Last weekend I made the big jump; I moved in with my boyfriend. In preparation for such a stepping stone, I naturally took to the internet to read blog upon blog about what to expect, how to prepare, etc. For the most part, these write-ups focused on the same elements surrounding clutter/hygiene/differences in television preferences – in other words, gender-related differences that have plagued the human race for decades. And for the most part, all of these observances have proven to be true (someone please tell my boyfriend that a paper shredder does not deserve a permanent spot on our already-miniscule kitchen counter).
So, instead of writing yet another witty blog post about ‘what to expect when he/she moves in’, I’m going to offer you a personalized look into my move in the form of a photo diary. I hope this resonates with anyone who has moved in with their significant other, and offers a more specific insight for those about to take the leap. I apologize in advance for what you are about to see.
The Closet
The eternal struggle for closet space is one that I actually did not think I would have. Turns out I am in massive denial about the amount of clothing I own – not to mention my boyfriend appears to be a clothes hoarder, since he makes a habit of wearing the same shirt for 5 days in a row and has outgrown roughly 50% of the suits pictured here (yes, this is an actual shot of the current state of our closet). Thanks for all the space, honey.
The Décor
Hopefully, in your relationship, you have long since determined each other’s stylistic tendencies, and are agreed upon (silently or otherwise) about who will control the aesthetics of the space. In some relationships, the savvy eye belongs to the man. In my case, it most definitely does not. Case in point: the current state of our bookcase. If your significant other is stubbornly steadfast in holding on to a specific item that you despise – or, say, refusing to re-pot a hideous plant because it would be “too hard on it” – creative compromise is key. This Bud bucket will shortly be covered with a feminine swath of printed wallpaper (bye bye!)
The Furniture
As mentioned above, it is rare that the both of you will agree on all of the items in your new space. My boyfriend was wise enough to allow me to bring in my bedframe, dresser, bookcases, kitchenware and bathroom accessories to replace his – knowing that the only battle he cared to really fight was for this big guy; a state of the art, man-caving, Lazy-Boy reclining bachelor couch. Away in storage went my new, contemporary chocolate brown leather couch, and my man happily reclines like a grandpa on this nightly. You win some, you lose some.
Selling the Furniture
During a move like this, you find out things about your significant other that you may not have known before. In my case, my eyes were opened to my boyfriend’s insane obsession with the kijiji buying/selling community. In all honesty, I actually think this was a new realization for both of us. Whereas I just want junk gone when I get around to purging, he sees the value of the sale in any item – one man’s trash, another’s treasure (or whatever). This is all fine and dandy when you have a two car garage to store all the old crap in, but in a 600-sq ft. condo? Nuh uh. Personally, I just think he likes writing exaggerated ads and seeing the responses he gets; “Babe! Can you believe this guy is low balling me?! Does he know this is a collector’s item??”. Although I will admit – he’s in the wrong industry. Ad writing is his calling.
…It’s only been a week, so admittedly my photo diary likely does not speak to the long-term challenges of taking two people and all their stuff and shoving them into one space. However, I hope this has provided an individualized look at how your quirks and personalities will be the main shaping factors when you undergo this step of your relationship. And for those of you reading who already have, I just have one thing to say to you: Is it normal for a man without a cat to have cat -adorned paraphernalia? Please help.
Who might this guest be?
Shannon is a Tostito enthusiast who balances her unhealthy obsession writing reviews from her TripAdvisor account with a day job in Legal Marketing. She lives in Toronto, where she has yet to meet a carb she didn’t like. Follow her misadventures on Twitter @codeshanaynay.
Loved this post. Pictures and writing. A ten!