Marriage is a legal and social union, the importance of which is increasingly becoming debatable in many young and modern minds. Couples now want to test their relationship and compatibility before tying the knot. While in some cases the financial burden of a marriage is too heavy to bear; in others, couples are often not sure about each other, and hence opt for a live-in relationship. But, whether it is truly a solution or a problem disguised as one, remains the real question? Well, this article is just an effort to understand some of the major advantages behind a live-in relationship.
"Married couples share responsibilities of their families, finances, and societal duties. They are always striving to maintain a satisfactory balance in the society. However, not being in a legal or social bond has its own advantages," says Nikita Juneja (name changed), who has just entered in a live-in relationship with her boyfriend. Well, being in a live-in relationship you don't need to make those necessary compromises, which are often important in a marriage. You can share and divide your expenses, there lies no pressure of pleasing relatives and parents, and can enjoy your personal space. Since you are already breaking society norms, then social diktats and pressure do not apply to you and your relationship.
Recommended Read: Bollywood, Youth and the Idea of Live-in Relationships
Not being a legal couple automatically implies a relationship free from legal obligations. Divorce is an ugly possibility of marital ending, which can be a bitter and traumatic experience. A live-in relationship completely eliminates the scope of all legal hassles related to ending an unsatisfying and suffocating marriage. Reena Jhoonjhoonwala, a banker, who has been in a live-in relationship for past three years, says, "Live-in relationship gives you an emotional advantage. Well, I feel that handling a breakup is definitely easier than going through the trauma of a messy divorce."
One of the biggest advantages of live-in relationship is division of expenses where each individual is responsible for his or her own self. Marriage brings in the added responsibility of maintaining joint financial ventures and dual banking operations, where the couples always stay alert of their income and spending. Rahul Jhajhar, who has been in a live-in relationship for an year now, says, "Yes, I do love spending on my girlfriend, but I'm not being interogated by her on my every move. Moreover, we both are even comfortable in dividing our bills. We enjoy our respective financial freedom."
Recommended Read: What Happens when Boyfriend Becomes Husband?
In today’s world where divorce lawyers are growing wealthy due to abundance of cases, it might not be a bad idea to test-run a relationship to see if it would work out or not. A live-in relationship helps you to assess your partner more accurately and honestly. A person can pretend to be something that they are not when they meet you occasionally (during your courtship period), but no one can pretend or hide their true personality 24x7. Arunima Singh Jhhad, who got married to her boyfriend after being in a two year long live-in relationship with him says, "You get to know each other a lot better and also develop instincts which will be a big advantage if you two ever get married."
Anchal Roy (name changed) who too is in a live-in relationship says, "In a live-in relationship both partners are truly equal, whether it is in their freedom or in their insecurities. Both of them know that the door out is always open so they will always make extra efforts to make their partner feel secure in their love and relationship." Well, she certainly has a point here. Since neither of the partners are dependant on each other financially, socially or legally they enjoy equal space and respect in their relationship. This would also tell you how loyal, compatible and trustworthy your partner is.
Recommended Read: Bollywood Heartthrobs who Cheated on their Wives
These were just the advantages of being in a live-in relationship. There are certain disadvantages as well of such a setup. Want to know what are those? Read what we have next!