Ready to take your relationship to the next level? But wait, hold on, I’m not talking about marriage because that’s what you’re probably thinking.
If the thought of marriage scares you then live-in relationships can be the best option out there for you! For couples who get excited about the thought of living together, this can be a very feasible option.
Daily life schedules and work hours can keep both of you apart and for some, it can be really painful. For couples who fear permanent commitment, live-in relationships can be the midway solution.
What’s best? You no longer have to spend time deciding dates and ways to spend time with each other. No more goodbyes. However, no matter how exciting and flowery it may sound, live-in relationships can be tricky as well.
Once both of you move in, there can be incompatibility issues, different preferences on handling home and lots more. So, it’s very important to agree on a few rules before taking the big step.
We have listed a few rules for you to follow and also help you keep your relationship healthy and happy:
1. Be clear about your intentions
This is a huge plunge like marriage, no doubt, but the only thing you don’t have to worry about is being stuck forever. Think very clearly about why you both want to take this step with ease. Try to opt for this only when you’ve been together for a year or more. Discuss your expectations and promises and whether this will lead to marriage in the future and not. Giving false hope just to enjoy a live-in relationship can be disastrous.
Now that you both will be running a house, take up financial responsibilities. Map a plan and discuss possible expenditures and savings as well. Before you move in, design a rough budget framework and be very clear about who will be handling which responsibility and section. This way, you can keep track of all financial outcomes and also be a better planner for the future.
3. Divide equal duties
“You take the mop, I’ll wash the dishes,” should be the understanding of every couple in a live-in relationship. Delegate equal responsibilities to ensure a healthy and understanding relationship. One shouldn’t feel like they’re the only one doing household chores and duties. Both of you should learn to compromise if the other person is a neat freak or a lazy one. Compromise midway.
4. Sort fights and arguments
In the initial days, it maybe all flowery and sweet, but with time, arguments, fights and disagreements are bound to rise. Handle each fight maturely and calmly. Do not leave hastily after a fight and never say that it was a mistake choosing to stay together, ever. Words can really pierce the heart and unintentionally can ruin a bond.
5. Don’t stay forever in a live-in
Couples should decide on a time-limit of them staying together. If it has been a long time, one of them might start expecting and wondering why the decision for marriage hasn’t popped up yet. Considering your intentions are clear for the relationship, one can’t keep living on without the label of a married couple. But for those who are comfortable staying the same way, be ready to face the pestering society and eye-raisers.
6. Beware of unwanted pregnancies
Now that you’re living together, sex is on the cards anytime. This is the right time to explore your sexual desires and fantasies but don’t get carried away. Always remember to ask your guy to wear protection or you can pop after-morning pills if advised by the doctor. Unwanted pregnancies can bring in a lot of complications. When you both are just trying to unravel the mystery of staying together, a baby can make it more difficult.
If you keep these simple rules in mind, live-in relationships can be the best experience of your life. Just remember to opt for a friendly, judgement-free society that won’t hinder your adventures.
