Couples: The First Year Of Living Together
Author: Alex Daniels

The decision to make a home with your partner is a crucial step
in the advancement of your relationship. Where once living
together before a couple got married was rare, and a lot of the
time even considered taboo, today it is quite common for a
couple to live together for a while, sometimes without ever
getting married. Most couples who live together are still
considered to be common law spouses in the eyes of the law,
however uncomfortable that may make either partner in the
relationship!

Whether you are moving in with a boyfriend or girlfriend, or if
you are entering into your first year of marriage, the first 365
day or so that you are living together will have a few common
themes. These are challenges and benefits that all couples face
in their "honeymoon phase". Let's take a look at some of the
things you can expect.

Household Arrangements

* Don't have expectations of each other when it comes to
cleaning. Odds are that you both will think that your partner
will be doing certain chores. Get this out of the way right
way; make a list and consult each other on its creation. Some
people loathe certain chores (like cleaning the bathroom or
washing the dishes), so there is a lot of room for trades while
you hash out who is responsible for what.

* We all tend to expect that our houses will be set up the same
way our parents set theirs up. This can lead to some strange
misunderstandings as each partner continually reaches for the
mixers or utensils from the wrong drawer. Again, compromise is
the key. It won't take long until your old habits are broken
and new ones are formed.

Sleeping Arrangements

* If you value your sleep, be prepared for nights spent with
someone else! No more faking it when you wake up in the
morning; within the first month, your true morning
personalities will show. There are two pretty distinct
personalities when it comes to sleep- the early bird and the
night owl. You'll have to be prepared for the possibility that
you might be opposites in this regard. Be flexible and give
each other some space!

* You might also come to realize that your partner is a
restless sleeper; people who walk and talk in their sleep can't
be talked to like someone who is awake. Talk calmly and try to
convince your partner that he/she is only dreaming. This can be
annoying (and sometimes really amusing) for the partner who gets
woken up. Again, be patient.

* You might realize that it is you who are restless in your
sleep. Stealing all the covers, tossing and turning, and being
a bed hog are all common complaints. Try to tell yourself to
lie still as you fall asleep (and consider purchasing a
sleep-right mattress!)

Emotional Space

* Living together will mean that you do not spend a lot of time
apart. While this is really the point, the fact is that two
people who are around each other all the time will need some
time apart. Be easy on each other and make sure to give each
other some alone time when it is needed.

What do you mean you hate football???

* Every couple ends up having to negotiate television time in
their first year. It might seem ultra important to watch that
football game, but if you have already seen three sports events
that week and Dr. Phil is having a prime time special, it is
time to hand over the remote. For extra points and to avoid a
future argument, watch the show with her. (Dr. Phil played
football, just think that as you watch.)

Living together is a great decision that will mean a lot more
quality time spent. It can also lead to some stressful
situations, so being a little bit prepared beforehand can do a
lot to make sure that your relationship keeps on improving.


About The Author: Alex is consults for an online gift shop
offering
http://www.giftsandotherwise.com/shop/groomsmen-gifts--gifts-for-him-c-250.html
as well as other http://www.giftsandotherwise.com/shop/. Alex is
recently married.