The initial weeks or months of a relationship are always exciting. You get to know each other very well, you always look forward to spending a weekend with them, or you’re often excited to go out and see a movie together. The dating stage is where you determine if you are compatible and if you’re a great match.
After months of dating and going out, you’ll probably think when it’s time to take your relationship to the next level. This is usually different for every individual. Some people are willing to give relationships a “go” in just a few weeks, while others need at least a few months to check their feelings. And that is okay.
When you and your partner finally decide it’s time to move in, there are several things to consider. You may think that you’re ready for this significant step in your relationship, but sadly, many relationships fail because people neglect the importance of checking in with themselves. Are you prepared for this? Are you willing to adjust and compromise?
Here are the signs that you’re ready to move in together.
You agree on a budget
Talking about the budget is essential in relationships, mainly if you’ve decided to live under one roof. Before you search for an apartment to live in, take a moment to talk about your budget. How much are you willing to pay for the rent? Are you going to divide the expenses equally? Will you be open about money matters?
It’s vital to let your partner know how much you’re earning. At the same time, you have to know theirs as well. Doing so will help both of you make decisions related to money.
A friendly tip: Try to encourage your partner to set up a bank account where the two of you can deposit money. It would be wiser to open with a bank that offers online banking services so that you can check your money from time to time. You can use this bank account for your apartment expenses, so you don’t have to keep asking for money.
You’re not moving in together to save money
One of the benefits of moving in with your partner is that you’ll have someone to share expenses with. But of course, that should not be the main reason why you’ll decide to live under one roof. If that’s the case, it will be wiser to reconsider your decisions. Before saying yes to a live-in situation, you have to be 100% sure that you’re moving in with your partner for the right reasons.
You have already cohabited (at least for a week)
Living with someone will allow you to know them on a deeper level. You’ll get to see how your partner act when they are angry, frustrated, happy, or sad. If you have cohabited with your partner, perhaps during an out-of-the-country vacation, you already have a sense of what it will be like living with them in one home.
Compatible schedules
What’s the point of living together if you can’t even spend quality time together, right? One of the most common indications that your relationship is ready for the next level is when your schedules are compatible. You can sleep in the same hours, eat breakfast together, and watch a movie before bedtime. It’s as if the universe is telling you that this is the right time to move in, do it!
You can tolerate each other’s mess
Before moving in, you have to remember that you’ll have to deal with a lot of your partner’s unlikable habits, including mess. Let’s admit it; not everyone is fond of cleaning up after themselves. Some people grew up not knowing how to wash the dishes or do their laundry. If this sounds like your partner, ask yourself if you’re willing to tolerate such behavior.
But of course, the best way to deal with this is by speaking to your partner. Sometimes, a short conversation is all it takes for someone to realize that they need to change and learn a few house chores.
You have already overcome a huge fight
Disagreements happen in relationships. In fact, it’s one of the common signs of a healthy relationship. Was there ever a fight between you and your partner that almost cost you your relationship? If you have overcome it and no longer fight about it, it’s a sign that you’re ready to move in. At this point in your relationship, you have already seen your partner at their worst, and the fact that you survived the fight is an excellent indication that your love is stronger than anger.
In summary, there’s no secret magic in making a relationship successful. A relationship can only last long if both parties are willing to compromise, honest, and loyal with one another. Remember, there’s not a single problem that can’t be resolved with a calm conversation. Communication is the key to making your relationship strong, whether you’re living together or not.