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Living Together For The Future

Decent Essays

Cohabitation is generally defined as two unmarried individuals living together in a sexual relationship (Santrock, John W.). Although some people view cohabitation as an alternative to marriage, most emerging adults in a cohabitating relationship have plans on getting married in the future. Cohabitation is often used as a trial run for marriage and as a way to test a couple’s compatibility.
There are several reasons why emerging adults might choose to cohabitate. Living together provides a couple the opportunity to get to know each other better. The information a person learns about their partner’s habits, mannerisms, and everyday life might affect the decision of marriage in the future. Another reason emerging adults choose to cohabitate is financial stability. Since many emerging adults do not have as high-paying jobs as older adults, they tend to have a harder time being able to pay for things. By cohabitating, couples can split the cost of bills, rent, groceries, etc. Although a couple may not be ready for the commitment of marriage, cohabitating is able to take away some of the financial strain they may face. Furthermore, cohabitation does not come with the pressure that a legally binding marriage may have. Few emerging adults are ready to make a lifelong relationship commitment, but they still seek the intimacy and companionship that comes with taking the next step in their relationship. Cohabitation provides a transitional stage into marriage that helps couples

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