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Old Jul 13, 2016, 07:58 PM
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Lost_in_the_woods Lost_in_the_woods is offline
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Member Since: Dec 2013
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Moving in together is a big step in any relationship that requires a lot of work to sustain. There are likely many fears on both sides. The first step is to have an open honest conversation with ur SO about your relationship
Tell him what is on your mind. This requires quite a bit of finesse...esp. if he is the type that generally is avoidance of serious conversations or if he has a tendency to receive your thoughts and feelings as accusitory in some way. So some times it may require quite a few short talks overtime depending on his tolerance level. But regardless you need to find a way to express your needs and worries bc if you don't speak up how do you expect anyone to know anything? If, he is receptive to the conversation, then speak calmly, and prioritize your thoughts. This way you are able to stay on course and only bring up what is actually important and not get off track with minor annoyances or try to cram so much in that it leaves him overwhelmed. after you state your thoughts, ask him what he thinks. NO ULTIMATUMS! Simply ask does this make sense? Or how do you feel about this? Or what do you need/ want outta this relationship? etc.. whatever way you know him to most likely be responsive. Then stop thinking about your stuff and fully actively listen to him. He may have stuff that you never realized, or he may be somewhere on the same pg as you, or he may be short and vague, or he may just disagree entirely... if he is short and vague very subtly and gently try to prompt him to explain more. If he says idk or if he starts to shutdown. Let him know it's ok. I know it's a lot to think about, how about we revisit it in a week when you have had time to process or whatever kinda language work btwn you two... if he is somewhere on the same pg but seems to start to withdraw....try to bring him back in..gently using validating language and hopefully be able to brainstorm together...or offer somethings that you feel maybe helpful and offer a compromise that you find acceptable..it may require a "negotiation" and a fair amount of give and take. Be patient but direct. Know your boundaries ahead of time so you do not end up agreeing to things that you regret later. And even thought it is a serious conversation...Keep it Light! If he wants a future with you it should be positive and fun, so reflect that attitude in the talk! Hope this helps
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"The woods are lovely, dark, and deep
But I have promises to keep
And miles to go before I sleep
And miles to go before I sleep"