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You've been with your significant other for a while. And now, you're considering the next step:
MOVING IN TOGETHER!
That's great news! The fact that you're even thinking about it means you're serious about your relationship.
It's a big step and you might be asking yourself:
AM I READY?
Look closely at your relationship for clear signs that you're ready — or not ready — to live with your partner.
Can You Handle Conflict?
When you live together, problems will happen. It's important that you can both resolve conflict in a healthy way.
There's a big difference between healthy and unhealthy conflict resolution!
Healthy
Respecting each other's point of view
Keeping calm and non-defensive
Focusing on resolution
Desire to seek compromise
Unhealthy
Lack of respect for the other's goals
Being defensive and reactionary
Focusing on winning
Refusal to seek compromise
Are You Spending Most Of Your Time Together?
Spending as much time at your partner's place as you are at your own could be a sign that you're ready for the next step.
This is also a good way to see how you'll navigate disagreements or handle tough conversations you need to have.
Moving in together shouldn't feel like a big deal. If you've been committed long enough and spend a lot of time at each other's places already, then moving in together will feel like the natural next step.
Did you know?
Are You On The Same Page?
Consider your long-term goals together. Having similar life goals will give your relationship the best chance for success.
Make sure you're on same the page when it comes to:
Family
Do you want to have kids?
Do you want pets?
Is family (parents/extended family) important for both of you?
Careers
Are you willing to relocate?
Do your jobs have high demands?
How are you going to balance household chores and your jobs?
Finances
Are you going to have a joint account?
How are you going to manage household finances?
Who will pay the bills?
Quiz
Emma and Anna are looking to move in together. What are some life goals that they need to talk about beforehand?
At this point, Anna and Emma should chat about all the stuff that can have an impact on their future and can be major dealbreakers. It's ok if they have different likes and dislikes!
Are You Excited About Moving In Together?
Some couples move in together before they're ready. Even if you're a bit nervous, you and your partner should be enthusiastic about moving in together.
Overall, this should be a joyful time when you look forward to making the idea a reality.
Nowadays, many people move in together for reasons other than marriage — they can't afford to live separately, they just like being around each other, etc. which is totally ok!
As long as you're ready to move in together, you can do it for whatever reasons you like.
Who Should Move In Together?
Baha and Emily always spent time in each other's apartments. They've been together for a while and are considering moving in together, although they have some differences when it comes to life goals.
John and Steve have been together for 6 months. The've done the math and moving in together makes sense financially. They agree on shared goals and are looking forward to move in together.
Eliana and Rafael feel good when they're together. They've been dating four 6 weeks but haven't discussed where they want to take their relationship yet.
Quiz
Who is the most ready to move in together?
John and Steve are the most ready, as they're on the same page about financial goals and life goals. They're also really looking forward to the experience, which is a good sign that they're ready.
Take Action
So now that you can decide: should we or shouldn't we?
This Byte has been authored by
Adriana Villegas Mayorga
Learning Designer