The dating landscape in the United States has been shifting for years.
This is more than double the number of cohabitating partners from 1990.
Because of this, both partners need to share their views on shacking up before it happens.
The good news is that these conversations, while potentially awkward, can pay off big time.
She creeps to the mirror, applies makeup, and slithers back between the sheets.
According to clinical psychologist Alexandra Solomon, allowing oneself to be vulnerable is essential to decidingto share a place.
You wake up feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world your partner is there to see it.
You receive negative feedback from your boss … your partner is there to see it."
Basically, couples who live together cannot maintain the illusion that they are perfectly polished.
For a relationship to work, both parties must be comfortable revealing their authentic selves.
You know how to work together on logistics
Dating can feel magical.
However, the trials and tribulations of daily life aren’t exactly romantic.
As a result, couples that live together end up adulting together.
However, Carballo believes couples can navigate these difficulties using a few social tools.
You’re not afraid to discuss finances
It’s no secret that money is a taboo subject.
Discussing finances, salaries, and debt with a partner can be awkward.
And according to sociologist Rachel Sherman, this is fairly normal.
As a result, many couples attempt to avoid the discussion entirely.
Unfortunately, however, a lack of financial transparency isn’t great for couples hoping to share a place.
“Money communication is incredibly important in a long-term relationship …
I have seen several cases of ‘financial irresponsibility’ that have ruined relationships,” she told the outlet.
The good news is that there are easy ways to open a casual money conversation with one’s partner.
However, many couples do consider sharing a place for financial motives rather than romantic ones.
And the reason is that the pay-off for cohabitating can be huge.
In an interview withRefinery29, psychologist Charlotte Dunsby-Ferguson analyzed the downsides of using a relationship to save money.
“I really am staying in a relationship for financial reasons …
I need my boyfriend for the financial stability he provides,” the anonymous contributor wrote.
Consequently, the person in question feels “trapped.”
Conflict is unavoidable and ultimately part of a strong relationship."
Before deciding to share a place, partners should ascertain that their disagreements aren’t toxic.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways that couples can engage inhealthy arguments, as well.
Licensed family therapist Steph Anya recommends that couples approach their disagreements with the intention of understanding each other.
You genuinely enjoy spending time together
This one might sound like a no-brainer.
After all, living together involves spending a lot of time together.
And that works better when all parties enjoy each other’s company.
To avoid this mistake, couples must reflect on how the other person makes them feel before shacking up.
If both parties feel safe with each other, it could be time for them to share a place.
You’re not afraid of the ick
The “ick” has become an iconic part of dating disappointments.
Another from one who wore a lime green shirt."
Moving in together, however, can give the “ick” a whole new meaning.
According to psychological scientist Raquel Peel, that sudden repulsion is often about the partner who gets the ick.
However, it is also healthy for each person to have their own opinions, activities, and interests.
If partners both feel free to enjoy this sense of autonomy, they might consider moving in together.
Another sign is making a partner “feel guilty for spending time with family and friends.”
You are starting to bother your roommates
Many young Americans share housing expenses by living with roommates.
One Brooklynite named Mike had a particularly bad experience sharing an apartment with a pair of expressive love birds.
That’s kind of gross and weird to me," Mike toldGlamour.
This is because simply moving one’s new partner into a long-standing roommate relationship is just plain awkward.
Overall, the best way to avoid these dynamics is to find a new living situation.
You basically live together already
Sometimes, life is actually as simple as it seems.
“When you’ve found The One, the relationship just flows.
Things are fairly easy,” Assimos toldFashionBeans.
“You feel at home, totally comfortable, and are able to be yourself.”
This change doesn’t have to be a negative thing.
At the end of the day, many couples find that living together draws them closer together.
