Living together before marriage has become a common trend in today’s society, and it’s not just restricted to Western cultures. In India, it was once considered taboo to live together before marriage, but times have changed. Today, it is an excellent way for couples to understand each other better, share responsibilities, and learn to live together. However, it’s crucial to remember that a live-in relationship is a serious commitment that requires effort and responsibility from both partners.
When you decide to live with your partner, there are certain things you must keep in mind to make your live-in relationship successful. Here are some dos and don’ts of a live-in relationship in the Indian sub-context.
Things to Do in a Live-in Relationship:
1. Communicate: Communication is the key to any successful relationship, and it’s even more crucial in a live-in relationship. Talk openly and honestly about your expectations, concerns, and fears. When you live together, you’ll be spending a lot of time together, so it’s essential to establish a healthy communication pattern from the beginning. You need to create an environment where both of you feel comfortable expressing yourselves.
2. Share Responsibilities: Living together means sharing responsibilities. Both partners should contribute equally to household chores, grocery shopping, cooking, and other essential tasks. Sharing responsibilities will help you build a strong bond and trust with your partner. It’s essential to divide the workload fairly and discuss who will do what task. This way, no one feels like they’re doing more work than the other.
3. Respect Each Other’s Space: While living together, it’s essential to respect each other’s personal space. Give each other time and space to pursue individual interests and hobbies. It will help you both grow as individuals and maintain a healthy relationship. Respecting each other’s space is a way of showing that you trust your partner and that you’re comfortable giving them some freedom.
4. Discuss Finances: Money matters can cause stress and strain in any relationship. Therefore, it’s crucial to discuss finances openly and honestly. Talk about your income, expenses, and savings. Decide on how you’ll share expenses and make financial decisions together. You should also discuss how you’ll save money for future goals such as a house, a car, or a vacation. Having financial transparency will prevent any misunderstandings in the future.
5. Set Boundaries: Living together can blur the lines between personal and professional life. Therefore, it’s crucial to set boundaries and respect them. Discuss when it’s okay to have friends over, how you’ll spend weekends, and what activities you’ll do together. It’s essential to establish a routine that works for both of you and allows you to maintain your individuality.
Things to Not Do in a Live-in Relationship:
1. Rush into It: A live-in relationship is a serious commitment, and rushing into it without understanding each other can cause problems. Take your time to get to know each other, understand each other’s expectations, and assess if you’re ready for this commitment. Rushing into a live-in relationship without being emotionally and mentally prepared can lead to disappointment and heartache.
2. Ignore Red Flags: Ignoring red flags can lead to significant problems in a live-in relationship. If you notice something that makes you uncomfortable or uneasy, talk to your partner about it. It’s essential to address issues before they escalate. Ignoring red flags can lead to bigger issues that are harder to resolve later on.
3. Take Each Other for Granted: Living together can make you take each other for granted. It’s essential to appreciate each other’s efforts and show gratitude. Express your love and care for your partner regularly. When you live together, you might fall into the trap of assuming that your partner knows how you feel. It’s important to express your love and appreciation through your actions and words.
4. Involve Family Too Early: In India, family is an essential part of any relationship. However, it’s crucial not to involve them too early in a live-in relationship. Wait until you’re sure about your commitment to each other before introducing your partner to your family. This will give you both time to understand each other and decide if you’re ready for the next step.
5. Compare Your Relationship with Others: Comparing your relationship with others is a surefire way to create problems in a live-in relationship. Every relationship is unique, and you shouldn’t compare yours with others. Don’t set unrealistic expectations based on what you see on social media or what your friends are doing. Focus on your relationship and make it work on your terms.
In conclusion, a live-in relationship can be a rewarding experience if both partners are committed to making it work. It’s essential to communicate openly and honestly, share responsibilities, respect each other’s space, discuss finances, and set boundaries. On the other hand, rushing into it, ignoring red flags, taking each other for granted, involving family too early, and comparing your relationship with others are things to avoid.
Living together is a significant step towards marriage, and it’s crucial to take it seriously. A live-in relationship is not just about enjoying each other’s company; it’s also about learning to live with each other’s flaws and differences. It’s about building a strong foundation for your future together.
It’s essential to remember that a live-in relationship is not a trial run for marriage. It’s a serious commitment that requires effort, patience, and understanding. It’s important to assess your readiness for a live-in relationship and discuss it with your partner openly.
Living together before marriage was once frowned upon in Indian culture, but it’s becoming more accepted today. However, it’s crucial to remember that you’re not just living together; you’re also setting an example for the future generation. It’s essential to approach a live-in relationship with maturity and responsibility.
In conclusion, a live-in relationship can be a beautiful journey if both partners are willing to put in the effort to make it work. It’s an opportunity to understand each other better, learn to live together, and build a strong foundation for a future together. By following the dos and don’ts of a live-in relationship, you can ensure that your journey is a successful one.
Love,
Team LadyInRoseGold
