There comes a point in relationships where you’re ready to get serious with the one you call your boo. You’ve already gotten past the overnight phase and now you’re debating how it would be cohabiting in the same space. Beyond packing a for-one-night bag, having a drawer and keeping a toothbrush next to his, sharing a lease is the ultimate test many couples take in order to make things more concrete in a relationship. Living with your partner will require adjustments to your daily lifestyle, habits and privacy. Are you ready for that?
Like anything you do in life, there are pros and cons that must be weighed. Here are some things to consider…
- Where Them Dollars At: It’s no secret that the economy isn’t thriving or booming. We’re all looking for ways to save a dollar or two. At least, I know I am. Moving in together is the smartest financial move a couple could make. Saving money on rent, utilities and food is beneficial for both parties. Everything can be split right down the middle causing you to have a little extra money for date nights and private trips.
- Same Stuff, Just A Different Day: You can learn more about one another’s daily routine. You can see what your partner does when he wakes up in the morning and what he has to do before heading to sleep. Many times in relationships, we try our best not to expose our bad habits. Finally, he will get a chance to see what it really takes for you to get ready as well.
- Let’s Get Married… Wait: Hopefully, you don’t plan to move in with everyone you’re in a relationship with. Moving in together should be a precursor to what married life would be like. This could be a time to test your relationship to see if you two can actually make it work occupying the same space.
- No More Privacy: When you decide to move in together, you decide to lose all of your privacy. Your life will become an open book that is easily accessible to your partner.
- Baby, Do You Miss Me?: It is actually hard to miss someone when you go to sleep and wake up next to them every day. Absence makes the heart grow fonder in any relationship. Having that downtime to yourself really makes you realize what you have and when you finally get to see your partner, you can truly attest to missing them.
- Breaking Dishes: If you’re around your partner all the time, chances are that arguments will begin to happen. It is natural for couples to argue or disagree. So he’ll forget to let the toilet seat down or he’ll hate when you leave all your products on the counter over and over again. Even though all arguments aren’t going to be healthy, the small things will really begin to add wear and tear on your relationship. If you’re fighting as much as you take out the trash, living together will just send the relationship into early retirement.
Ultimately, it is up to both parties to decide if they’re both ready to make this commitment. There is no set formula when it comes to dating. Sometimes experimentation is the best way to learn more about each other. When you notice your relationship shifting, take control. It’s hard to predict the outcome of such a decision like moving in together so make sure everyone is on the same page. Even though finances tend to be the primary reason couples decide to move in together, please don’t make the mistake of saving a few dollars monthly the demise of your relationship. It is important to follow your instincts and pay attention to every little sign upfront.
