Crusty dishes, clogged sinks, and toilets

Roommates. Ah, a familiar topic for me. If I have learned anything by now it's that if you want to convey a message to a roommate, you NEED to do it in a "contemplative" manner.
Do NOT send them an angry text detailing and describing the crusted leftover dishes, the unflushed toilets, and the hair in the drain that is bothering you. In fact, communicating any of this over a cellular device is probably not the greatest idea. As hard as it is, mention it to the roommate instead of attacking them! For example.... "Hey (insert name here) do you think you try and keep the room a little cleaner by picking up the dishes when you're done eating" And then later in the day, "dude could you flush the toilet? I'd really appreciate that..." and finally, "have you noticed that the sink isn't draining, maybe we can clean it out TOGETHER"

I think that sounds much better than a list of issues you have with the said roommate, they won't feel attacked, and you won't feel the need to yell.

It's a splendid compromise, and I wish I knew that when I got here!
haha.