You’re Not Alone – The Six Stages of Staying Over With a Partner

You’ve been dating a few weeks and it’s no longer a mystery lady stepping out of your new man’s room. You’re in unchartered territory, and chances are you’re working out exactly where you leave your hat when you enter his home. You know you’ve taken your relationship up a notch when you start participating in these new sleepover rituals... No make-up Well chances are if you’re staying over, he loves you for more than your contouring skills, but it doesn’t mean the thought of wiping away your make-up armour in front of the new boy doesn’t give you a case of the fears. Once you’re past the awkwardness you’ll realise you’ve entered a whole new level of the dating zone. A level that means he won’t be scrubbing your mascara off his pillows. Granny Pants Long gone are the lingerie sets and negligee of being the ‘hot, new couple’, and you’ve moved very much into the granny pants Bridget Jones-esque zone of dating. He needs to realise this is actually a good thing – he’s now in the inner circle of trust, and you can eat pasta at dinner without feeling bloated in a thong that night. Winner winner, carby dinner. Eating some choice foods Fancy some garlic dip for them chips? Hey, why not go crazy and have fish for your main. When you’re in the comfort zone, staying over means eating all the foods you fancy regardless of the breath effect. This is the life. Having a drawer The more established you get, the more likely you’ll start needing a few more things in his place. Like fresh underwear. A hairdryer. Deodorant. Moving from carrying your life in your handbag to dumping your daily essentials in a drawer is sealing the deal on your relationship sleepover arrangements. Just try not to go too territorial... Wearing his clothes Chances are last night’s dress doesn’t feel quite as comfy as a pair of his trackies and a stretched out tee. If you’re sleeping over, then there’s a wardrobe of oversized cotton, fleecy comfort waiting for you to ‘borrow’ i.e. bring home and never return. Go on, pull on the hoodie. You’ll never regret it. Ever. Leaving the bathroom door open This might be the great divider, but we all know those couple who are closer than most. They usually insult your Facebook page with a million messages dripping with kisses and proclaiming their love. Their next step on the sleepover could be considered more intimate than most would ever care for… leaving the bathroom door open. Although personally it may be a step too far, having your privates in private may be one more barrier to break down. We’re just not too sure how we feel about it… Video via SATCclips