Cohabitation

Cohabitation means couples who are sexual partners, not married to each other, and living together.
But do you really need a "test drive?"

Myth: You'll save money!
Fact: The average income for cohabitating couples is significantly lower than married couples.

Myth: You'll be safer!
Fact: Many people, especially women, believe they will be safer living with a partner than on their own.  However, aggression is at least twice as likely to occur in cohabitation relationships as in marriage.

Myth: You'll be happy!
Fact: Annual depression cases for cohabitating individuals are three times the number as with married individuals.

Myth: You'll have better sex!
Fact: Individuals who have sex before marriage report lower levels of sexual satisfaction in marriage than those who waited for marriage.

Myth: Great marriage guaranteed!
Fact: 40% of live-in couples NEVER get married.  Couples who do cohabitate before marriage have a 50%-100% higher divorce rate than couples who did not cohabitate.

Myth: Your children will be safe!
Fact: There is a significantly higher risk of sexual abuse and physical violence (up to and including death) for children in cohabitating homes than those in married homes.

It may take courage to move out if you are living together now.  It may take courage and resolve not to move in together.  But doing just that will lead to a safer and more sound life.

Read more in our Secondary Virginity and Abstinence pages.