How To Live With Your Partner

I live with my boyfriend in a teeny tiny 'studio' flat. Ever since we moved in together, friends asked how I have found it and how we managed to live with one another's bad habits. As we approach our second university year living together, I thought I'd give you a few tips as to how to co-exist successfully and safely i.e without killing one another! 

This is in no way me trying to dictate to you how you must live your life; these are simply things that I have learnt along the way and thought I would share with others in case it interests/amuses them. Naturally, Luke and I's findings may be completely different to yours. If you've got something to add or share, why not do so in the comments section below! Here are my tips regarding how to live with your partner:

1. aPPRECIATE YOUR INDEPENDENCE 
It can be so tempting (and remarkably easy) to live as one entity once you move in with someone: you eat together and sleep together so why not spend every waking moment together?! Don't - you will want to kill each other! Go out with your separate friends and have a days/nights out away from each other. It'll only make you appreciate each other more and will give you things to discuss. I often take myself off for little jaunts along the hoe and off for shopping trips with friends and Luke often wanders over to his friends' place. You both need to have your own space in order to stop yourself feeling a little suffocated and it's healthier for you to have your own independence too!

2. appreciate one another's hobbies 

I blog, write and read a lot; he reads Game of Thrones, follows technology and loves gaming. We both make time to talk to one another about the things we love and I adore that tolerance and appreciation we share for one another's interests. I'm pretty savvy when it comes to the latest movie releases and advances in gaming and he's pretty savvy when it comes to the goings on over here at Little V. It's a pretty perfect balance, even if I do say so myself. Take time to let each other ramble on - you'll feel pretty good about it and you'll forever ace Mr and Mrs style quizzes. It's also a pretty good thing to do to gain inspiration for future birthdays/surprise gifts.

3. don't be afraid to argue

It's not always shits and giggles; in fact, moving in with someone you love can be extremely difficult at times. What's important is to ensure that the arguments are short lived and that you can forgive. Feel free to shout at each other, call each other silly names and rip your hair out because if you keep it all in, you will have a really bad outburst one day that you really don't mean but really can't help. Like any couple, Luke and I have petty squabbles but we try to resolve the situation before we leave the topic altogether - that way you won't have to deal with the cold shoulder for a whole evening!

4. don't wait to be asked 

When you live together, you begin to appreciate the small things that someone else will do for you without prior discussion. I can be so guilty of this one - I find myself getting so wrapped up in my work and writing that I sometimes forget to tend to those dishes on the sideboard or sort through the washing. It all sounds so petty because they're such small things to get wound up about but when you live together, it really is the little things that you will appreciate being sorted the most. I'm making it my goal this autumn to be a little more attentive when it comes to housework and life outside my head, in general. 

5. make sure your space represents the both of you 

One thing I particularly like about mine and Luke's relationship is that we both have extremely different passions and likes. This comes across particularly well in the way we decorate our little space. I think it's pretty cool that Luke and I balance his love for superhero goodies with my extensive amount of books. How does it benefit living together harmoniously, you may ask? I think it helps to have your own things around you when you're feeling a little bit stressed and/or wish to chill out and, therefore, has a lasting effect on each other's mood. 

6. accept their bad habits 

I'm pretty sure if you asked Luke what my bad habits were he'd be able to give you a list that was longer than the dictionary and I'm pretty sure I could rattle of things that really grind my gears about Luke (read: leaving his pants outside the bathroom door whilst he showers). In order to co-exist, you need to acknowledge these bad habits, be silently annoyed at them and then learn to accept them. No one is perfect all the bloody time and, quite frankly, if you don't get over it you will end up ripping your hair out on a daily basis! 

7. don't stagnate 

When you live together, your whole world can sometimes be confined to those four walls and you'll find yourself settling in to some pretty bad relationship habits. To avoid becoming reclusive, make sure you go out try new things and still continue to have adventures. The easiest way to do this, if you're both particularly busy, is to nominate a weekly/monthly date night. Go out for a meal or take a boat trip somewhere, or just have a walk, the possibilities are endless and you'll both appreciate getting out and about with one another.  

8. have fun! 

You're about to have a completely new and fun experience so don't worry unnecessarily and enjoy yourself! Luke and I have some of the best times together in our flat, acting silly and dancing to music in our pants. Yes, dancing to music in our pants. We have a billion inside jokes and regularly lie down and people watch from our big window and, to be honest, I wouldn't have it any other way. 

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