase? Take a look. Bills, shared grocery shopping, any arrangements... If the price increase isn't reflected in those areas, then this "I don’t understand" phrase may really be used to shift the burden onto you. But if everything is being affected at the same rate, maybe they're genuinely unaware; in that case, clearly itemize everything.

But could this state of "I don't understand" also stem a bit from "not wanting to understand"? If these issues are not resolved for a while longer, won't there be a tension at home similar to the final question of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire"? Because everyone has a limit, and the person who keeps saying "I don't understand" will eventually hit that wall of limit.

It could also be like this: Does this state of "I don't understand" actually serve as a way to keep you under control? In other words, does it create a cycle that maintains the status quo that benefits you and keeps you in a constant problem-solving mode? If this is a recurring issue, perhaps we should consider that the problem is not economic difficulty, but a balance of power.

Maybe his state of "not understanding" is like a test to measure how much you can carry the topic. In other words, the problem increases because you are doing something and he is not. But what if you really tried to let go and spread out over the earth? What would happen then? Who will solve it?

As this state of "I don’t understand" prolongs, it’s necessary to clarify what you will do within your own limits. For instance, have you ever given an ultimatum like, "Okay, I'll face it alone, but we need to make a new plan by this date, otherwise we’ll go our separate ways"? Because if you are going to be the one constantly producing solutions, it seems like you are setting the table for nothing.

This "I don't understand" issue eventually turns into an excuse after a certain point. The real question is this: let's say you toughened it out, found a solution, does that system continue smoothly? Because these kinds of people don't "understand" until the crisis is resolved, then the system works just fine!

So when you do something against someone who says "I don’t understand" — for example, when you don’t unfairly shift the costs onto them — do they then get into the "why did you do it without asking me" attitude? Because sometimes, as you come up with solutions, people develop a passive-aggressive defense, which is a whole other annoying situation. If this is a vicious cycle, it may be necessary to change the rules of the game from the start.

Let's say we understood that the one who says "I don't understand" has been pursuing something to their advantage during this process; could your failure to draw a clear line also be feeding this cycle? You know, as we show a bit of tolerance towards this "not understanding" issue, could it be that they have become even more "uncomprehending"? Because sometimes, in order for things to change, the party that is creating the solution needs to step back from their own path first.

Perhaps when someone says "I don’t understand," they are not completely ignoring the weight of responsibility on their shoulders, but rather genuinely unsure of how much they can bear. So could it be that the issue is not bad intentions, but rather an inability to recognize their own capacity? Because not everyone processes the same crisis at the same pace.

There's one more thing here; perhaps the person saying "I don't understand" isn't fully aware of what their share of the responsibility is. So you say, "the rent will need to be raised," but is there a gap in their mind about how much that will be and how it will happen? Have you tried asking directly, "Your share is this much; how are you thinking of solving it?" Maybe it's better to talk directly about the numbers instead of beating around the bush.

Or look at it this way: if this person truly doesn't understand and keeps avoiding the issue, are you considering dealing with it in the long run? Because it started with a rent increase, but if the same thing happens in another area later on, how much longer can you push your limits? Sometimes a decision moment is needed.

Maybe they're trying to buy time when they say "I don't understand"? In other words, they might be unconsciously resisting to avoid being overwhelmed by something they don't want to face. Have you ever made a clear move like "If you don't understand, then suggest a solution"? They might not even know the solution, but they're acting relaxed because they know you'll carry the burden.

Maybe we need to observe how organized or responsible they are in other matters besides just "I don't understand." Because this could be a clue about not only rent but also the overall management of life. Do they behave like this in areas that suit them, for example?

Maybe it pushes you to find your own solutions by saying "I don’t understand." It seems like there’s a reassurance in their mind of "they’ll figure it out somehow." Have you tried stepping back a little to let them solve their own problems? Let’s see if they still "don’t understand" then.

"I don’t understand," they say, shifting the burden to you, but is it really possible for them to be so disconnected that they can’t grasp the conditions of the house they live in? Electricity and water bills, grocery prices, everything is out in the open. I think this "I don’t understand" is just an excuse; just ask, "How long do you plan to stay at home?" Like casually setting a timeframe. Let’s see if they understand or not.

What exactly does he not understand? I mean, when the rent goes up, both of our expenses will increase, does he not grasp this at a mathematical level, or is he stumbling in the part about finding a solution? The two are different; you can explain the first, but you have to struggle with the second. You need to clarify this distinction.

