Question

What factors might explain why couples who cohabit (live together) before marriage sometimes are not as happy in their marriages as couples who do not live together before marriage?

Answer 1

There could be many reasons why couples who cohabit (live together) before marriage sometimes are not as happy in their marriages as couples who do not live together before marriage.

Couples who cohabit show many difference in their lifestyle than the couples who do not live together. Couples who cohabit may tend to be together when they are young, or aren't earning or have low income, very little or no family support or relationship commitment. Sometimes gender attitudes in cohabit couples could also be the reason for the unhappy marriage.

The other reason could be that couple who cohabit most of times may not move in together with the intention of marriage but may end up in marriage. If the relationship is not strong and has ended in marriage for some reason then this could lead to unhappy marriage.

Cohabit couple may not lead a happy marriage or even lead to divorce due to the reason that they get married not out of true love due to impulsivity.

Lot of studies since 1970s have shown that cohabitation prior to marriage is linked to lower marital happiness and stabilty and also a high chance of divorce.