Keys to flat etiquette

[cigarettesaftersex]

So very recently I gave my boyfriend the keys to my flat. He actually took it as this grand gesture (I was giving him the keys to me) whereas I saw it as yes something like that but also somewhat practical (he comes and visits at least 3-4 times a week). Anywho... Today he came (we always kind of arrange if he's coming never unannounced) but he let himself in. Yes, that's definitely the plan! But I thought he should ring the bell?? To be fair I was just partly embarrassed because I was coming out of the bath.. and he saw my dirty underwear. This is the first time I do.something like this so no idea what to expect.

"Personally when it's a partner, if I gave them a key I'd expect them to use it."

But it's not her partner, it's her boyfriend. They don't live together yet. She's actually explained that the key is so that she doesn't have to go downstairs to let him in.

"With a partner though, I think most would see the 'giving of a key' is a significant step in a relationship. It states 'treat this as your home'. Giving a key to a partner is a very different thing from giving someone else an emergency / helping out key, as happymummy says."

Depends how long they've been together and if both are giving each other their keys, I think, and of course what you actually say when you give the key. If I had a boyfriend, I'd definitely want to give the emergency spare to him rather than a friend, but it wouldn't necessarily signify anything deeper and I'd make that clear.

Maybe just get him to call out as he comes through the door. My partner does this (if I am not in view when he arrives) and we have lived together for nearly six years

Oh wow. You KNEW he was coming.

I wouldn't expect someone with a key to just come over without letting me know and use their key to just walk into my house anytime, but if it's an arranged visit then yes, of course it's ok to use the key!

My dp has keys to my house but always rings the bell if he comes round when I'm in. I do the same at his place.

Yes I knew he was coming! But i.thought it was supposed to take longer than 2 mins!! Anyways, he now asks if he should.jusy come in so now.ive told him not.to.be silly.snd just use the key.its new for both of us so I think we're just learning. I think he also took this deeper meaning to the keys than I did .. but maybe that's a separate matter :)