Moving in with my boyfriend wasn't like the cute scene in "The Vow" where Leo asks Paige to move in with him with a delicious plate of pancakes and blueberries. It was more like... well, I can't really afford to live in Miami alone and go to school so how about we just move in I guess cause ya know, we love each other. It was more like I move in with you, or we are long distance for another two years. We made our decision that day.
A little background about our story: my fantastic boyfriend and I met four years ago in an incredible program, AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps (inaugural class 19 I might add! SPRUUUUUUUUCE!) At first, we were just friends always making each other laugh and secretly crushing on each other. After our bond over bacon and sports (even though we both dislike each other's teams) we became pretty close, and as fate would have it, a few months later he asked me to be his girlfriend! (Very romantic, freezing, outside in the middle of nowhere Pennsylvania in the middle of the night). It was one of the most important days to me!
Rob and I have been dating now for almost four years and he's my best friend and the coolest, smartest, kindest, person I know! We have our ups and downs like every couple, but everyday is a good day with him. Moving in with each other was quite the change from being long distance for two and a half years. Here is a few truths about moving in with your significant other.
1. If you know how to do laundry, he will probably leave that up to you.
2. Personal space is no longer a thing, unless you're alone, but usually you don't mind because you're in love!
3. When you get home from work and school, he's usually there to greet with the biggest hug!
4. It's going to start to stink... Toot city.
5. VENTING. Every week, I have something to vent about and he is there to listen, or half-listen or am I talking to myself?
6. Cooking should be 50/50 .... SHOULD BE.... See number 1.
7. Staying in SO sounds a lot better than partying the night away. Although I love to gather with friends and enjoy a few drinks, I really look forward to snuggling on the couch and watching movies preferably with pizza and wine.
8. People will ask you over and over, "Are you two going to get married?"
You don't have to answer that! Pretend you have a phone call or something! (unless you are going to get married then scream it to the world!) Moving in doesn't always lead to marriage.
9. You will like things he won't like, and vise versa.
I LOVE "Grey's Anatomy" so much. I cried when some of my favorite characters died on the show (and called my boyfriend to tell him of the tragedy and he wasn't as emotional as me...weird). My boyfriend loves golfing and I'm a horrible golfer and don't like to stand outside for hours hitting a ball that never goes where I want it to go. That being said, let each other have me time, whether it's going out shopping, binging Grey's or playing a sport give each other time to breathe and do what you like!
10. Remember you will fight, you will get over it.
Unless your significant other cheats, abuses, or has a serious problem (mental illness, drugs, drinking) then there is no need to worry about the fight you had about who's turn is it to do the dishes, or my can't you mop I always mop! Those fights happen! Two people are never the same and no matter how much you love each other you won't see eye to eye with everything. It's important to be respectful and always talk about it after you've cooled off a bit. Love is the most important and most powerful thing. Try to not get to upset when he's been watching what seems like 12 hours of basketball and you just wanted to watch Planet Earth. REMEMBER TO LOVE EACH OTHER.