Can’t live with them, can’t live without them

Two of my best gal pals got engaged recently, I have so many friends getting hitched this summer I’ve lost count, and a handful of homeys are considering shacking up with their partners to save cash in today’s tough economy. Whatever the case may be, there’s about to be a whole lot of cohabitation going on.

Sharing your home with your honey will be wonderful at first, but once the newness wears off, chances are you’ll want to serve your ’em an eviction notice.

But don’t worry I’m here to help. Here are five ways to peacefully coexist with your sweetie:

1. Keep your own stash of cash. I think all couples should have separate bank accounts. Sure, you can have one “family account” into which you both deposit money to be used for household bills. But a girl needs to be able to buy a cute T-shirt from Target without feeling like she has to answer to someone about it.

2. Share the load. Make sure things like cooking and cleaning are equally divided, even if that means posting a chore list on the refrigerator. Yes, I know this person is the love of your life, not your roommate in a co-op, but without being upfront about who will handle what household tasks, the lion’s share of work will very easily fall onto one person’s shoulders which will very easily lead to a little thing called resentment.

3. Don’t stop the love. Just because you live together doesn’t mean romance should be put on the back burner. Try to have weekly dates whether it’s dinner and movie, a picnic in the park or checking out a concert. If you’re broke look for free stuff to do like museum visits, poetry readings or church events.

4. Carve out me time. While it’s important to date, it’s just as crucial to find some time to spend alone reading a book, painting, writing or whatever it is you like to do. If you don’t have a hobby, get one.

5. Don’t forget your girls (or guys). Make time to hang out with your friends or else they’ll be talking about you whenever they get together and I don’t mean in a good way. Besides, you’ll need someone to complain to when your boo is getting on your last nerve.