Should you marry a stranger? 💎

Would you ever sign up to be on Married at First Sight? (That’s a TV show, mom.) No? You wouldn’t? Because it’s a terrible idea to marry someone you don’t know? Especially in public?

Well if you have enough sense to know that making a commitment like that is a bad idea, then why would you sign a lease on the first space you seriously consider? But since there are apparently no shortage of people willing to do this (the show in on season 14, wtf?!) you can bet that there are a lot of people who sign leases WAY TOO SOON. And guess what…signing a lease is a whole lot more consequential than marrying Drew the IT manager from Pensacola. 

There is a whole lot of “dating” that needs to happen between you and your potential space before you pledge to honor your lease through good times and bad, (financial) sickness and health. The space search, LOI, and leasing processes are long because they are supposed to be a time for measured, rational consideration. 

Does your lease expect you to come home at a certain time when you go out with your friends? Does your lease make you hand over money if you get a raise? There is no shortage of issues to talk through and consider before you determine that the lease you’re dating is the one you want to marry. Believe it or not, getting out of a lease is a whole painful lot like getting divorced, so don’t rush into anything unless you’re ready for the emotional and financial consequences of a bad match.