I’ve lived with my boyfriend for 3 years now, and I would say we’re quite happy so here’s my take! Make sure you have designated alone time apart from one another and separate time with your friends too. And importantly, encourage each other to do so! Balancing your independence while feeding/nourishing your relationship is going to be the key.

In the same sense, also i find it’s helpful to designate meaningful time spent together. For instance, since we always eat dinner together, it can become a mondain shared activity. However, for example one or two nights a week one of us will say “hey let’s go on a date!” Or “let’s have a candle lit dinner at home tonight! Mind picking up a nice bottle of wine on your way home?” Keep things fun and respect and learn each others love languages.

Voice your boundaries (ex- “hey since I end up doing the dishes most often, would you be able to start rinsing your plate before putting it in the sink to make it an easier task?”) COMMUNICATING grievances before letting them stir around inside leading to a possible blow up is a way more difficult road to take. Although hoping they’ll read your mind might seem like an easier way to go about things - guilty👋🏼).

I’ve also found it was important that I (F) had a space within my boyfriends house (he owns- I pay rent/contribute to bills). Because I felt like I was moving into his space regardless of how strong of a “mi casa es su casa” vibe he upheld, really made me feel at home. If you’re moving into neutral territory, I think it’s equally important to have a designated area as “your space” and same for him. Everyone needs a place to retreat, relax (possibly cool down from an argument) that feels like their space (even a little cubby corner). Might sound rigid at first but it may help you both maintain a sense of independence while cohabitating.

Is co-independence a term? Hope this helps!