When to Factor Your S.O. into Big Life Decisions (and When Not To)

1. Questions To Ask If You're In The 'Honeymoon' Stage

Whenever we finally move from flirting with our crushes to being in a relationship with them, it's typically followed by a period of euphoria. You and your boyfriend likely can't get enough of each other right now which is probably making your friends playfully roll their eyes. Since everything is brand new, you can still keep it light though.

O'Neill suggests asking "open-ending questions that prompt curiosity and connection:"

• What's one dream you've never let me in on?
• What's one little gesture that can make you feel valued?

"These couple of queries facilitate bonding while generating enthusiasm for the goals and interests of each other," he says.

2. Questions To Ask After Your First Big Fight

Even if you and your boyfriend are super tuned in to each other, a disagreement or argument is bound to happen. In case you're worried, your relationship isn't on thin ice because you're not seeing eye-to-eye on something. O'Neill says you can ask:

• How do you think we handled the argument?
• What could we do differently next time to make our future fights more productive?

His reasoning is that these questions "promote growth and empathy" so "disagreements are transformed into stronger communication opportunities."

Note: Disagreements should never turn physical. It's not okay for you and your boyfriend to become physically aggressive with each other. If you're concerned about domestic violence, dial the National Domestic Hotline at 1(800) 799-7233.

3. Questions To Ask Before Introducing Your Boyfriend To Your Parents

Introducing your boyfriend to your parents is a huge step that can be scary and exciting. I was terrified when my parents first met my fiancé because they couldn't stand my ex. But, the conversation between them flowed and everyone always looks for him to be at family events.

If you're ready for introductions to be made, O'Neill wants you to "encourage the normality of preplanned talks" by asking:

• What is something about me that you think my parents would really love to hear about?

By doing this, he says it'll "help alleviate anxiety and ensure both spouses feel comfortable and attuned before meeting the parents."

4. Questions To Ask If You Or Your Boyfriend Have An Illness

It's never easy to experience illnesses or health scares, but it can be terrifying if you don't know how to help your partner manage if something unexpected happens. O'Neill says to "nurture insights with queries such as:"

• What is one thing I could to assist you better when ill?
• Are there any aspects concerning your healthy that haven't been discussed which make you anxious?

"The conversations provide a safe space for airing concerns while building up mutual support through health difficulties," he adds.

5. Questions To Ask If You're Worried About Boyfriend's Spending Habits

Financial red flags are always a cause for concern when dating someone — especially when it seems like your boyfriend doesn't care about his spending habits may affect your household if you live together. O'Neill suggests asking:

• What are your financial goals?
• How do you see us working towards them together?
• How do you feel about budgeting as a team?

This will "make goal alignment stronger" because "effective communication about finances can prevent misunderstandings," he says. Also, this helps "lay the foundation for a shared vision of the future."

6. Questions To Ask To Deepen Vulnerability With Each Other

Being vulnerable isn't easy for everyone, let alone two people in a relationship. It took me years to feel comfortable expressing my sadness or fears to my fiancé because I was afraid he'd think I was 'weak.' However, this can cause more harm than good because it becomes difficult for our partners to know what's going on with us if we don't open up.

O'Neill says you can ask:

• What's one fear or concern you've hesitated to share with anyone before?
• How can I help you feel safe sharing with me?

7. Questions To Help Move The Relationship Forward

If you're still wondering "what are we doing" after asking some of the above questions, you focus on asking the following "future-oriented questions," according to O'Neill:

• Where do you see us in 5 years?
• What's something you envision us doing together as a couple in the future?

1. Long-term goals like marriage aren't often a cause for concern.

Have you ever dated someone that made you wonder what you saw in them once you pay attention to certain red flags? You may have found yourself arguing with them about everything from religion to reproductive health, leaving you feeling dizzy afterwards. But Dr. Keels says compatible couples are more likely to be aligned on "whether they want the same things out of life."

