SRPorter's Profile

When I moved in with my husband two months before we were married, we didn't even have time to think about these issues as we were in "go" mode for the big day. After the dust settled and we got into the groove of everyday life, I realized just how huge of a change living together was. We went through thorough marriage preperation and that majorly helped us to further understand each other and our personalities and how to work things out together. Because you are moving in together before marriage, I would suggest that you have blunt conversations about your expectations and habits. Not voicing your expectations can be a point of contention that can fester with time. For us, we had some issue merging furniture and "things" (art, books, etc.). We were lucky enough to sell all our old furniture and buy new furniture that we both liked and had a say in choosing. This isn't feesible for everyone, but something to keep in mind because objects can carry great meaning (an old bachelor couch for instance). Just remember, compromise, compromise, compromise! As far as pets go, my dog is a lone wolf and when we moved in together he relished his chance to be the only dog in the house (coming from living with roommates and family that had pets). So, I don't have much advice there, expcept to keep to your routine and try and make the change only about space and not about the routine that your pet knows (and appreciates). Hope this helps and good luck!