Eventually, that person you have been dating for 10 years in going to want to move-in with you right? Some of us have never lived with another person before (since mom and dad) and would have a hard time adjusting to everything. When you “share” a living space with someone things are no longer where YOU want them to be but where BOTH decided.
You relationship is doomed to fail if you never learn the word “compromise” especially when you decide to move-in with them. I found some key tips from 11points.com and MSN on what to be prepared for and how to solve the problems you are going to be facing. Click the jump to read all about it and make your significant other read it too!
#1.) Decide What to Get Rid Of. If you both have a couch, you probably won’t have room for both of them. So if it starts a fight, think about finding a happy medium, and sell both of them so you can buy a new couch that you both like.
#2.) Don’t Get a Joint Bank Account Yet. Figure out how you’ll be splitting up the bills, but hold off on getting a joint bank account. You might even want to wait until you’re engaged.
According to Sam Greenspan, the guy behind 11Points.com, quote “Breaking up with [someone] is hard enough. Having to write a check for a fair share of [your bank account] adds insult to injury.”
#3.) Make Sure You Have a Space of Your Own. The smaller your place is, the more important it is to have somewhere you can be alone. If a separate room isn’t an option, even something like a reading nook is good enough.
Basically, you just don’t want the bathroom to be the only place you can go to get away. (been there!)
#4.) Divvy Up the Chores. A good way to do it is to split each one in half: If one person cooks, the other person should do the dishes. If one person does laundry, the other should fold.
If there’s something you HATE doing, talk about it and see if you can trade for something THEY hate.
#5.) Talk About Your Pet Peeves. Definitely pick your battles, because when you live with someone long enough, you’re bound to get annoyed by SOMETHING they do. But be upfront about your pet peeves early on so they don’t start adding up.
#6.) Establish a Guest Policy. Make an agreement on when your friends can and can’t come over. Greenspan says, quote, “It’s not asking for permission. It’s getting on the same page.”
If possible, he suggests giving them a head’s up a week ahead of time, especially if your friend is spending the night.
#7.) Get Out of the House. After you move in together, it’s tempting to just sit on the couch and watch TV every night. But if you do, the spark your relationship had will start fading pretty quickly.
That’s why it’s even more important to schedule date nights when you live together.
#8.) Spend Time Apart. Don’t feel guilty when you spend time with your friends. And make sure they spend time with THEIR friends too. A little breathing room will help you appreciate each other more.
Your welcome! Im here to make you lives better…event though these weren’t my ideas. I’m still the delivery man!
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