When it comes to dating, a particular bugbear for many singles is whether or not you live with your parents. 32% of women would say no to someone who still lived with their folks. Only 1 in 10 men would feel the same way, according to thinkmoney.

Relationships on Female First

Relationships on Female First

A staggering 3.3 million young adults still live with their parents under the age of 34, and people are bound to have an opinion on how it might affect their love lives.

900,000 men are living with their parents still and a third of single women have cast them aside because of where they live and who they live with. But for 13% it was because of a bad relationship that they moved back home in the first place; not out of choice.

As unfair as it might come across, living at home with parents does not exactly scream 'eligible bachelor' and for some women this is important.

For those lucky few who met while they were still living at home or for those who it isn’t an issue for, we have some advice for you on how to make the best of your living situation from Love Mentor. Elizabeth Sullivan

As the summer holidays come to an end, and this year’s graduates settle into their new working lives, they and their parents are likely to be faced with the harsh realities of today’s housing market. Many graduates will have to move back into their parents’ homes after university. Having had the freedom of living away, moving back in with your parents can put a real strain on relationships. How can you make it work?

It’s really important to make a real effort to get along with your parents. After all they may have been looking forward to having some time alone. They have to adjust to having you around again and to the new more independent you. There are small changes you can make to maintain a good relationship with them, such as helping them out around the house, offering to cook them dinner and showing appreciation for anything they do for you. You want to try to stay in their good books.

Managing your romantic life can be a real problem. If one of you has your own place, or a flat share, the situation is simpler as you have somewhere private you can be together.

If you both live at home, but your parents are relaxed about your partner staying the night, there are a few points you should consider. Remember to be respectful and discrete when it comes to having sex. Just as you don’t want to know about your parents having sex, they feel the same way about you. Consider having sex later at night quietly or when they’re out. If you’re concerned about sound, play some music to cover any creaking beds and make sure you keep the door locked. 

However relaxed your parents are about your partner don’t assume he or she can move in or stay with you more than one or two nights a week. You need to respect their privacy; it’s not like sharing with your college friends. Always make sure your parents know if your partner is staying before hand. Your mum doesn’t want to bump into your boyfriend when she’s just coming out of the shower. If you have a single parent make sure they’re not made to feel like an outsider in their own home. If you’re cooking for your partner, at least offer to cook for your mum or dad at the same time, and don’t ever make him or her feel like they’re in the way.

If your parents don’t let your partner stay the night don’t make it a point of contention between you, or sneak them in behind their back. You may shift their view over time if they’re given the chance to get to know your partner in a relaxed way as a mature couple they can trust. Until then:

  • When the weather is good you can make trips to the countryside or go camping for the weekend.
  • Find good deals on bed and breakfast and hotels so that you can spend weekends away without affecting your savings too much. You can get some real bargains.
  • Make plans to visit friends together.
  • Offer to housesit for friends when they go on holiday. Do you have friends whose flat you can borrow?

I hope the above helps you negotiate what I know can be a tricky situation.

www.lovementor.com