- 1). Talk to your boyfriend about your concerns before you actually move in together. Express that you are worried about losing your independence and ensure that he knows that maintaining it is a priority for you.
- 2). Keep in contact with your friends and social circle. Don't feel like you need to invite your boyfriend along more or less than you used to just because you moved in together. Keep in contact with your own circle of friends and encourage your boyfriend to do the same. It is easier to maintain independence if both parties have active lives outside the relationship.
- 3). Discuss your finances before you move in together. Keep a joint account for combined expenses such as rent or bills or for saving for certain luxuries, but keep your own personal account for personal expenses.
- 4). Create personal space in the house. Have a space in the home that is yours to decorate as you want and that you can retreat to when you need some time alone. Your partner should have the same available to him.
- 5). Follow your own interests and hobbies. Some time will inevitably go toward joint hobbies and projects once you live together, but take the time to continue to pursue your own interests outside the ones you do as a couple.
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