You asked..."Move in With His Mom and Dad?"
Experts and readers answer our members' toughest dating and relationship questions
By Jeff Cohen, Kristin Cavins, and Donna Sozio Updated: Sep 12, 2008
RATING THIS ARTICLE
"My boyfriend and I have been together since Thanksgiving of last year. In this short period of time, we've moved in together and, unfortunately, the lack of preparation has taken a financial toll on both of us and now he's moving back to his parents for the sake of saving up for our future. We have plans for marriage and buying a home together. My dilemma is that I've already had two experiences living with boyfriends and their families and they've proven to be a disaster. My current boyfriend's mother keeps urging me to bite the bullet, trust her and move in, but I'm apprehensive. I know the potential damage it could cause my relationship and would prefer to play it safe and stay independent. What should I do?" -- Salina Y., 27, San Francisco, CaliforniaDear Salina -- You know the saying: "Three strikes and you're out." You've had two bad experiences living under one roof with a boyfriend and his family. So maybe it's time to listen to your intuition and avoid strike three. It sounds like you have the financial wherewithal to remain independent, so go for it. Besides, his mom shouldn't be voting anyway. This is an issue between you and your boyfriend to resolve.
Give it a trial period, say three months, of living on your own, and see what happens with the relationship.
Hi Salina -- You already know your answer, based on both your previous experiences and your strong inclination to not repeat the past. Listen to yourself, play it smart and stay independent.Your relationship is between you and your boyfriend. His mother really shouldn't be urging you to move in with the entire family. Sounds like Disaster #3 in the making.
Your first plan of moving in together was not well thought out, and now you are in a financial predicament.
The solution to this problem is not to create an even bigger one
The solution to this problem is not to create an even bigger one but rather to learn from this mistake and make better decisions. If your boyfriend wants to move back home in order to save money for your future, then by all means that is his decision.
The solution to this problem is not to create an even bigger one
I don't see any downside whatsoever to not moving in with your boyfriend's family. This allows you the chance to continue building your relationship with him, while maintaining your own living space and privacy. I do question if your boyfriend has cut the apron strings with Mom. You may want to address this with him; otherwise you could end up with Mom being in the middle of your relationship for years to come. And that can cause havoc whether you are all under the same roof or many miles away.
Enjoy your independence while creating a strong relationship with your boyfriend. The best of both worlds!
Donna Sozio AnswersDear Salina -- You said it. Lack of preparation takes a toll. And I applaud you for not wanting to pay another one. Now put on your thinking shoes. Get it out of your head and put it on paper. What is the price you'll pay emotionally, spiritually, mentally and physically to "save money" by moving in with your boyfriend's family? Put a dollar figure on it. Match it up against the money you think you'll be saving. Poof! Just like magic, your answer will become crystal clear.
Remember that your source of love doesn't come from romantic relationships. It comes from self-love that overflows onto your romantic relationships. The point is not to make the best of an uncomfortable situation. Move in the direction of self-love and inner peace. Do this even in the face of open arms.
Everyone has their own agenda, so forget about people-pleasing.
Everyone has their own agenda, so forget about people-pleasing. When you trust yourself and act on your instincts, future resentments and disasters remain a non-issue because you've already disposed of the fuel for the fire.
Everyone has their own agenda, so forget about people-pleasing.
If you do decide to move in, at least this time take a different approach. Think in specifics. How much time do you need to save for a wedding and home? Set up a tangible and executable exit plan with milestones. No wiggle waggles. Do the math. Since you and your boyfriend are talking marriage, hash it out before you walk down the aisle.
Okay. That was the Good Cop. Now, here's the Bad Cop. What are you thinking? Why is this the third time you've chosen a man who still needs mommy and daddy? There must be a payoff for you somewhere, otherwise you would choose different men. Before you move in, you might want to consider moving on. This man may be just another repeat of your pattern of choosing dependent men.
Want more answers?What's your question? If you're a Yahoo! Personals member with an active profile, you're eligible to submit a question. We'll select challenging questions for experts and readers to answer. Submit your question here
Now it's your turn to answer this question. Yahoo! Personals reserves the right to delete any off-topic comments from readers.

Create Your



LEAVE A COMMENT