Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To want advice before bf moves in?

56 replies

Desertislandparadise · 16/07/2024 20:14

I've been on mn for a while and have read so many heartbreaking and/or enraging posts about deadbeat partners. I really don't want to be writing my own some years down the line. Does anyone have any advice for specific red flags or boundaries to pay attention to?

My bf (32) and I (34) have been together 2 years. We have discussed living together soon. I own my own home while he rents so it would be a question of him moving in with me (he suggested finding a new place together, but I don't want to leave my flat). He's a lovely person, very kind, but also e.g. much less confident about cooking than I am (lives off ready meals and take out) and more tolerant to mess.

I absolutely don't want to end up in a dynamic where he is "helping" me to cook and clean in the home we share. Especially not if we end up having kids.

I guess I'm asking if there are things I can do from day one that would help head that off. Since it is originally my home, how can I encourage him to see it as also his responsibility as soon as he's moved in? Financially I'll be responsible for all repairs etc but I mean the general housekeeping work needed everyday?

OP posts:
cupcaske123 · 16/07/2024 20:28

Let him do his own laundry
Take it in turns to cook
Both come up with a meal plan for the week
Take it in turns to do the bathroom
Divvy up the rest of the chores
Don't let him control the remote/viewing
Maintain your own activities outside the relationship

Desertislandparadise · 16/07/2024 20:24

Greatmate · 16/07/2024 20:19

How is he contributing financially to the household? Have you worked out how much extra it will cost you for him to live there? No one gets to live for free.

Personally, I think you need to start as you mean to go on. If you cook then he washes up and puts the dishes away or load and unload the dishwasher. He does his own laundry. Write a list of household chores and agree which you'll both be doing.

Thanks. I'm not so worried about the financial side, we've always managed to keep things fair. We've agreed an amount for him to contribute and we'll be revisiting that after a couple of months to check it's enough when we know true costs.

OP posts:
Greatmate · 16/07/2024 20:22

Whatonearth07957 · 16/07/2024 20:18

Get a cohabitation agreement setting out monthly contribution to bills and no equity. Then decide who does the dishes...

You need to protect yourself. Everyone is lovely in the beginning. At the end it's a different story.

Greatmate · 16/07/2024 20:19

How is he contributing financially to the household? Have you worked out how much extra it will cost you for him to live there? No one gets to live for free.

Personally, I think you need to start as you mean to go on. If you cook then he washes up and puts the dishes away or load and unload the dishwasher. He does his own laundry. Write a list of household chores and agree which you'll both be doing.

VestPantsandSocks · 16/07/2024 20:19

Make a rota for chores and cooking.
50/50 on all bills.
Set boundaries from the start.
Don't be a martyr or skivvy.

Whatonearth07957 · 16/07/2024 20:18

Get a cohabitation agreement setting out monthly contribution to bills and no equity. Then decide who does the dishes...