Editorial

Negative effects of cohabitation

To be or not to be in the same house as your partner in the period leading up to the marriage (if it ever happens) is a discussion that always

  • PublishedAugust 8, 2019

To be or not to be in the same house as your partner in the period leading up to the marriage (if it ever happens) is a discussion that always sparks controversy. People have different views when it comes to cohabitation. While most are under the impression that cohabitation are a vital test of the real relationship, studies have revealed different results. Much as we may not like to admit, there are negative effects of cohabitation and some are as follows.

Lack of interest in marriage

While most people cohabit in the hopes of the relationship segueing into marriage, cohabitation kills the urge to marry and one of the partners might delay marriage for even longer. The mystery of living and sharing the space with another person dies. More so, after cohabiting, people may decide that marriage is not attractive after all, and avoid it. The legality of marriage pushes couples to work through things, but when cohabiting, a breakup may be initiated for the smallest things because, why not?

High chances of divorce

Couples who have moved in together before marriage have a 50% more chance of divorcing than other couples according to research.

“Even couples that spend a lot of time together still don’t encounter the challenges that come from living under the same roof,”  certified counsellor Jonathan Bennett says. “It requires at least some merging of finances and being dependent on the other person to a degree (e.g. to pay a share of the bills). Many couples who were happy living independently find that when they move in together they simply aren’t compatible in that way,” he adds.

                                                                Source: Your Black World

Prioritising sex too much

Sex plays a central role in cohabiting, according to The Communitarian Network. While important, sex is such a weak foundation for relationships.

Unplanned pregnancies

It is more likely for couples who are cohabiting to get unplanned children. The proximity and the role sex plays in such setups makes this possible.

ALSO READ: 5 conversations you should have before moving in together

Cheating

According to a study by National Survey of Women, marriage increases sexual exclusivity. The study found that 4% of married women were likely to cheat against the 20% of women who were cohabiting . Cohabiting couples are more likely to cheat than their married counterparts, both men and women. This is because they is no legal bind that keeps them together, thus the sense of freedom still lingers.

Money and wealth

Married people are more likely to take calculated, well-thought out financial steps as opposed to people who are cohabiting. According to Essential Cohabitation Facts and Statistics, Cohabiting couples earn less money and are less wealthy than their married peers later in life.

More so, cohabiting partners often do not have a plan for the future. They are just winging it.

 

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