Marriage is Better Than Simply Living Together — Research Proves It!
I'm a big proponent of marriage and all the amazing benefits that come with it. I understand people who decide to live together or "shack up" as some call it, but I don't agree with it. I say get married or be in a relationship living separately, but don't shack up.
I've been married for almost 13 years, but before you think I can't relate or don't understand shacking up, let me share that I also have experience living with someone else, and it was nowhere near as good as my marriage.
Oddly enough, the person I was shacking up with actually became my wife. We were young(er) and thought living together was the best thing, but our relationship was rocky at best. I've always said shacking up lacks the commitment that marriage has, and this was evident in our relationship.
There was lack of trust, a lack of security, and even a lack of faithfulness. Our communication was very shallow, and although we were great friends prior to living together, our friendship suffered. Of course we may not have realized it, and if we did, we probably wouldn't even know why. And what I recently learned is not just my opinion - it's science.
Related: 10 signs your spouse is more like a roommate and why that's trouble
YourTango says your brain knows the difference between just living together and considering yourself married.
I believe we need more committed relationships in the form of marriage, as opposed to uncommitted relationships which try to function like a marriage. When it becomes "official," there is a change within you and your partner.
This is why marriage is better than living together. If you aren't married, it doesn't mean your relationship is destined to fail. But that marriage commitment will subconsciously do something to you both that will enable you to have the peace, security, and the relationships we all desire. It can lead to a long-lasting, fulfilling, and amazing relationship!
Photo source: dview.us via photopin cc
-By Jackie Bledsoe, Jr.
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