Her examples include:

• Relocating for careers
• Family planning
• Finding somewhere to settle down in general (i.e. apartment, condo, different state, close to family, etc.,)

"This common ground lessens the chance of fighting over these big topics," Dr. Keels reiterates.

2. There's a lesser chance arguments about weekend activities occur.

We're no strangers to indecisive moments where we couldn't agree about what to do on the weekends with our partners, but Dr. Keels says compatible couples don't always run into this issue. "When you enjoy similar activities or have overlapping hobbies, you're more like to find ways to unwind together, rather than feeling disconnected or frustrated by each other's choices," she adds.

While it varies from couple to couple, you and your partner may enjoy the following:

• Buying tickets to watch the latest college basketball or football game
• Going to a 'Paint and Sip' class for fun
• Having a mini outdoor picnic
• Visiting a national park if it's on your couple's bucket list
• Spending a day at a local arcade

The possibilities are endless, but all that matters is that "this mutual understanding makes spending time together feel natural and fun," according to Dr. Keels.

3. Communication styles aren't causing a daily disruption.

Some people have a more direct way of communicating while others may be passive or even passive-aggressive. Less arguments aren't happening because compatible couples communicate the same however. "When they both understand each other's communication style — whether it's direct or more subtle — it helps avoid misunderstandings and frustration."

Here's a couple of examples:

• If you're having a bad day that has nothing to do with your partner, they don't take it personal when you prefer some alone time.
• If your partner says something they perceived to be a joke, but you didn't, you're less likely to immediately accuse them of being insensitive. Instead, there's a higher chance of asking what they mean by something and expressing why you didn't like it instead of arguing.

Compatible couples "know how to express their feelings and needs in a way that the other person can easily understand" which makes "it easier to resolve issues calmly," according to Dr. Keels.

Are couples better (or more compatible) because they don't have a lot of arguments?

Well, no. That's actually a stretch because everyone has arguments. "Even compatible couples can argue about everyday things like chores or schedules. No matter how well they get along or how "in sync" they are, little annoyances can still pop up here and there, and cause some tension between them," Dr. Keels shares. "The difference," she points out, "is that they're usually better at handling these moments and keeping them from turning into bigger problems."

The other thing she's seen couples argue about is money. "It's such a common stress point because everyone has different habits and priorities when it comes to spending or saving," she says. But, guess what? "Compatible couples tend to approach the conversation with more understanding and a willingness to find a compromise," she continues.

If you feel like you and your partner aren't on the same page, it may not be time to break up just yet. We've learned that that it can take time to effectively communicate with a romantic partner or understand them. Compatibility is great, but it's not an indicator that a relationship will be smooth sailing!

How can I have healthier disagreements with my partner?

Like we said, getting to a point where you and your partner aren't consistently hurting each other's feelings during disagreements takes time as well as skill. No one's born knowing all the answers so don't think your relationship is over because you're still figuring things out.

Dr. Keels says one way you and your partner can work on the kind of disagreements you're having is by "knowing how to communicate/compromise." Look, we heard your sigh and know it's probably the antithesis of how you feel. We struggled with compromising, but you don't get far in life thinking that everyone else has to bend to your will all the time.

"Even if they don’t see eye to eye all the time, healthy couples listen to each other's perspectives, and look for solutions that work for both of them. It’s not about 'winning' the argument and getting to say who's right, but finding common ground so they can move forward together," adds Dr. Keels.

Also, "staying respectful event when things get heated or when you're upset" is a way to have a productive arguments, according to Dr. Keels. What happens is that "healthy couples avoid yelling or saying hurting things during disagreements," she says. This means no cursing or raising voices to the point your next door neighbors feel they have to call the police to do a wellness check on you.

"Instead, they just focus on the real problem and stay calm, which helps them work through the issue without hurting each other and the relationship," Dr. Keels says. And in the event you and your partner can't find common ground in a given moment? She highly suggests you "take breaks or pause when things get too heated."

