Maybe you're tired of paying rent when you're always at your boyfriend's apartment, or maybe you just feel it's finally time to move on to the next level in your relationship. Whatever the reason, moving in with your boyfriend is an exciting time. But along with the benefits of being able to share a home together, there are also possible risks to consider. Before you move in with your boyfriend, all women should take time to assess the risks and benefits.

YOU'LL SAVE MONEY
I decided to move in with my boyfriend fairly early in the relationship due to mere financial issues. I was a student and renting a tiny apartment that smelled a little funny, while my boyfriend was renting a house with a yard and cable TV. You can guess whose place we spent all our time at. Since I was rarely in my apartment, it seemed a waste to spend money on it. By splitting rent and utility bills, I saved a ton of money during my last year of school and was able to live in a much nicer place.

YOU'LL GET ON EACH OTHER'S NERVES
It seems like spending most of your time together would be the same as living together, but it's much different. Like any roommate, your sweetie is going to do things that annoy you, whether it's leaving the cap off the toothpaste or watching TV till 2 AM. I was amazed at the sudden increase in frequency of arguments we had once I moved in with my boyfriend. Just being forced in close proximity with your boyfriend all the time, even when you've had a bad day, sets the stage for more conflicts and harsh words. Just be prepared for this!

YOU'LL HAVE TO TALK ABOUT PRACTICAL ISSUES
Dating is all fun, but living with someone takes work. Who is going to clean the bathroom? How are the bills going to be divided? How often will you have friends over? And when is your ex going to finally fix that faucet?

At first I was constantly upset with my ex for issues like not fixing a broken window or putting away his laundry, and that put a strain on our relationship. Of course my boyfriend felt like I was nagging him to death! What worked for us was to both write "honey do" lists. Once it was in writing I didn't feel the need to nag, since I knew it was on his list.

There is also the danger in moving in with your boyfriend that you will get too caught up in the details of running a household. Remember to go out and have fun once in a while!

YOU MIGHT MOVE OUT
When you move in with your boyfriend, it's a good idea to set aside some money for a future rent deposit, just in case things don't work out. Make sure, also, that you really can see yourself living with this person till your lease runs out. You don't want to be forced into a situation of living with someone just because you can't afford to move out! Yes, in my case living together led to marriage. But that is not the case in 85% of couples that move in together. Many of my friends have lived with boyfriends for a year or more, only to later break up and go their separate ways. Have an exit strategy planned just in case this happens to you.

Learn more about this author, Nelumbo.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Moving in with your boyfriend: Women's truths?
We want to hear your view. Write now!