Maybe when they say "I don't understand," they don't actually mean the increase itself, but find it unreasonable that the rent is rising at this particular time? In other words, they might have a kind of internal defense like, "In light of all this, raising the rent is not acceptable." That's why try to explain the reason for the increase more clearly; maybe the issue is getting tangled somewhere completely different.

Maybe he really isn't sure what to do, but he might be covering that up with "I don’t understand." Just directly ask, "What are you planning to do in this situation? Do you have any ideas for a solution?" That way, you’re both leaving the conversation to him and clarifying who has the ball. If he's dodging the question, you'll understand that too.

They might be stalling you by saying "I don’t understand," but there’s also this: how did you divide the money before? For instance, did you split the things bought from the market, or did you always pay for them? Because if the task sharing is disconnected, this "I don’t understand" is actually just the last scene of the game.

But what if by "I don’t understand," they are not just referring to the economic situation, but rather a discomfort that has been building over time? In other words, do they have some sort of dissatisfaction related to the home, to you, or to shared living? Maybe they’re trying to broach the issue through the rent, but there’s another topic underneath it. Have you ever directly asked them about their satisfaction with the overall situation?

If she is currently refusing to approach a solution by saying "I don't understand," let me be clear, she might adopt a similar mindset regarding the accumulated cleaning/expense issues in the future. The problem isn't about who will take a breather, but the fact that she is using this as a constant method. Has anything like this happened before?

Saying "I don’t understand" when it comes to sharing the economic burden is the reflection of social division of labor in the home. So does this person not "understand" the invisible labor as well? For instance, who is responsible for cleaning and cooking? Is the division of labor in your past as equal as expense sharing? Because such rhetoric often emerges while other responsibilities are being overlooked. Question that part.

"I don't understand" seemed to me a bit like he was trying to buy some time. I mean, when the rent was increased, he naturally should have thought of a solution as well, but by saying "I don't understand," it feels like he is suspending responsibility to avoid presenting a solution. For example, has there ever been a similar "I don't understand" situation regarding bills or shared expenses before? Is this a general escape tactic?

Here’s another possibility: What if they have accepted the increase and are willing to cut down their budget, but they don’t want to create a situation where you’ll make the same concession? In other words, maybe they are stalling by saying "I don’t understand" because they want to see how flexible you are. To clarify this, ask openly, "How do you think we should share the rent, what can we do?" If there’s no proposal for a solution, the game is already clear.

"I don't understand" can be a mental shield, yes, but there's also the risk of it turning into a class issue. So, is this person economically equal to you? Are you in the same income bracket? Because otherwise, a "rent increase" might not just appear as a cost increase to them, but as a class crisis they are experiencing. Perhaps the entire discussion revolves around the feeling of "I am someone who can live here after this increase" — have you thought about that?

We experienced something similar a while ago as well. But until someone says "I don’t understand," they should be able to talk about the issue, right? I mean, they don’t necessarily have to come up with a solution to say something. At least they could say, "I can’t afford this," and then we can look for a solution accordingly.

Instead of leaving it vague by saying "I don't understand," we should clearly discuss "what can be done." You're right, but there's one more thing: If this increase issue had already given such a signal before, why wasn't it resolved from the beginning? For instance, if there are other small issues accumulated besides the rent, then we're discussing not just expenses, but a relationship problem. Is there a situation where you weren't clear with each other from the start?

Perhaps when they say "I don't understand," they are expecting you to accept the increase without any expectations? In other words, it feels like the burden is being imposed on you with a passive attitude. If this situation is not discussed, wouldn't it lay the groundwork for all the burdens in the future?

Could saying "I don’t understand" actually be sabotaging the topic? I mean, it could be a rebellion against the rules of communal living, independent of the issue of raises. This might stem from a built-up unease, perhaps pointing out other problems?

Saying "I don't understand" can sometimes mean that it leaves the burden of responsibility on the person who is supposed to take action without generating any real solutions. But the crucial point here is this: Does this time indicate an unsustainable situation for them or is it simply a lack of will? If it's the latter, it turns into a trust issue in the roommate situation. It's really a matter of how much you believe in the other person's capacity to come up with solutions. But don't let yourself become paranoid without clarifying this. Ask: "So, what’s your suggestion? Can you really continue like this?"

So does he move on to another topic after saying "I don't understand," or does he get stuck on this issue completely? Because if he changes the subject instead of contemplating the matter, it would be a direct avoidance behavior. To uncover his true intention, you need to consciously deepen the conversation now, persistently pressing with clear questions like "what should we do."

