Christian evangelist Chuck Colson once preached, "Cohabitation - it's training for divorce.
While I'm sure I would disagree with him on any other issue, Colson actually has a point on this one.
My boyfriend of two years, who doesn't want to say, "I do" for at least another decade, thinks living together is a great idea.
"You have to find out if you can live with someone before you marry them," he said.
But, as usual, he's wrong.
Those who live together before marriage are twice as likely to divorce than those who don't, according to a study done by sociologists Morgan and Russell.
Despite this reality, couples are still brainlessly deciding to be roomies without rings.
In 2000, 11 million Americans were unmarried and living together.
The Census Bureau reported this was a 72 percent increase from 1990.
So, does this mean that 10 years from now the idea of marriage will be obsolete?
Casual attitudes toward commitment are a growing trend, especially in college students.
The book "Unmarried to Each Other" reports the shocking statistic that two out of five college-aged people are shacking up before tying the knot.
Just because it seems that "everybody's doing it," doesn't mean it's the best idea for you.
This is a tough decision that a lot of students make with out thinking it through.
There are advantages and disadvantages of turning into a twosome, so if and when you decide to, make sure you go over all the angles.
One reason why couples consider moving in together is because they think like my boyfriend.
Mistakenly they hope putting themselves in that situation will be a preview to that marriage, helping them prepare for better or worse.
It may sound like a good idea because if you realize you can't live with your significant other, then you shouldn't get married.
However, there are more unnecessary break-ups because the commitment factor doesn't seem as strong, making it easier to call it quits.
But, even if you are able to stick it out, the chances of divorce increase later because you did in fact move in together before taking the plunge.
Moving in with your other half may be a sensible idea economically.
Having a roommate and getting to share the bills is a great way to save money.
But, as quickly as lovers could walk out on each other, it's also a great way to get stuck paying bills for two and going broke all alone.
Besides, if you are already living with the person you are going to marry, what does marriage really even mean to you?
The only real difference in your relationship is a piece of paper saying that you are, in fact, married.
Either, or both spouses might still have a mindset of being only in a dating relationship and not a marriage.
This may account for problems such as continuing to go out and party, neglecting your new responsibilities as a husband or wife. You may even be more prone to cheat becauseyou don't really feel like you're married.
Another big disadvantage of living with someone before you are married is that if you ever break up, they are still there.
You can't get rid of them right away like you could if you weren't living together.
They will still be sharing a home with you for at least a few more days or so.
I wouldn't live with my significant other before being married.
I would want such a big commitment to bring a lot of good changes into my life, like being able to move in together.
This is a big choice that one shouldn't make too quickly. Make sure that you go over every angle of the situation. It' s a huge life decision, so make the best choice for you.
If you decide to make the move to his and her hand towels then don't worry, I don't think you're living in sin.
But be careful, you might end up living in home sweet hell.
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