Weddingbee Blog

After graduating and getting kicked out of our apartments (AKA our leases expired), Mr. Pony and I figured it was time to move in with one another. There was a slight problem at that time, however. We were unemployed—and hopelessly broke. So, we did what every other self-respecting recent grad does when no immediate solutions present themselves—we moved back home. Together. With my dad. In a 1,300-square-foot home.

It reminds me of this (minus the awkward sexual tension and mullets):

We really are living the dream. (Image credit: ABC via Andy Wibbels)

It has been a transition for all of us, to say the least.

Both Papa Pony and Mr. Pony have been accustomed to living by themselves for the past few years without anyone else to answer to or needing to adjust their habits for other people. Even though they get along superbly, they each do things a little differently, which can lead to confusion or conflict. Most of the time, it just leads them to complain to me because they don’t want to offend/upset/anger the other person.

Even though I lived with roommates throughout college and grad school, I have had to adjust to living with two men when we moved home. I have had to watch a lot of football, smell even more hot dogs, and put up with a great deal of testosterone on a daily basis. Most of the time I don’t mind, but sometimes it is nice to have a female perspective around to make me feel less crazy about my admittedly crazy wedding ideas.

Besides the obvious benefits of no rent, no bills, and free food, I also greatly appreciate the time that Mr. P and I get to spend with Papa Pony. I know many people don’t have a strong relationship with their fathers or have lost their fathers too soon, so I am thankful for the time we have together now and cherish the fun memories we are creating.

That’s not to say that things haven’t been stressful.

Our current situation has greatly impacted mine and Mr. P’s relationship. Even though we live together now, our relationship seems as if it has taken a step backward. It feels juvenile to live with Papa Pony instead of having our own place, even though I know moving out is not feasible given our current job situation. Mr. P and I also seem to have fewer meaningful conversations between us—not because we aren’t communicating, but because we try to involve Papa Pony as much as possible, making conversation between just us a rare occasion. We are good at talking things through and making the best of our situation, and I think this living arrangement will only make our partnership stronger in the long run.

Obviously, this is not the ideal living arrangement, but we all seem to make it work. Right now I am just grateful to have the most amazing, wonderful, patient, and understanding father who allows Mr. P and me to live with him without any complaint and minimal conflict. I am also appreciative that Mr. P and I get to be under the same roof and see each other every day. I often take for granted how lucky I am to have two very supportive and thoughtful men around me every day if I need a shoulder to cry on, a person to bounce ideas off of, an ear to gossip to (not that I do that or anything), or anything else. They are always there for me.

This type of living arrangement is bound to produce stress, but it has afforded us a great opportunity to save money while spending some cozy quality time as a family.

Do you live with your SO? Is your living arrangement “unique”? Are you living the dream?