How to share your bedroom with your significant other
When it comes to sharing a room with your significant other, you’ll quickly realise how different it is from sharing hearts.
If you’ve taken the plunge to move in together, there are several things to consider.
For example, how are your grocery and household finances going to work?
How will you decorate your home?
These may sound like simple questions, but sharing space can be frustrating if you don’t have the right approach.
While the kitchen is the heart of the home, the bedroom is the heart of your relationship.
Here are a few things you’re going to need to look at when it comes to your bedroom:
Choose the wall paint together: Painting a room together is a great way to bond over a new, exciting chapter. You should take the time to choose the colour together and go for something that makes you both feel calm and happy. For example, if you like something traditional, go for a neutral colour and if you like something more dramatic, go for a darker and deeper colour.
Combine your bedroom furniture: When you come from separate homes, the chances are that you’re going to have plenty of different furniture. This is the part where you look at what you have together and you choose what you’re going to keep and what you’re going to get rid of. Luckily, having a selection of furniture will help you in the beginning stages of your new move and as you save up some money, you can look at buying furniture that matches. If you have similar tastes already, that is a bonus, but it not, do not cause arguments over furniture. It is going to be a change and even frustrating in the beginning, but it’s always wonderful when two people come together and create a joined home of their own.
Buy a new mattress: While the bed base might be fine, try looking at a new mattress. Many couples choose to purchase a brand new mattress together since it symbolises a new, fresh start. The bedroom is the most intimate place in the house, so purchase a mattress, duvet cover and blanket that you both like.
Compromise on accessories: Much like the furniture you’ll be joining together, take the time to look through each other’s accessories in order to come to a common ground. Of course, you need to be neutral with what you choose as not many men would like to have a bedroom filled with pink and fluffy items, and not too many women would add off-coloured greens with a boyish feel to the room. Try and choose a piece of artwork that you both like, as that alone will give your room a homey feel. The most important tip about sharing and compromising on accessories is looking at the sentimental value of each item. Allow each person to keep something that means something to them, be it emotionally or sentimentally. At the end of the day, being flexible is key to living a stress-free life together in your new home.
Forget the ground rules: In the beginning stages, you need to set boundaries. But try not to be so strict that you miss out on the fun of moving in together. Since it’s the first time that you’ll be living with your significant other, it’s important to embrace each other’s quirks and not take life too seriously. Of course, it’s going to take some adjusting because you’re not used to being in each other’s personal space for long periods of time, so take each experience with a pinch of salt and try to make the most of it.
Make sure you have separate wardrobes: It’s not the one person’s responsibility to clean up for another, so make sure you have separate wardrobes and laundry baskets where each can organise their own stuff. Having a combined cupboard is just asking for complications, so rather avoid it at all costs. This way, each person gets to keep all their clothes without having to scale down to fit a smaller space.
Let each other have alone time: Living together can get overwhelming at times, especially if you’re sharing lives in a small space. Make sure that each person knows that if they need some alone time, they must just ask. It’s important to get that alone time in your bedroom to unwind and relax by yourself. Without access to such time and areas, it could cause plenty of fights and internal frustrations.
Final words
Moving in together with your significant other is fun, yet challenging. It’s going to make you test your relationship several times, as you will be dealing with completely new situations. The way you approach these challenges will help you to overcome issues quickly without having them blow up into something bigger. The more you spend time together, the more you will get to know a new side of one another. Make sure that regardless of irritations and new quirks, you’ll continue to remember why you’re doing this. While the beginning may be a massive adjustment, it’s a wonderful adventure. Make the most of it!