Couples who do this "know when to step away and cool off before continuing the conversation," she adds. There are times where it's difficult to have a proper conversation when you're anxious or angry, so it's always better to revisit the topic.

Dr. Keels agrees and says, "This gives them a chance to cool down first so they can properly think things through, and think of a solution that works for both of them without saying anything they might regret."

1. Black & White Farmhouse

What to do instead: Over the past decade, this stark look dominated bathrooms, but it’s time to bring in some warmth and personality. The latest bathroom trends focus on natural materials like wood, stone, and linen, paired with earthy tones such as rich browns, deep greens, and soft rosy hues to create a cozy, inviting space. If you’re still drawn to the modern farmhouse aesthetic, give it a fresh update by incorporating vintage art and unfinished brass accents — subtle nods to the past with a modern, elevated twist.

2. Frameless Mirrors

What to do instead: Framed mirrors add character and tie into your bathroom's aesthetic. Organic oval shapes, art deco-inspired curves, and frames made from materials like wood and brass, even blending the frame color into the wall's paint color, are becoming popular choices.

3. Carrara White Marble

What to do instead: This overdone material can look overly sterile, especially when it takes over a bathroom like this one. Instead, add earthy elements like artisanal zellige-style tiles from places like Zia Tile and Fireclay Tile, as well as unique marbles in jewel tones like red jasper.

4. Ornate Fixtures

What to do instead: An antique piece or two can add character and charm to a bathroom. This space feels overwhelmed by too many vintage elements and lacks sophistication. Instead, opt for clean-lined fixtures in matte black or brushed brass, pair them with natural stone countertops, and select a mirror and lighting with a more refined, architectural design.

5. Jacuzzi Tubs (And This Glass Block Window)

What to do instead: Freestanding tubs or spacious showers with a steam feature offer a more elegant and modern alternative to bulky jacuzzi tubs, which not only hog space but are also notoriously difficult to clean. The glass block window dates the bathroom's design even more. For a fresher, more open feel, enjoy the view and bring in natural light with a clear glass window if privacy isn’t a concern.

6. Tile Explosion

What to do instead: Give your bathroom a breather with some bare walls for a modern look. Combine tiles you love with painted walls, wood paneling, or textured finishes, and use them strategically, like in the shower or as a backsplash.

7. Vessel Sinks

What to do instead: Vessel sinks are leaving the trend sphere in 2025. (I'm also not a fan of pedestal sinks). Instead, opt for integrated sinks in stone or concrete for a seamless look, or choose under-mount sinks with a quartz or earth-toned marble countertop.

8. Generic Overhead Lighting

What to do instead: The classic "boob lights" and generic ceiling mounts often seen in rentals are overstaying their welcome. Instead, elevate your space with softer, layered lighting or modern sconces that provide a warm, flattering glow.

9. Traditional Bath Mats

What to do instead: Washable rugs made from natural wool or cotton are emerging as decor statement in bathrooms, offering unique colors and eye-catching prints. If you're partial to a traditional bathmat, consider keeping it tucked away until you need it, rather than displaying it, to keep your bath from feeling outdated.

10. White Subway Tile

What to do instead: White subway tile in traditional brick or herringbone patterns are on their way out. They're overdone and a bit sterile. Shades like sage green, dusty pink, warm clay, or earthy tones can make the space feel more welcoming.

11. Faux Wood Tile

What to do instead: Anything pretending to be what it's not is out for 2025. Faux wood tile or vinyl can make your home look cheap and outdated. Instead, choose natural stones, porcelain, and cement tiles, or go for an actual wood flooring that is protected for moisture.

12. Overly Themed

What to do instead: Avoid being too gimmicky in your bathroom decor with a theme like beach, western, or industrial. Draw inspiration from nature, use organic materials like natural stone, and incorporate greenery with potted plants. Here's inspiration for a coastal home if you're into the beach vibes!