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Once you have made that big step and decided to move in with your partner nothing seems sweeter than creating the perfect environment to live out your romantic dreams.
Visiting home stores together, buying kitchen utensils, creating cosy nooks - ahhh, the bliss! But the reality can be a bit more difficult.
While the honeymoon period in every other sense might continue on...and on...domestic necessities need to be a bit more organised. Cleaning, cooking, shopping... there are ways to make these common chores fun and tension-free.
Money The issue: This is probably the number one issue that destroys a lot of newly shacked-up couples. No matter how much you make or how much you think you don't care, if you feel you are being taken for granted in this sense, things will start to get ugly. The solution: One way to make it work - and to make it fun - is to start two joint accounts. One is a savings account. Put a small amount in each and just let it build up. After a while you will be able to afford a weekend away, a dinner out or even a new TV. The other account is for spending money. Make a budget and figure out how much you need for the supermarket and whatever else you usually go halves on. Put some money in each week and shopping won't be as complicated.
Chores The issue: Generally, girls do more in this area. I'm not blaming the boys; it's just that they don't 'see' the dirt as much as we do. In fact, I blame our mothers for making us so pedantic. Whoever's fault it is, you shouldn't just accept it if your partner isn't pulling his weight. The solution: I hate rosters. Some people don't though, so this could help. The other thing that can make chores less argument inducing is to do them together. Instead of getting bitter about always making the bed, don't do it unless he is around to help you. Sometimes one of you is home more - and therefore does more of the housework. Ignore that dust until Saturday, when you can spend an hour or so cleaning together and afterwards treat yourselves with a beer or a coffee out.
Cooking The issue: He can't - you can. Or vice versa. The solution: Teach him, or get him to do the admin side of cooking - chop the onions, wash the lettuce etc. Basically, don't take it all on yourself, because it is a trap a lot of older women have fallen into, and they can't get out. If a guy becomes accustomed to you cooking for him, there isn't much chance he's ever going to let you give it up. It's nice to be cooked for, just as it’s nice to cook for your loved ones. So just make sure you don't take over. If you are the one who can't cook, someone (I think it was someone old) once told me 'can't means you don't want to'. It's true. Cooking is fun - try it! Lifestyle The issue: You didn't realise it before you shacked up, but he drinks every night of the week. Or you didn't notice before, but he never really eats at home. You guys aren't gelling. What to do? The solution: Bring it up! Don't just allow it to bottle up inside you, making you into an insanely bitter old woman! Talk to him and hope you can resolve it. By this point in your relationship, you should be able to bring things like this up and sort them out.
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with your partner nothing seems sweeter than creating the perfect environment to live out your romantic dreams. 
destroys a lot of newly shacked-up couples. No matter how much you make or how much you think you don't care, if you feel you are being taken for granted in this sense, things will start to get ugly.
Cooking