Beware: for better or worse, living together will change your relationship. Every day you will have to pass a test on handling money issues, sharing housework, and making time for each other. Living together will bring to light differences between you that you never noticed while dating. How you deal with them will make or break your relationship.
Usually couples dream that living together would further develop their relationship leading to a harmonious and romantic life. But what about fighting over the remote control, arguing about who is doing the laundry and having to account for every dollar you have spent? Does living together make two people closer or does it drive them apart?
But don't give up hope yet as there are ways to deal amicably with these issues and your partner's newly discovered habits.
You probably thought that now you would see your significant other all the time. Ironically, you probably won't see each other as much as you hoped. You may find you suddenly have a lot of free evenings when you move in together, as those were the nights you used to go out. It's essential to keep some of your social life separate and not feel you have to go everywhere together. Don't give up your hobbies if your boy-/girlfriend doesn't share them. Preserve your own integrity and give some space to your significant other.
If you feel that due to your busy schedules finding time for each other has become a challenge, make it a rule to carve out daily, uninterrupted time together, even if it means you have to stay up late. If you come home just to collapse after an exhausting day at work, you may have to reconsider your work hours or even career choices. It may be worth cutting back on career commitment in order to make your relationship work.
Who is going to do the cleaning, dusting, shopping or cooking is one of the top areas that cause arguments between couples. The best way to handle it is to discuss how you will divide the chores between you. This will probably lead to a bigger conversation about commitment and your roles in the relationship the way you see them.
If every disagreement turns into a long fight, learn to argue fairly. Find time to communicate with each other without blaming the other side. Express your concern and let the other party talk. Try to accept the other person as they are and appreciate their good qualities. Give them a chance to express their own feelings about the situation.
Money is another popular relationship problem, especially when the couples' money patterns don't match. Consider what money means to you and your partner - is it about security, power, or freedom? By finding out what finances symbolize in your relationship, you will see that your problems are not only about cash but emotional aspects too. Agree up front how you distribute your money and then stick to that plan. If you can't reach an agreement, get an independent advisor to help you create a workable budget.
You never truly know a person until you live with them. You?ll realize you discover more about them in a week of living together than years of dating. Living together is also a good way to learn more about yourself. This way you find out for yourself what is really essential for you and what are things you don't care about. And more importantly, you learn to deal with all that. TOGETHER.