How to Determine That You're Ready to Cohabitate

It's not the 1950's anymore and the dating patterns of modern couples reflect the fact. More and more partners are moving in together, making the once condemned act of cohabitation a reality for many. Besides bringing many partners closer together, cohabitation is a pseudo marriage, minus the legal issues. Find out when to know it's the right time to join households with your significant other.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A significant other
• A home or apartment
• A little bit of intuition

1. Always keep the dialogue going between your partner and yourself. One of the best ways to tell you're ready to cohabitate is having your partner ask you to move in. Obviously, the two of you have been together long enough for them to be comfortable asking you such a question. Remember, you don't have to say yes!

2. You find you're spending the night at each other's place...every night. If you barely frequent your own apartment but once a month, it may be time to move in with your man or woman.

3. You have a drawer, or several at your partner's place. If you feel comfortable enough to leave socks, underwear, and jeans at your significant other's home, it may be time to move in.

4. You find yourself wishing the two of you lived together. If you love and care for a person enough to want to share a home with them, it may be time to call the movers.

5. You have a key to the place. If your lover has given you a key to their apartment or house, it shows they're comfortable letting you come and go as you wish. Why not make it official?

6. You have your own life. If you find your job and social life will benefit from a move-in with the honey, it may be time to cohabitate.

7. You don't have commitment issues. If you're an easygoing person who doesn't mind towels on the floor or dishes in the sink, cohabitation may be for you. It shows you care about the person you're living with and not necessarily their daily habits.

Tips & Warnings

• Always keep your relationship special. If you live together, things may get stale, so always have date nights and try to associate with your own friends sometimes.
• Never live with someone you don't trust. There is nothing worse in relationship terms than living with a controlling or abusive person.
• Don't purchase a pet together if you aren't ready for the responsibility should the relationship sour. Fido or Fluffy shouldn't be caught in the middle of dueling couples deciding to split.