In life, a lot of things are trial and error.
I’ve never worn a dress this shade before. Turned out, I didn’t like how it looks with my hair, shoes, makeup, face.
A big thing in my life as of late that has been trial and error was moving in with my significant other.
What no one tells you about living together is the little bouts of annoyance you experience every now and then (every day?), or the seemingly harmless passive, minor aggressions that you have never seen yourself do, but find yourself noting them anyway.
What no one tells you either is the little joys of it as well.
When he moved in, I was a mix of excitement and a small part dread. Now he’ll know how weird I sleep, eat, breathe.
Here’s how it’s worked so far…
Chores
As if you needed me to tell you that chores are hell, it still exists even when someone moves in to cut the load in half. The kitchen sink has twice as much dishes, the laundry basket is twice as full, and you’re tripping over larger shoes. There are ties hanging off the couch, bar stools and you might yell yourself hoarse if he doesn’t stop leaving his socks under the coffee table.
The easiest and concrete way to split the chore list in half has been to decide how we want to split it. Are we doing chores every day? Every week? Every other week?
There’s always the easiest way to split the chores and for us, we do it by room. There is also no greater (and finite, let’s be real) way of documenting who is doing what.
A classic drawing board, whiteboard or chalkboard is a great way of creating a chart or list of chores that need to be done and to mark those that have been completed. Also, it serves as a way to hold each other accountable (I see you didn’t clean the kitchen?). Not to mention, it is easier to wipe and clean off chores that may change per seasons.
Bills
Mo’ money, mo’ problems, am I right?
Wrong. Well, not necessarily at least.
It’s not always easy splitting things right down the middle. The important aspect to this key component of living together is to develop a system that works.
For us, rent is split in half and each is responsible for their own utility, which could change month to month. We have a whiteboard calendar of due dates and just cross them off as they’re paid.
Sometimes though, money can be tight for one or both. In that case, the app that has saved us has been Venmo. It’s easy, convenient and can tied directly to your bank account. I’ll get the internet this month, just pay me back next week – like a snap.
Scheduling
All in all, beyond the stresses of chores, money and accountability, never forget to make time.
It’s not just a roommate, a body to take up space, half of the rent and utilities paid. It’s a best friend, top confidant (well, second with my dog, let’s be real) and biggest fan.
Our biggest thing has been cracking open a beer, sitting on the couch with the latest episode of our favorite show.
Never forget to make time for your best friend.
Mayra from the Mitten 