Relationship Advice for Living Together

Oh and yes, I’ve thrown in some of my own experience!

1. It's Good to Have Time Apart

   I don't mean a month at your mothers or a night out with another companion. I mean some hobbies or friends that will give you something to talk about with each other and make you each appreciate more the time you spend together.

2. Living Together is Completely Different Than Dating

   You are in each other's way all the time, you have to schedule around each other, and you have to talk about everything from what's for dinner, what channel the TV or radio should be on, and what time you're getting up in the morning. You have bills and finances to negotiate as well as phone messages and visits from friends or family. It isn't all a dinner and a movie or a goodnight kiss. It is real life and you have to approach it together.

3. Let Your Partner Help With Odds And Ends Even If You Feel You Have Them Covered

   Being a domestic god/goddess gets boring sometimes. Sure, you might be ecstatic at first with cooking and cleaning and spending time with your significant other. But there will come a time when you just want to sit back and be taken care of, too! So when the other offers, accept. Even if you aren't all that tired yet. This will make you both feel good and prevent some resentment on your part and bad habits on theirs.

4. Be Honest With Yourself As Well As Your Partner

   At some point each of you will feel like the other is slacking. It could be financial, cleanliness, romance or together time. We're all human and selfishness will kick in sometimes where what you want is a little more than they're giving. Remember that they are human, too! Speak up about what you need and hash it out if you have to, but don't resort to “you never” or “I always”. Make a factual request of “could you... because I need...”

5. Fight Fair

   As I said above, don't use sweeping blanket statements that corner your partner. Remember, you love this person. Why attack them? Don't resort to name calling or say anything that you may regret later. Take a breather in another room if you have to. Cool downs are sometimes necessary and completely healthy.
   
   Reiterate the positive things you feel or think while trying to come up with a plan you can work on together to change the negative things. Then get past the argument, don't come back to it later. If something isn't resolved then keep working at it, don't hold it against them. That only builds resentment.