Co habitation before marriage?

Do you believe that living together before marriage helps you to get to know someone and decide whether the relationship is right for a future, or do you believe that it can hinder a marriage?

I once heard someone say that when living together people have less expectations of their partners than when they are married. Is this true?

It definitely sounds plausible but I don't know.

My husband and I lived together 13 years before we got married. And we've been married 15 years now. But when we "cohabitated" we handled everything like we do now. Nothing changed, other than adding him to my work benefits.

But it doesn't work for all couples, and I think that's largely because they don't live it like they really would if they were married. They manage finances differently, and I think the level of trust is different. I don't know ~ hard to explain.

Sometimes people find out really fast that they're not compatible. That can save a lot of time, trouble & expense. There's nothing wrong with it. And yeah I do think there are fewer expectations because you have a better idea of what you're getting into. Doesn't mean they won't turn into an ass down the road but if they're already there you'll find out fairly quick.

I think it's almost essential. Soon as a couple becomes engaged, they should be at least partially living together.

Living together is a necessity before marriage.