Over the 'Moon

Establish boundaries before the wedding to make the seque from honeymooners to homebodies simple … just don't forget the remote

By Timothy R. Schulte
CTW Features

The honeymoon is a grand time for the newlywed couple to enjoy each other and bask in the fresh glow of marriage – away from family and work, of course. But after that idyllic departure, they quickly slam into that brick wall that is life’s realities. Many couples will find themselves living with their spouse for the first time, and it may seem like a disaster is on the horizon. Setting some quick ground rules for the house will help the honeymoon last beyond that week in Jamaica:

The Bedroom

With only two options, it should be pretty painless – but necessary— to decide who sleeps on which side of the bed. Although, the side with the nightstand and alarm clock might not be the most popular spot.

Also, divvying up closet and drawer space is another. His collection of thrift-store T-shirts is going to take up far less space in the dresser than her collection of designer jeans, so the couple should resolve to cram as much of the slender items into their drawers and save the bulky items for the closet. A quick purge of no-longer-worn items will help create some space.

The TV Room

Today’s technology makes managing shows and controlling the remote easier than ever. Investing in a DVR or TiVo will ensure each person can watch their own shows whenever is convenient. And if they both like to watch “Ugly Betty: together, give the remote to whoever can fast forward through the commercials the quickest.

Kitchen

Cooking, cleaning, dishes – the kitchen is a breeding ground for marital strife. An easy solution is one cooks, one cleans; one loads the dishes, the other unloads. No cookie-cutter plan is going to fit each couple. Trading kitchen duties for laundry or bathroom cleaning tasks may be another solution. Also, each needs to know the game plan for the fridge. Maybe the crisper’s for lettuce, maybe it’s for lager – to each household his own.

‘My Own’ Space

For him, this still might be in the La-Z-Boy in front of the TV, but she might like to go to the far room of the apartment or lie in the bed to flip through a magazine. Make sure you each have a special place where you can go to unwind from the day, and each other, if needed.

Boundaries

They both might leave the bathroom door open when going for a quick shower, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s an invitation for the other to walk in. The couple needs to let each other know when they want to be encountered and when they want their solitude.

Pets

If she wants a cat and he has allergies, a dog may all of a sudden look like a better option than dropping a few grand on a hypoallergenic hybrid feline. Before rushing in, know each of your desires and lack thereof. Pets make a great addition to any home, but they’re not a requirement.

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