 "Photo: Courtesy of SXC")
The most exciting time of a relationship is the beginning, when you're just getting to know each other.
Each person is probably a little nervous, making what is supposed to be an otherwise casual date at a frozen yogurt place much more important than it is supposed to be on the surface.
I hope he likes this shirt.
I wonder if she can tell that I didn't wash this shirt.
I hope he doesn't want to go back to my place. My room is a mess.
But the beginning of the relationship can't last forever. Once you become comfortable with another person, you aren't willing to spend time making an elaborate date look effortless. You hardly go on dates anymore, instead choosing to spend time at home.
The result: sharing a pint of ice cream and watching 'American Idol' in matching pairs of baggy, comfy sweatpants.
Soon, you're wondering why you're both paying rent for separate places when you could be splitting the rent for one. But alas, this thought often leads to sure destruction. You move in together and can't agree on anything anymore.
Women rarely understand that men don't naturally come to the same conclusions they do. But how could any man truly understand the complexities of the female mind? Problems arise out of misunderstandings. As a favor to any man who might be thinking of moving in with his girlfriend, I've compiled a short list of serious mistakes to avoid:
•Choosing décor is extremely important. Trying to hang a Cheech & Chong, Playboy or "Rules of Beer Pong" poster in the living room is a bad idea - nuclear war bad. Instead, place your poster where your girlfriend won't have to stare at it, possibility in a garage, closet or even the trash. Your choice, of course.
•Dirty socks are gross. If you ever leave your socks anywhere other than a hamper or laundry bag, understand that they can and will be used as a murder weapon. (Strangulation by a smelly sock is a terrible way to go.)
•No woman can rightfully deny her man video game privileges, but try not to monopolize the TV. A nine-hour "Guitar Hero" marathon will not get you on your girlfriend's good side. Besides, when she brings home the "Grey's Anatomy Season 2" box set, she might make you watch the whole thing with her as punishment for your bad TV etiquette.
•Parties are fun. Having a party at your place is fun. Forgetting to tell your girlfriend you're hosting a party is not fun, especially when she yells at you the next day during your morning-after hangover.
•All couples fight. It doesn't matter if you're right or wrong. Tell her she's right. Try to fix the actual problem later, when she's not contemplating your imminent disembowelment. Don't feel like you're bowing down to her. Think of it instead as a tactic of self-preservation. It's much easier to explain your side (and why it's right) if you don't make a scene immediately. Wait until she's feeling guilty for being angry.
•The first time you see her waxing her legs or applying green goop to her face, try not to scream. She's not just doing this stuff to boost her self-confidence. She's doing it for you, too. So if you wander into the bathroom and find your girlfriend looking like quicksand, just force a smile and walk away very slowly.
•Romantic stagnation can be a side effect of constantly being together, so don't forget to do cheesy stuff for her, even though you live together. It's vitally important to your sex life.
•Don't make fun of the Zen garden (with sand and rakes) she's displaying on the coffee table or your peace and harmony will quickly become non-existent.
•Moving the furniture around to make room for a beer pong table near the stereo is pointless because she'll move everything right back, especially if she spent an hour trying to find the "exact right place" for the couch.
By avoiding these mistakes and keeping a "no screw-up" mentality, any guy can have a relatively happy experience as his girlfriend's new roommate.
-Stephanie Bryce is an English junior.
-This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec.
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