The Problems of Cohabitation

Moving in together is a common “step” that many couples see as necessary and normal in a relationship. Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle discuss why cohabitation can have such negative effects on a relationship. They also share how to talk with a couple who is cohabitating and how to encourage them towards something different.

Snippet from the Show
Couples who do not live together prior to marriage are more likely to have happy marriages.

2 Timothy 2:1-2

“So you, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And what you heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will have the ability to teach others as well.”

Pew Research on Cohabitation vs. Marriage

According to Pew Research, “Married adults have higher levels of relationship satisfaction and trust than those living with a partner. Married adults are more likely than those who are living with a partner to say things are going very well in their relationship (58% vs. 41%). They also express higher levels of satisfaction with specific aspects of their relationship, including the way household chores are divided between them and their spouse or partner, how well their spouse or partner balances work and personal life, how well they and their spouse or partner communicate, and their spouse’s or partner’s approach to parenting (among those with children younger than 18 in the household). When it comes to their sex lives, however, similar shares of married and cohabiting adults (about a third) say they are very satisfied.

Married adults are also more likely than those who are cohabiting to say they have a great deal of trust in their spouse or partner to be faithful to them, act in their best interest, always tell them the truth and handle money responsibly.

Link to Full Article

Practical Takeaways

1. Invest it now. Marriage prep and catechesis are sometimes put on the back burner.
2. Read Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraphs 1643-1654