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These days, very few people raise an eyebrow (and almost no one is surprised) when they hear of an unmarried couple living under one roof. Couples who “live in” defend their arrangement by saying that playing house before marriage allows them to test their compatibility before actually getting hitched. Decades ago, this practice would have been considered a mortal sin—and probably for good reason.

According to a study conducted last year by sociology professor David Popenoe for the Rutgers University National Marriage Project, living together before marriage might do more harm than good to your relationship. Here are some findings from the study that may make you rethink your decision to shack up with your partner:

• Fewer marriages. Because cohabitation has now become a viable option, less people are willing to take it a step further by actually tying the knot. In fact, more and more people actually consider “living in” an alternative to marriage. If you think living with your boyfriend will lead to a ring on your finger, think again.


• Higher breakup rate. According to Popenoe, couples have a lower level of interpersonal commitment when they are not bound by any official vow to stay together. Since couples who cohabit naturally have a more casual attitude toward relationship and commitment than those who are married, breakups are more common for the former.
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