There was a time when men and women lived separately until marriage. Now women often get a key before they get a ring. Statistics show that in the United States, there are nearly four times as many unmarried couples living together now compared to just 20 years ago.

In fact, some of your friends are probably already living with their girlfriends, but is your woman interested in living with you?

Watch for signs that she's thinking about this next step so that you can decide -- before the big talk -- if you're ready.

1- She decorates your place
Watch out if your girlfriend starts changing the dcor in your bachelor pad. Recognize that decorating and even cleaning make her feel more attached to your place. The new tablecloth in the dining room that she picked out gives her a sense of belonging. And the matching towels in the bathroom make her feel like she's at home when she steps out of the shower.

It may be tempting to ignore the significance of these small changes. After all, if she has a flair for color and style, then you might even like the new look. But keep in mind that there may be strings attached.

2- She takes the "y" out of "yours"
Listen to her when she talks about everyday things around your place. Listen carefully. Does she mention that "our" new curtains look good with the furniture, even though you bought them? Or that "our" fridge is set too cold? Language is a window into the mind and these little signs should tip you off that she wants to blur the line between "your" place and "our" place.

Put the pieces together and start keeping track of what she says. Be sure to pay attention if she starts mentioning how much easier it is for her to commute to work from your apartment, or if she complains about how expensive it is for her to pay rent. Saving money and time are both classic reasons for couples to consider living together. Stay alert and notice them if they start coming up in conversation.

3- She gives out your home phone number
Do you find yourself skipping through messages on the voice mail to get to those that have been left for you? If she's giving your number out to her friends, especially if she hasn't talked to you about it, then you should take notice. By having people call for her, she is planting the seeds of togetherness in your mind. Passing out your number is not just a matter of convenience; it can also be a way of getting (more than just) her foot in the door.

Furthermore, if she actually answers your phone, then you might as well start giving her some closet space.

4- She turns a night into a week
By now it's normal for her to sleep over every now and then. When she starts to linger for a few days, whether it's for convenience or pleasure, it may be a signal that she is thinking about a more permanent move. What better way to make you comfortable with the idea?

Be warned that these extended visits are like training wheels for the real thing, and she might be trying to see if you would make a good roommate. Also notice if she stays at your place when you're away on business trips or out with your buddies on the weekend. This may be her way of checking up on you.

5- She colonizes your space
If a woman is thinking about moving in, she may try to ease you into little details of her lifestyle so that you won't go into culture shock. Having a few of her "basics" in the fridge can be one of her first steps. Once you reach past the soy milk for a beer a few times, you may start to feel like you're losing ground in your own apartment.

Keep an eye on the bathroom too. A toothbrush is acceptable (if she sleeps over you'll be grateful for that in the morning) but stocking the medicine cabinet with sanitary pads might be too much.make a decisionIf you've seen all or some of these clues that she wants to live with you, it's time to make a decision. Maybe you're excited to know that she has been thinking about it (too). On the other hand, you may realize that you need more time for the relationship to develop before you start sharing a space.

Once you recognize the signs that she wants to move in, you can prepare yourself for the conversation. Decide whether or not you're ready for this next step. That way when she asks, you'll be ready.