So, you’ve passed the many ‘firsts’ – first date, first kiss, first fight, first holiday etc., met parents, family and friends and now the question on your lips is whether now is the time to make the bold move and shack up together.
Co-habitation is a big move for any couple and of course, every case is unique, but we have listed five important questions to ask yourself before you take the plunge, take a trip to Ikea and send out the house-warming invites.
1. Have you been dating for more than six months?
We tend to put our partners on a pedestal at the start of any relationship and fail to see their imperfections. After this honeymoon period is over, you tend to know if you want to be with them for the indefinite future, even if they pick their toenails/leave their dishes in the sink/spend three hours getting ready to go out.
2. Do you regularly spend time together during the week?
The more time you see each other, the better an idea you’ll have of what it will be like to share an address, toilet and washing machine. If you just see each other at the weekends, you won’t have any idea of what your partner’s day-to-day life is like and if they wash their pants regularly, which let’s face it, matters A LOT.
3. How was your last holiday together?
Whilst the sun, sand and sea invariably leads to having a good time, if you have spent a week together, you will have negotiated making small decisions, like who paid for dinner, who collected the towels, and who was in charge of sight-seeing. How successful these interactions were will be a good sign of how you will work out larger issues you will face as a co-habiting couple.
4. Do you always resolve arguments?
Every couple argues but if you’re able to resolve your differences amicably and move on afterwards, this is a good indication that you will weather the ups and downs of life. If you storm off mid row and brood for hours, feeling resentful, then it will be harder to get over problems.
5. Do you discuss the future?
It might be nerve-wracking but it is always a good idea to have the ‘How are you feeling about us?’ talk. You need to know that you are on the same page, because if they think co-habiting is good for money saving and you are expecting an engagement in six months; you will both end up disappointed.
What other things are important to think about before moving in? Tell us what you think @lovestruck
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