Fox News reported on 14 July 2009 that “Living Together First Can Spoil Marriage, Study Finds”. It seems that in the US, 70% of couples living together are not married. Yet, that might spell disaster for the relationship. For example, the percentage that even suggested divorce was almost double between the group that did not cohabit before marriage and the group that did before engagement (19% vs 10%)!
I remember hearing a few years ago, and I don’t remember who said it, that living together sets a pattern for the relationship. You always know in the back of your mind that you can get out. There is an escape clause. It sets up a habit in your thinking, so that even after marriage it becomes difficult to not think that way.
We seem bent in this country on social engineering. We try to make things go by our rules, whether it is natural or not. When will we wise up and learn that God is Creator, and He knows best?
You can read more about the study at FoxNews.com.