Last Updated on March 10, 2023 by Corynn
Starting to get back into the dating game, but you still have mom and dad questioning your every move? Here are some ways how you can start dating while living at home.
I totally get it. You just moved back home and you’re trying to have a relationship without having your parents be on your case all the time.
We love our parents, but do we really need them questioning every guy I’m seeing?
You tried sneaking around but who really wants to do that in your 20’s?!
Today I am going to share a few tips on how to date at home without sneaking around.
This blog post is about different ways on how to start dating while living at home.
Is It Possible To Date While Living At Home?
Short answer? Yes, it’s possible.
My fiance and I started dating in high school. At first, it was great, we were still trying to figure each other out.
Until we hit our twenties, out of college, and have full-time jobs. It started becoming difficult to the point where it was easier to move in together.
RELATED POST: Things to do before moving in together
But in reality, a lot of us live at home in our twenties, even in our thirties! Some of us don’t have that opportunity to move out right away and that’s okay.
Some of you want to save more money, some have strict parents who were moving out before marriage is forbidden. Or you’re trying to get back on your feet during the pandemic.
Don’t worry, I am going to share with you some tips on how you can start dating while at home without sneaking around your parents.
9 Tips to Start Dating While Living At Home With Parents
1) Communicate With Your Parents
Keeping in touch with your parents can make your dating life much easier to work around.
When I was living with my grandparents when I was in college, at the time my fiance (boyfriend at the time) and I were dating.
I had to be open about our relationship. Where we were going, if I was going to go spend the night, date nights.
Dating while at home will be much much easier if you keep the communication open with your parents. They will begin to trust you and feel safe knowing that you are being honest with them.
Now, you don’t have to open up to them about everything. There are some things that you can keep from them, such as;
- arguments/fights both you and your partner have
- If you have just started talking
- Sex life (obvious reason)
- Any serious plans you are JUST starting to make. (Make sure to tell them when everything is set and ready to go)
Have strict parents? When you go to your parents, just make sure that the information is 100% the truth, and set in stone.
2) No Matter What, You Will Be Playing 20 Questions Every. Time.
Every time you get ready for a date, be prepared to play 20 questions. Every single time. Even if you are dating for over 5 years, the 20 questions will still be in play.
Yes, this could get super annoying after the 2nd or 3rd date you go on. I get it! Our parents question us so they know we can feel we’re going to be safe.
One thing my mom taught me was how our parents ask questions. Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How.
Parents just want to answer those questions. While they ask us those questions, they begin to remember what outfit we are wearing (or to comment on it haha).
At the end of the day, your parents just want you to be safe. Knowing where you are going, who you are going with, when you are coming back will ease their mind… a little bit.
PRO TIP: If you really hate being questioned, when you are letting your parents know you will be going on a date.
Answer the 6 Q’s (Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How). That way they won’t question you as much as before.
3) Create Boundaries
We all have that guardian who always wants to be in our business. It’s their weird way of showing they care about us. Although it can be very irritating.
If you are moving back home, it’s best to have this conversation right away with your parents.
What do they expect from you when you are going out? What about dating? Are they going to allow you to bring any partners over?
Remember that since you are living with them you have to follow their rules.
In addition, you can also ask your parents for some boundaries. Meaning, that yes it’s their home although you can ask your parents for some privacy while your date comes over. Or you don’t have to share every single piece of information about your date.
Creating boundaries and setting expectations will help to strengthen your bond, also continue the trust between you and your parents.
4) They Don’t Have To Meet Every One
Dating while at home can sometimes be tricky. You want to make sure that you are keeping the conversation open but at the same time, you want to keep some things private.
Here’s how you can do that. Don’t introduce every single person you are dating to your parents. I believe this is by far the most important tip.
Having your partner get along with your relatives is a very important thing to happen in relationships. But what happens if you introduce them too early?
You’ll then get constantly asked, “What happened to (name)?”
Make it a habit where you have to be dating for a certain time frame before meeting the parents.
I suggest waiting anywhere between 3 to 6 months, depending on how your parents take to meeting new boyfriends/girlfriends.
Since my fiance and I were friends prior to dating, we met each other’s parents very early on in our relationship.
Until you know you want to be with this person for a while, separate your home life and dating life.
5) Go Out More
Make sure you take the opportunity to go out on dates together whenever you can. You don’t want to be sitting at home with your parents coming around to bother you or keep asking your date questions.
Some dates can be dinner, visit the amusement park, or some dates can be little to no cost. Such as; the beach, taking a hike, and so much more.
Dating during the pandemic? You’re gonna have to get a little creative with picking out where you are going to go.
RELATED POST: Date ideas during the pandemic
6) Stay Over At Your Partner’s Place
If your partner has their own place then you can both hang out there. Going all the time can get tiring (and pricey). This is a great opportunity to spend some time together and try to get intimate.
Remember to respect your partner’s rules in their place and don’t try to “move-in”.
Before you begin to have sleepovers, discuss this with your parents. You want to make sure your parents are comfortable with the idea that you are sleeping at your partner’s place.
This could be something your parents need to work up towards. Don’t be too offended that they say no at first. They’re trying to look out for you.
If your parents allow it, remember your parent’s house is not a place where you can store your things. You still need to respect their rules and boundaries.
7) Be Respectful
When we move back home, sometimes our parents will be a bit more lenient to some rules. No curfew, allow your partner to stay the night, or even allow you to use their car.
At the end of the day, remember to always be respectful to your parents. Sometimes we can take advantage of what privileges they give us and we begin to bend the rules. We all have done it.
Remember, your parents allowed you to stay home/move back home rent-free! You have a major advantage of getting Costco snacks. So don’t take that for granted.
Once your parents notice you have been disrespectful, you may lose some of the privileges they gave you.
8) Get To Know Each Other’s Families
After knowing your relationship is taking a serious turn. This is a great time for your partner to meet your family.
This could include; your siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, even grandparents.
It’ll help you put a face to the person you always talk about. Plus you get to see how your partner interacts with your relatives.
By far meeting, my fiance’s family was one of the highlights of our relationship. Now years later I’m close with them all.
It can be nerve-racking at first, but once you see them more. The nerves will decrease.
9) Don’t Be Ashamed You Live At Home
How the past couples have been, it’s becoming the new normal to be living at home and/or moving back home.
Don’t be ashamed you still live at home. Yes dating while at home can be difficult, although you are saving thousands of dollars a month right now.
Maybe you need to get back up on your feet, or you are just finishing up college. There is absolutely no shame in living with your parents.
If your partner truly likes you then living with your parents will seem like no problem.
Dating while living at home can be tricky, but all it takes is some open communication, and to accept the fact that you still live with your parents, and that’s okay.
One day you’ll be ready to move out on your own or with your partner!
Related post to “Dating While At Home”
5 Super Fun Date ideas to do during the Pandemic
