Moving In Together: Tips for a Successful Cohabitation Experience
Moving in with someone you love can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. After all, you’ll be sharing your space and your life with someone else, and that can come with its fair share of challenges.
But fear not, dear reader, for with a little bit of preparation and some open communication, you can make your cohabitation experience a positive one. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you embark on this new adventure.
Being Conscious of Each Other’s Living Habits
Living with someone means that you’ll be privy to all of their habits–both good and bad. One of the biggest sources of tension can be cleanliness, or lack thereof.
If you’re someone who likes things neat and tidy, the sight of dirty dishes or overflowing garbage cans may drive you up a wall. Similarly, finding your partner’s dirty underwear on the bedroom floor may not be your idea of a good time.
The key to making it work is to be conscious of each other’s habits and to find a compromise. You could agree to take turns doing the dishes or taking out the garbage, for example.
And if you’re the type of person who leaves clothes lying around, try to be more mindful of keeping things tidy.
Not Hiding Anything “Unsexy”
Living together also means being comfortable with each other’s bodily functions.
That means not hiding your period products or your unsexy underwear. It’s important to remember that these things are a normal part of life, and there’s no need to be ashamed of them.
Similarly, if you’re someone who sleeps with makeup on or needs to use the bathroom frequently, communicate this to your partner. It’s better to be upfront about these things than to try to hide them and end up feeling uncomfortable in your own home.
Finding the Balance in Cleanliness
As mentioned earlier, cleanliness can be a big source of tension in any living situation. The key is to find a balance that works for both of you.
If you’re someone who likes a clean home, make sure you communicate your standards to your partner early on. And if you’re the type of person who doesn’t mind a little mess, be willing to compromise to keep your partner happy.
Taking Small Things with a Grain of Salt
It’s the small things that can add up over time and cause frustration. Does your partner always leave the toilet seat up?
Or maybe they have a habit of leaving clean clothes on the floor instead of putting them away. These things may seem minor, but they can be a source of annoyance over time.
The key is to pick your battles. Ask yourself: is this really worth arguing about?
If it’s not, try to let it go. And remember, your partner is likely doing things that annoy you too, so it’s important to be willing to forgive and move on.
Working on the Relationship to Maintain Passion
It’s not uncommon for couples who live together to fall into a routine and lose some of the passion that brought them together in the first place. It’s important to remember that living together doesn’t mean you have to stop dating each other! Make time for each other, go out on dates, and keep the romance alive.
Communicating Effectively
Clear communication is key to any successful living situation. Make sure you talk about things like schedules, meals, and household chores early on.
And if something is bothering you, bring it up in a mature and respectful way. Avoiding conflict may seem like the easier option in the short term, but it will only lead to bigger problems down the line.
Setting a Deadline
Moving in together can be a big step in a relationship, but it’s important to be on the same page about your goals and dreams. Do you see living together as a precursor to marriage?
Or are you happy just cohabiting for the time being? Make sure you’re both clear about your intentions, and set a deadline for achieving your goals.
Maintaining Friendships Outside of the Relationship
It can be easy to get caught up in your partner when you live together, but it’s important to maintain your friendships too. Make time for a girls’ or guys’ night out, or plan a weekend away with your friends.
Having a support system outside of your relationship can help you maintain your sense of self and keep you happy and fulfilled.
Discussing Financial Responsibilities Beforehand
Money can be a big source of tension in any living situation, so it’s important to be upfront about your financial responsibilities. Will you be splitting rent and bills evenly?
Who will pay for groceries and household items? Having these conversations early on can help you avoid misunderstandings and arguments down the line.
Learning How to Live Together
Living with someone is a learning experience, and it’s normal to encounter some bumps along the way. The key is to approach things with an open mind and a willingness to compromise.
If you’re both willing to put in the effort, living together can be a wonderful and fulfilling experience. So take a deep breath, communicate openly, and enjoy the journey!
Moving in with a partner can be both exciting and challenging, but with the right mindset and communication, it can be a truly fulfilling experience.
Being conscious of each other’s living habits, finding a balance in cleanliness, taking small things with a grain of salt, and discussing finances beforehand are just a few tips to successfully live together. It’s also important to remember to maintain your friendships outside of the relationship, communicate effectively, find ways to maintain passion, and learn how to compromise.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating a happy, healthy living situation with your partner.
