"Where one partner leaves or says they want a divorce the emotional fallout is horrible."
Probability of GAME OVER is much lower for married couples over the "shack ups." Once a "shack up" girl hits 32-36 (the last days of her "fertile years"), she has one or more of the following inner feelings:
1.) Zero self esteem
2.) 100 percent arrogance
3.) The continued path to intense depression and fear.
"Marriage is absolutely no guarantee that a couple will stay together."
True, but it has a greater probability of surviving a "shack up."
1.) Zero self esteem
2.) 100 percent arrogance 3.) The continued path to intense depression and fear.
Sorry I started living with my boyfriend at age 29 I am now 45 and experienced none of those feelings and don't regret it at all. My friends who live with their partners never regreted it and never experienced those either. They are quite happy living together and their relationships are mature and stable. BUT every human being is different of course.