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Discuss all decisions, whether they be significant financial issues or simply the color of your bathroom. It may not seem like a big deal to make small choices without your spouse, but disappointments over smaller decisions may add up---and the left-out spouse may end up feeling resentful towards the one making all the decisions. It is best to include each other in all planning.
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Set your monthly budget and discuss financial planning even before you move in together. It will save you from future fights and headaches!
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| * | Be sure that your living quarters are agreeable to both of you. If you are a hermit, while your spouse prefers lots of light, you will need to find an apartment or living situation that partially accommodates both of you. You may need to compromise quite a bit, but your mutual happiness will be all worth it!
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| * | Discuss your roles and the division of labor in the house before you move in. This can also avoid future disagreements.
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| * | Be sure to give each other as much space as needed. Some of the most common disagreements after moving in together arise simply because one or both partners needs a bit of time to him/herself. Visiting friends or going out by yourself may just give you the space you need to miss your spouse.
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| * | Learn not to "sweat the small stuff." Does that toothpaste cap really bother you enough to give your spouse the silent treatment for a month? Getting used to one another's daily habits and quirks may be quite a task---so be sure to pick your battles wisely. Of course, you should be able to expect the same from your partner.
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Talk it out. Discuss disagreements calmly before they escalate into huge fights. You may just find that you're both ALMOST on the same page!
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