So, you’ve been dating for a while now and it’s finally time for the big move! That’s right, you’re moving in with your significant other which is one of the biggest, scariest, yet exciting steps in a relationship.

They say you never really know someone until you live with them and a great part of that is true. Your partner may possibly reveal a side of them that you’ve never seen before and it might take a great amount of patience to get used to some of their habits and mannerisms but that’s where compromising comes in. Remember that as you are adjusting to their habits, they are doing the same with yours. Share what your pet peeves are, like when he leaves the toilet seat up. Doing so will help avoid those petty conflicts in the future.

Once the two of you are comfortable living together it’s easy to lose that butterfly feeling in your stomachs but that’s only if you allow it to happen. Keep things spicy in the bedroom, go on dates and be unpredictable. Constantly surprise one another and you’ll be shocked at how successful things will turn out. One of the major issues that couples have trouble dealing with when living under the same roof is finances. Transitioning from spending your money how you want, when you want, on whatever you want, to now combining incomes to pay bills and take care of household needs will take some getting used to. Be open with your partner about how you think expenses should be shared.

Lastly, even though you both are now living together as a unit don’t forget that you are still your own person! Continue doing things you enjoy. Don’t be afraid to indulge in some “me time” and it’s ok to still have some privacy. That doesn’t mean to be sneaky or hide things from your partner but you also don’t have to share everything with them all the time or do everything together. This is a time of celebration in your relationship, try to keep it as fun and stress free as possible.