What it’s Like Living in 20 Square Feet With Your Significant Other

A Story of Losing Your Boundaries.

Let’s be real. Moving in with your partner for the first time can be a challenge. Adapting your routines to theirs, buying groceries for two, sharing a bathroom. Now picture that, but you only have 20 square feet of moveable space and you’re on a constant road trip. Tensions can get… pretty high…

Kara and I had been dating for over 4 years when we finally moved into Cleo, but aside from the occasional weekend spent at each other’s college dorm, we had never actually lived together before. This would be the ultimate test of our relationship. If we could overcome sharing a 5-gallon home depot pee bucket and driving hours upon days cramped next to each other on a stiff non-adjustable bench seat, then we could overcome anything.

The hardest part for us was the mornings. I am by all definitions of the word, a “morning person”. I love waking up to see the sunrise, getting in some good exercise, and maybe having myself a little private dance party. Kara, on the other hand… well, let’s just say she values her sleep. This is a common occurrence in relationships, there is always one person whose duty it is to be quiet in the morning when getting ready, or else they might wake the sleeping dragon, and then the whole day has gone to hell. This becomes exponentially more difficult when every step you take activates the suspension and causes the walls, floor, and ceiling to creak. My only advice is try to find the most flat parking place available

In all honesty, it’s not that bad. Yes, of course, we fight from time to time, but so does everyone who has ever had a significant other. It’s part of being in a relationship. Fights force communication and, as the saying goes, “communication is key!” So, while we may only have 20 square feet to work with, and avoiding conflict is much more difficult, this has actually proven to be a good thing. and Kara and I have never been closer (pun intended).