first in with "Print Em!"

I wouldn't do it dude. For the ones I have seen work, I have seen twice as many fail.

Two words: Mutual respect.

It's the fundamental underpinning that has worked for us for many years.

If you're in MO, you don't have to be concerned about common-law marriage. However it is possible (and entirely voluntary) on the Kansas side. Also, if you decide to cohabitate long-term without getting that piece of paper, legal and medical proxies are also something to consider, but you had better be DAMN sure first.

That said, you've got a long way to go before that becomes a concern. Good luck to you both.

Never let her smell yo dick.


In all seriousness, don't take things too seriously.

Hide your porn well...

Create a safe room for yourself..... i.e. tool shed, garage, game room, etc. Do it soon before she turns it into a sewing room....

Sinner.

Ok, now that that's out of the way mutual respect is good advice.

Expect everything to be 1,000 times harder than you would expect. It's going to be a big adjustment for both of you.

As much as possible, when there's a disagreement, try not to take things personally, and do not make them personal.

Make sure only her name is on the lease.

I've never done it. But my friends who have done have not had the best of luck in doing it. Basically its like being married, but every argument centers around her moving out.

I had a chick who wanted to move in with me. I broke it off then and there.

In addition: fight fair.

At some point you'll argue. Don't bring up things from the past.

This is the thread winner. Either get married or don't.

Yep. It's a partnership. Try to make it a contest, and it'll go down in flames. JMO.

That means letting her select her weapon of choice first.

One other piece of advice. Remember this in case of emergency:

http://b.imagehost.org/0646/andycapp2091690080429.gif

:)

I just did this last summer. And after 9 months I can tell you that for me, it's great. Some of the things are true in this thread. She will take over the place, so make a room that is yours, and tell her that she gets the entire place, just not this room.

Also communication is the best thing you can have. Neither of us believe that house work is "women's work". So we both contribute to keeping the place up. The biggest thing for me was that she would ask if I could do something (dishes for instance) and then get upset because I wasn't doing them the way she wanted. I was very clear with her after her first time of her freaking out, that she can ask and I will be happy to help. But she can't have me do something and stand over my shoulder while I do it. Either let me do it my way, or do it yourself. After that, things have been great.

If you're gonna do it though, you have to be able to communicate. Which doesn't mean yelling and screaming. You have to be able to talk to her, and her with you. Other wise you're just setting yourself up for misery.

Could you come over clean our place, please? Feel free to bring your husband along.