Moving in with your boyfriend or girlfriend is a big decision. It can be an emotional, physical and financial challenge. However, if it’s the right time for both of you, it can also be tons of fun and a great experience. Some things you might want to consider when deciding whether to move in together finances, whether or not it’s a good time to move and knowing that the dynamics of your relationship might change.
Coping with disapproval. Although you’re happy with your decision to move in with your boyfriend or girlfriend, you might find that your family or friends don’t approve. If your family or friends suggest that you don’t move in with your partner because they’re worried about your safety or your health, it might be worth thinking about why they’re concerned. You might want to get a second opinion from someone like a counselor or a friend whois removed from the situation.
Adjusting to new conditions. Living together changes the dynamics of a relationship. Here are some suggestions for adjusting to your new living situation:
- Continue to see your friends outside the relationship and take time out for yourself;
- Make sure you get out of the house together to do something fun;
- Work out how you are going to handle finances. Are you going to divide costs equally, or pay for some things separately?
- Have your own space, be it for study, games, or just relaxing.
If things don’t work out. No matter how good your relationship is, there is always potential for change. It’s usually a good idea to keep some money in a savings account in case you need to move out. It might also be a good idea to keep receipts of purchases because sharing the costs of large items might lead to disputes if you separate.
Acknowledgement: This fact sheet was originally developed by youth and staff at ReachOut.com, a website that helps teens get through tough times.
