CT: The Science of Shacking Up

Think living together before marriage will increase your chances of having a happy marriage? Think again.

From Christianity Today online.

Scientists find that cohabitation cuts down on commitment. The message of living together is, “I’d really only like to take part of you. And maybe some time later I’d like to take all of you.” No wonder so many cohabitating couples break up or fall into unhealthy patterns. The relationship defines itself by a holding back of commitment.

People, especially men, who cohabit are less committed to that relationship but also less committed to future relationships. Again, that’s not a preacher’s line or a moralizer’s line. That’s a scientific line. Cohabitating men who go on to marry are significantly less committed to the marriage itself than men who don’t cohabit.

Read and ponder it all, especially if you are living with someone right now. Talk about the issues raised here with your mate and ask God to guide you both as you do.