Dating and the start of committed relationships can be confusing times when it comes to boundaries. Yes, you love your boyfriend but how do you maintain your value in the relationship with boundaries and respect for both of you?
In some cases it is easy. Love makes us do things to express it to those who matter to us. But it is important to set the right standard from the beginning of the relationship.
When it comes to cooking for partners or at their places, it raises questions like is that wife territory? Do you guys order takes out? Does he cook in turn?
It can be a learning curve but it doesn't have to be stressful or chaotic. Here are some tips to help you when cooking at his place.
1. Breakfast in bed
You can never go wrong with a tray of breakfast-in-bed foods. If you stay over, you can pick a day that you prepare a nice morning stuffing for him. These foods are also easy to make and you can curate the tray to his likes.
Eggs, fruits, yogurt, juice, coffee, and toast among others, are great ways to say good morning. It is a treat for him, you don't have to run around much and you both get to have an intimate moment first thing in the morning.
2. Foods that lead to sex
Cook food with some sultry intentions. Aphrodisiacs like asparagus, chocolate, avocado, and spicy chili peppers among others, can get you in a good mood to cook for him. Select an aphrodisiac of your choice and make it the focus of cooking and the entire meal. It can also be a food he likes. Cooking for him with hidden motives can be fun for you and for him, and if it feels 'evil' remember the only road filled with good intentions is the one going to hell.
3. Foods for his mood
Read his mood and prepare foods that can help him relax or energise. Depending on what is happening at the moment, food can be a good way to support him.
4. Foods that require creativity
Go for foods that use your skills to make nice meals. Cooking can be fun when it challenges your skills or requires you to use some unconventional methods. You get to have fun, update your cooking skills and cook for him.
5. Use what he has
Another way to make cooking a good experience for you and a part of your relationship is to use available ingredients. Rather than ask him to go shopping or do shopping, use whatever is available. He may start shopping of his volition but always use what is available. If he doesn't do shopping, you have fewer ingredients to scour through and less work. If he starts shopping, it is a win for the relationship.
Takeaway
Relationship boundaries and expectations are great ways to build healthy connections. Doing things that you are comfortable with and that contribute to the relationship is essential, as is leaving room for your partner to meet you halfway.