If "I don't understand" is still ambiguous to that extent, it’s possible that there’s another reason: Maybe they’re not just hesitating to accept the increase, but they're even considering leaving, yet they’re reluctant to admit it? Sometimes people struggle so much with the idea of being uprooted that their initial reaction is one of "ignorance." Is there any hint in that direction? For example, have you noticed any change in their attitude towards the house recently?

Maybe they're protesting a completely different issue by saying "I don't understand" regarding the price increase? For example, they might have a general dissatisfaction with the house, but they bring it up as an excuse for the increase. Have you noticed if they have had some distance towards other things related to the house lately?

A rent increase is a clear thing, what does "I don't understand" mean? Let's say there's another issue, you need to express that. Even if they're protesting the house, instead of dodging through the excuse of the increase, they need to say "I'm uncomfortable, for these and these reasons." Then you can sit down and look for a solution. How far can you go with passive resistance?

What if they really say "I don’t understand"? I mean, could there be someone who can't make the connection between currency and rent? For some people, economic connections might not be clear, perhaps there’s a fundamental gap in communication. Have you ever tried explaining it in detail?

Instead of saying "I don't understand" and stepping aside, if there's nothing clear like "paying this much is hard for me" or "I can't accept that," it creates a cycle where you're always looking for solutions on their behalf. But if they really don't have any detailed ideas about the increase, then sit down and explain that connection. Still, do you think every load can be carried if they're not providing a basic opinion on such a matter?

Maybe when they say "I don't understand," they really just don't want to think about the issue at all? Some people ignore problems so much that they think, "This isn't my problem" even when the issues are apparent. If explaining it in detail won't change anything, the main issue here could be how they view the idea of shared responsibility. Do you think they might have gotten used to offloading all the burdens onto you?

While saying "I don't understand," you need to discern whether you are pushing your limits or if you genuinely feel helpless about this issue. If they keep repeating this without engaging in the discussion, it's a classic case of avoidance, similar to the cliché "not responding is also an answer." If you don’t go after it and seek a solution, you'll just keep going around in circles.

Maybe what they mean by saying "I don’t understand" isn’t the logic of the increase, but rather how you are shifting this issue onto them. Is there a situation where it seems like you take on the entire burden while they say "I don’t understand" and just back away? Have you tried sharing the responsibility a bit, for example, instead of discussing the increase, just asking "What can we do here?"

Maybe when they say "I don't understand," it's not about the rent increase, but rather a reaction related to the dynamics of the money issue between you? So right now you're talking about the rent increase, but has there been another situation related to money in the past where they could blame you? Could trust have been broken somewhere in the past?

Could they have said something like "Do you think this much increase is normal?"? Some people question not the increase itself but the logic behind it. They might consider to themselves, "Can’t we find a property for this price?" but express it superficially. When asked directly, perhaps the underlying thought emerges.

Maybe the issue isn't "I don't understand," but rather "I don't want to accept this increase"—a sort of resistance that's being expressed indirectly. Some people beat around the bush because they can't say a clear "No." You might ask something like: "Do you think this increase is reasonable, or does it seem too much?" Maybe the raise is actually normal, but they simply don't want to pay it; that's what you'll understand.

Saying "I don't understand" and running away could also be a way to evade responsibility. But you might be putting too much focus on it now. Why are you still looking for the solution all by yourself? Have you ever asked, "What do you suggest?" If you don't involve them in solving the problem, it will always continue like this.

It's a bit strange if someone sharing a house with you can't understand the currency increase, yet has no thoughts on a fundamental issue like rent increase. In such a case, why do you want to continue living together? Maybe the issue isn't explaining something to them, but finding someone more sharing.

If someone is brushing off a matter like a rent increase with a vague "I don't understand," they might be employing a bit of a deflection tactic. But discussing currency increases seems to be approached from too abstract a standpoint as well. Have you moved towards a more direct conversation like, "Are we paying this rent, or are we looking for another place?" Because discussions at such a broad level won’t lead to a solution.

This currency-rent issue is already quite complicated, that's a given. But I think this "I don’t understand" statement feels a bit like an excuse. Because even if they don't understand, they could still say, "Alright, then let's do it this way." It’s strange for them to just pass the ball to you without coming up with any solutions. One should proactively suggest, "Should we look for a place?"—whether they understood or not, they should find a solution.