If you and your partner spend the majority of time together, you must have thought of getting into a live-in relationship a several times. However, a cohabiting relationship is a huge commitment, which always has to be done at the right time with the right person. Unfortunately, that never happens.
Living together without marriage is a significant decision in a relationship.
For some, a live-in relationship isn’t based on convenience, but the idea of moving in is to judge a relationship’s commitment before marriage.
Statistics show that many couples are moving in together to avoid divorce in the future. Often known among millennials as a test drive, live-in relationship partners want to ensure if they’re compatible with each other as they will be able to spend a life together. A review in 2018 proved that couples who lived together before marriage had a lesser chance of getting a divorce in the first year of marriage than newlyweds arranged by parents.
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Living together has its own set of fun as couples can spend more time together, which they’ve been craving for while staying in a college dorm or with parents. However, the downsides include couples fighting over petty problems if things don’t work out after some time. You will hear your friend arguing with their partner on personal belongings, rent sharing, or getting in an argument with the landlord.
So how do you know that it is time to live together without marriage? Here are 7 signs that may help you realize the right time for you to move in with your partner.
7 Signs You’re Prepared for A Live-In Relationship With your Partner
You adapt to each other’s habits
Sudden changes may disappoint you when you’re habituated to staying alone for years. For example, men use the toilet differently compared to women, which can be disappointing at times.
Some love reading at night while some love sleeping with lights off instantly they go to bed. These may seem to be small and funny things, but people often get angry with time and end up arguing with each other. Before moving in together, ensure that you know some of the habits of your live-in partner. Even if they’re not compatible with your habits, you both can still find a solution that works for both of you. The best way to see if this is working or not is by staying for a week together during a vacation.
You’re aware of each other’s financial capabilities
Financial problems can bring an end to a smooth relationship. Couples love spending money on each other at an early stage of their relationship.
However, things can go topsy turvy when one of the partners hides any financial issue from the other. Things worsen when you’re already in a cohabiting relationship, and there is no room for conversation or explanation. The best way to have a smooth connection is by being honest in your relationship. There should be room for open discussion within a relationship so that next time you get a high electricity bill, you can discuss it with your partner.
You respect each other’s personal space
Even if you know each other well, there’s a limit to intervening in some matters. That’s what privacy demands.
Every person goes through a different phase in life that affects his/her priorities. For example, some do not like their partners checking their phones, whereas some may be ok with it. Does this mean the ones who are ok are more trustworthy? Here’s where your trust comes in. Trust the process and the person to unfold a beautiful relationship.
You understand each other’s schedules
Planning and going on dates and vacations and live-in relationships are two poles apart. It is essential to understand and adjust to each other’s schedules and daily routines when living together. For example, you might like enjoying your weekend binge-watching Netflix, but your partner may be outgoing for a painting or a dancing class. Even if you’re okay with it in the beginning, you may find it irritating to stay alone at home on weekends. Discuss each other’s schedules and if possible, try surprising each other with sweet gestures. Live-in relationships don’t mean you’ll have to stay with the same person all the time. Build a life out of it, so that you can stay in it.
You’re ready to take the extra mile
Live-in relationships involve trusting and caring for each other during tough times, Adapt to the needs of each other. It doesn’t always have to be a candlelight dinner in fine dining, but spending some time on the couch while watching a romantic movie is enough to make your partner feel loved. Before moving in with your partner, ensure to set some rules of giving quality time to each other.
Your family is okay with you moving-in together
Okay, now this may not be a matter of concern for all, but if you’re from India and want to move in with your partner, it is definitely going to raise some eyebrows.
Most couples do not share their relationship status with family because they’re afraid that they’ll be against it. But, would you like a third person to come and talk about your relationship with your family? You wouldn’t, right?
You’re okay with moving-in together
Do not compromise on your decisions because of your partner. The ongoing trend of couples moving in together may attract you first, but the consequences may be different.
Ask yourself, “Are you ready to move in with your partner? If things do not turn out the way you’ve thought of, can you handle them?” Living together for some time and later realizing that it was a wrong decision is more horrible than breaking up.
A live-in relationship requires a lot of commitment and courage. If you are planning to move in with your partner, try to draw out all the positive and negative consequences of moving and when you’re ready, just go for it!
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