Co-habitating offers many insights into a person’s habits, personality, and behavior.
But cohabitation isn’t just about playing house or deepening the relationshipit’s an economic necessity for many people.
High living expenses mean that many adults must have one or more roommates to split expenses.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
For many, it makes sense to take that step with the person they are dating.
Research has found that around half of cohabitating couples end up separating.
Simply put, wealthier couples are more like to wed. You should want to learn more about your partner and progress your relationship.
Your Age and Stage of Life
Age and stage of life are other important considerations.
Romanoff outlines some of these below.
Increased Commitment
Before you move in, there are more opportunities for refuge.
Moving in means committing to the good and bad in each other and in your relationship.
You each are committing to show up and stay together on the good as well as the bad days.
You riskvulnerabilityand exposing all of your little rituals or quirky habits.
For many, marriage signifies acommitmentthat cannot be easily undone.
Living together may also help boost health and well-being.
Individuals who decide to cohabitate may havedifferent expectationsthan their partners about the move.
And that meaning should be communicated to and by each partner as well.
2011;32(7):876-905. doi:10.1177/0192513X10397601
Ishizuka P.The economic foundations of cohabiting couples union transitions.Demography.
The role of childhood selection mechanisms and partnership characteristics across countries.Popul Res Policy Rev.
2018;37(5):703-728. doi:10.1007/s11113-018-9467-3
