Love lessons for cohabitating couples.

Thinking of moving in with your boyfriend? Here's a helpful hint: It won't be a blissful float down the tunnel of real estate love. Things will get messy. He will get messy. We're talking piles of boxer shorts -- dirty, dirty boy underthings -- cropping up in the most bizarre places. Don't fret, dahlings. We've got tips on how you can prevent the freshly painted walls of your new home, sweet home from becoming more like a steel cage fit for an ultimate fighting death match.

That Thing You Do
Think everything he does is super-cute? Yeah, that won't last long. Before you unpack your boxes, have a state of the union talk about the little things that will drive you nuts. Exhibit A: Those itty-bitty whiskers he leaves in the sink post shave. (Seriously, is he trying to grow his own Wookie?) Tell him it bothers you. Chances are, he's got his pet peeves, too. Maybe he's not an early riser -- and the sound of your hair dryer at 6AM is his worst nightmare. Best to clear the air and deal with little frustrations before they build into a screaming match.

Money Matters
Nothing kills romance like a calculator, or debt for that matter. Especially when your once-fabulous boyfriend -- the one who you couldn't stop gushing about to your girlfriends -- has turned into an uber-mooch. Talking finances isn't romantic, but it's a necessity. Decide how you're dividing up rent, bills and expenses before it's time to write the checks.

Miss Fix-It
He's not Bob the Builder. Unless the boy wears a tool belt to a construction site every day, he probably won't be able to transform a cramped studio into your dream home -- or build you a "Sex and the City" worthy walk-in closet. Don't drop all the fixer-upper work into his sexy lap. It will just frustrate you both. So grab a roller, channel Van Gogh and get to painting -- or get those perfectly manicured hands on a hammer -- and help the boy out.

Space Invaders
If you're lucky enough to have a spare room, use it. You'll both need an escape route when your new quarters get a little too close for comfort. Don't call dibs on it right away. (Yes, we know you've always wanted a special room to house your stellar shoe collection). Instead, consider making it a multi-purpose room that suits both of your needs -- an office, an entertainment room, whatever. His stupid free weights can snuggle up to your fave pair of ballet flats. Sharing is caring!