17 Mar 09 SOCIAL PRESSURES AND RESPONSIBILITIES DURING YOUNG ADULTHOOD.

COHABITATION

Some people in relationships do not get married before they live together. Living together unmarried while in a sexual relationship is sometimes called cohabitation. Some people do this because they are not ready to commit to legal marriage. Others may never want to marry. Some people may have been married before and do not want to get married again.

Lesbian women and gay men cannot get married legally. They often share the same desires and reasons all women and men have to live with someone—to gain intimacy, companionship, and security and to live more economically.

Our views of cohabitation are shaped by our moral values and our religious and cultural beliefs. Not everyone approves of couples living together outside of marriage. Many religions do not allow for sexual intercourse before marriage, which may make cohabitation unacceptable. Deciding to live together is a decision that we make with our partners for ourselves based upon our own values and priorities.

Living together is an important commitment that couples make to one another. Like marriage, it requires good communication skills and a commitment to negotiate and compromise. It is important for both people to be clear about the goals and expectations they bring to the relationship.

*78/155/5*