Tips on how to share a space with you S/O, including all of the responsibilities that come with it.
Moving in with your significant other is, no doubt, a big step in any relationship; especially in college.
Making the decision to live together can be a great thing if you’re ready for this next chapter, but it could be disastrous if you aren't. I’ve listed some advice from personal experiences as well as others who have shared their tips on living with their boyfriend/girlfriend.
1. The Toilet Seat
Not everyone may have this problem, but I know that it’s one of the big ones when living together and it just seems to never go away. No matter how many times a guy is told to put the toilet seat down, they don't listen.
There are always two sides to this argument:
Woman *telling the guy that it's not that hard to put it down after*
“He NEVER puts the fucking seat down...” -Sarah, 22
Man *telling the girl that she should look before she sits*
No matter what the situation is, you can't let this get between you both because at the end of the day, it's just a toilet seat.
2. Clothes On the Floor, Not In the Hamper
This one, for me at least, is probably the biggest annoyance I’ve had since moving in with my boyfriend.
The clothes go everywhere but the laundry hamper. They go on the floor, the bed, the chair, in front of the hamper, but they just never make it in. I’m usually the one that eventually goes around and picks everything up because I can't stand it. My advice for this is just have a conversation with your partner about it, communication is everything, even if they don't listen.
3. The Bathroom Situation
Once you start sharing a space with someone else, there's no hiding anything. This was my main concern when I moved in with my boyfriend, and I know a lot of others had the same anxieties starting out too. This forces you to get comfortable really fast and you’ll eventually realize that no one cares: everybody poops.
“I want to say it’s all glamor. I mean it’s nice. Shower sex, dinner dates, always having someone. But it’s also nerve-wracking. I still get self-conscious sometimes doing small shit. Like I never wanna fart in front of him or be unshaven...” -anonymous, 22
4. Alone Time
It’s still extremely important to have alone time and do things that you, as an individual, like to do.
Especially in college, you each have your own classes that you have to attend and study for along with any organizations you're a part of. Living with the person you love makes it easy to just stay in and watch movies instead of being tempted to go out.
Remember: everyone needs time apart to appreciate each other more when you're together.
“It’s really kinda nice. Coming home to him. Putting my feet on his lap when I’m on my dumb Zoom calls. He’s always there. I can tell we’re forever” -Kaitlin, 21
5. Date Nights
Once you live with your S/O, it's easy to forget about date nights because you see each other all the time.
Planning date nights is so important because it gives you both an excuse to go do something fun together, whether that's going to a nice dinner or taking a painting class. It's doing something other than ordering take-out and watching a movie. It’s critical to any relationship and helps you focus on just the two of you for a little bit. Plus, it's always fun to dress up and enjoy each others company.
“I never thought I would be a relationship guy but I guess it’s because I never found the right person before her” -Boy, 23
Aside from all the little things (and annoyances), that come with living with another person, there are so many more great ones too. For example, you get to live with your best friend. This experience will make your relationship stronger. You will see each other's high points, low points, and everything in between. Not to mention the thousands of other good things about living with your S/O.
As you both take this next step, you will get to grow, not only as individuals, but as a couple, together. In a relationship, that's everything.