Living in together is one of the most exciting and huge steps a couple could take. It can make the relationship go further or it can end it in an instant. Needless, to say, living-in together is a big deal, whether you’re getting hitched or taking up the modern trend of pre-marital cohabitation.
Living in together before marriage, let’s you discover the crevice, not only of your relationship, but your partner’s personality as well. Living in together before marriage is more of an in- depth look on what it’s like being with the person you adore. Although it spoils certain surprises, but cohabitation can somehow give you a head start of what it would be like living with someone.
You have to brace yourself though, because living in can is like opening Pandora’s box, some things may be too hard, or too early for you to handle.
However, if you have made up your mind and certain about cohabitation, here are some tips on how to survive living in together.
Set House Rules. With rules, order begins… and you need all the order you can get. With all the excitement and commotion going on, you may decide to go with the flow, but going with the flow may create problems some day. It’s best that both of you sit down and discuss about the toilet seat and how important it is for you to keep it down all the time, or how essential it is to not put the wet towels on the bed and the how the dirty laundry should be in the laundry bin.
Its’ best that you share what works for both of you this nourishes respect and intimacy.
Assign Chores. It is important that early on in the relationship that you talk about how to tackle your chores. Setting it straight on how to make your household work will give you a good start and make your cohabitation less complicated in the future.
Talk about money matters. For most couples, talking about financial matters can be very awkward, but if you want your relationship to be smooth sailing, find the guts to talk about it now. Decide if you want to have a joint account or not, how are you going to split the bill, and other expenses. Talking about money need not be a drag, you can both save for a common goal- like a vacation trip or your wedding. Working together in the early stage of marriage and have a sense of partnership in money matters will definitely strengthen your relationship.
Decorate the house together. It’s important that your place shows both your personality and that both of you are comfortable with the color and design on your love haven. Taking time to collaborate on the design of your place will give both of you the sense of ownership, making both of you closer.
Take time to go out. Cohabitation can make both of you lazy for going out. Once you are in your comfort zone, you’d rather order in and watch the next episode of Spartacus. As much as possible, avoid this trap. Take an effort to have fun and never let the vitality of your relationship die down.
Maintain your boundaries. Living in together means being “one,” yet maintaining to be an individual. This means maintaining your privacy and respecting each other’s space. Never lose your relationship with other people and yourself. Living in together can result to over-familiarity and emotional suffocation. Don’t let this happened to you. Find the way to grow together and make the most out of your living in together.