My mom and dad split up when I was three, so I know firsthand what it’s like to be raised by divorced parents. I have always promised that before I ever exchanged vows with anyone, I would live with him first. That way, we’d really know if our relationship was for real—before getting married.
I’m not alone: About 70 percent of couples are cohabiting before marriage these days, according to research from the University of Denver. Granted, the study doesn’t say how many of these singles were single parents. Because when you add a kid to the mix, the stakes are much higher.
Although I don’t regret living with my boyfriends before marriage … I’m VERY skeptical about doing it again. Now that I’m a single mom, I realize how important commitment is. I never thought I’d sound so old-fashioned ... but I am.
Why? Because looking back, I think I lived with “the guy” for other reasons that were not about lifetime partnership: such as cheaper rent and fewer bills, or to test out the waters.
As you can see, this is still on my mind. Big time.
I’d love to hear from both men and women on this one:
As a single parent, would you consider moving in without getting married?
Or, is living together a “package” deal with marriage?
Originally published on Single Mom Seeking
