Survival guide to living with your significant other

Moving in to a new place can be challenging, even without the added pressure of living with your significant other for the first time. Follow this guide, and this year could be full of wonderful new experiences and important steps in your relationship.

Living together does not mean you will never have an argument again.

I have been living with my boyfriend for a month now, and our minuscule disagreements have actually increased. Shocking. But you always find a way to make up (or out).

Remember that you both grew up in different households with different responsibilities and chores.

I actually read this on another article, and it completely changed my outlook on roommates. Realizing that not everyone had to do the same tasks as you did at your parent's house will save you a lot of headache in the long run. If you do not mind picking things up as you go and they do not mind doing the dishes, come to an agreement.

Try not to nag when they throw their sweatshirt/shoes/pants on the ground two steps from the front door.

It really is not worth the argument. If it bothers you enough, pick it up.

If you are moving in together because your relationship is on the rocks, do not do it.

Living with another person (or three) is difficult enough. Moving in together is not the solution to fix your relationship. Work it out, then revisit the idea.

Be prepared for nasty habits.

Everyone has a hidden side that you do not normally see. When you live together, everything is exposed. Get ready for all of the habits your significant other has spared you so far, because there is no hiding anything when you live together.

You are going to need a place of your own.

Whether it is a separate room in the same house you can go to for alone time, a car you can drive when you need to cool off, or even just a different bed to actually get a good nights sleep (as much as I love to cuddle, it gets HOT), it is important to have a space to unwind and call your own when life gets overwhelming.

Communicate.

Talk. Use your words. Send morse code. Use sign language. Write a note. Send a text. Call. Just make sure you are always talking things through, so everyone feels validated and comfortable in the relationship. When communication stops, the relationship falls apart.

And remember, there are no days off.

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED FOR THE ODYSSEY