Oh, love. It is the most maddening aspect of life, so said Philip Roth. And who could disagree with that assessment? It’s heartbreaking when you’re on the outside, and confusing as anything when you’re on the inside. If you have a long-term partner, then you’ve probably been through the range of emotions, and that might just be today! But what does the future hold? Below, we take a look at some of the big steps you may end up taking with your loved one.
Making A Commitment
People talk about marriage as being the biggest commitment that couples make, but the decision to be together is always made before then. That’s just the ceremonial day when things become truly official. There’ll be a point where you commit to your partner in your mind. You might fully realise it as it happens, or it might be something that just lies under the surface. However it happens, it’ll be a giant leap forward. A couple can stay in the “relatively” committed stage for years; when they become “all in,” it really can change the dynamic and joy that comes from the relationship — for the better.
Your Own Place
If you’ve been going out for some time, then it’s likely that you’re already spending many nights together. But staying with each other on a regular basis is not the same as having your own place; it’s not even close. Even renting a flat falls short on this front: it’s about ownership, about a shared space. When you think the time is right, you’ll want to look at getting your own place. If you need some help to get on the property ladder, then take a look at NO1 Property Guide. The journey towards living together can be long, and things can seem pretty daunting, but it’ll all be worth it once you have the keys.
Intertwined Lives
It’s always important that you both have your own space and lives, but over time, you will notice that your lives begin to mesh into one. You’ll both have your own things going on, but there will be a lot of places where you overlap and are in sync. Perhaps the first indication that lives are overlapping is when it comes to Christmas dinner; if you’re going together, rather than both going home to your individual families, then things can be considered pretty serious.
Make It Official
And then one day, it’ll be so obvious that you’re destined to spend your lives together that you make it official. That is, you get married. You will have already committed to one other, but a wedding is a chance to declare that love and commitment in front of all of your loved ones. Beautiful!
Starting A Family
And then comes starting a family. There’s nothing quite like the transition into family life. It’s fun, magical, scary — everything. Thankfully, by your side, you will have the one person who you know you were supposed to take this crazy adventure with.
