QUIZ: Relationship Road Sign—Merge With Caution

How soon is too soon to live together?

As our relationships blossom, many of us are inclined to simply go with the natural flow and pace. Others can push too hard toward a “merger” and jump the gun on moving in together. While progressing the relationship status seems logical, what exactly is the ideal time frame that couples should date before home hunting? Take this quiz to see whether you’re both ready to rent that U-Haul.

Get out your pens and pencils:

1. Sharing comes naturally to me, and I’m open with my personal space and material things.
Yes or No

2. My partner and I agree that our relationship can be considered “serious.”
Yes or No

3. My relationship is healthy, and I’m being proactive about keeping it that way.
Yes or No

4. My partner and I are both financially responsible, and we have no monetary skeletons in the closet.
Yes or No

5. I would not consider myself to be overly impulsive.
Yes or No

6. My relationship is exclusive, or my partner and I both have an extremely clear understanding how open our relationship is.
Yes or No

7. I am adaptable when it comes to what my new space with my partner will look and feel like.
Yes or No

8. I am making a proactive decision to move in together—not just because the lease is up or because I want to share the rent with someone.
Yes or No

9. My partner and I understand each other’s pet peeves. (And, hopefully, you both find them endearing!)
Yes or No

10. My partner and I have shared space before (e.g., traveling or spending a week or more at each other’s current lodgings), and we’re happy being that close.
Yes or No

Check your results:

If you answered Yes to seven or more questions, then go ahead and book the movers. If you answered Yes to fewer than seven questions, then slow your roll, lovebird.

All in all, enjoy getting to know each other. You don’t need to share a bed, couch, and underwear drawer for the relationship to develop and progress forward. Moving in together should be a no-brainer for both of you when it’s time. Consider the maturity of your partner, as well as the maturity of the relationship. If your relationship has serious longevity potential, why jump the gun and rush into sharing space?

How soon is too soon? There is no perfect time frame, as all relationships mature at different paces. Just make sure that you take the time to evaluate all of the angles that come with sharing space with your new partner.

&nbps;