Moving On Up: Moving in with Your Significant Other

 

Hey guys! We mentioned the other day when we were catching up that Skyla would soon be leaving the nest and moving into an adorable little apartment nearby with her boyfriend, Tony. Move-in day has come, and as sad as we are to see her go (Huxley will be so lonely without his partner in crime!) we're also super excited about decorating and starting the next chapter in life.

Have you ever lived with a significant other? Here are some of our thoughts/advice/concerns (and more pictures of the moving mess)!

Skyla always told herself that she wouldn't move in with anyone until they'd been together for three years. Ben and I had actually been together for 4 years before it came up. But life can be funny, and sometimes you just know when it's right. That's how she felt when Tony asked her to move in together on New Years Eve. After nearly two years together they've seen each other at their best and their worst, and they're comfortable communicating openly about anything, including their insecurities. I think that's when you know you've found a good one.

Ben and I have been living together for 2 years now (we've been together for six years), and we've definitely been through a few ups and downs throughout the process. Skyla and I talked the whole thing through, and here are a few tips we've come up with to help you along the way:

1. Be Emotionally Prepared.

I'm not gonna lie, guys: living together can be really hard, especially in the beginning. When you're around someone all the time, no matter how special they are, they become part of your routine. Suddenly the things you do together might start feeling less romantic. Going out to dinner might feel less like a date and more like just food. It happens to the best of us, and it's just a normal part of the process. Talk openly about how you're feeling, and make a conscious effort to set time aside special time together, both inside the home and out.

2. Give Eachother Space

You'll also be transitioning your own personal routine, and you'll both need the physical and emotional space to do that. I'm a super-introvert, and I need a lot of alone time for my mind to rest and recover from the day. Skyla comes home and has to talk through her day before she can relax. Everyone's needs are different, and you'll both need time and space to adjust. If there's no space in your home to separate, find a nearby coffee shop or park to escape to.

3. Compromise

It's so easy to get caught up in the excitement of decorating a new space and forget that you're creating a home together. A big part of what makes a home feel like a home is being surrounded by things you love. Sure, his hand-me-down chair might look like it survived a nuclear war (yes I'm speaking from experience). But if it makes him feel like he's at home, it's worth it, right?

Have you ever lived with your significant other? What tips have you found helpful? Or if you haven't, how will you know when the time is right?