Young couples are more aware about the fragility of marriage and need to give this long-term commitment a lot of serious thought. Living together seems like an easy way to test the waters and experience the benefits of marriage without worrying about divorce if things don't work out.

However, not all couples in long-term relationships are comfortable about the idea of moving in together. Statistics show that most live-in couples never get to see marriage - why make that risk?

Before anything else, you must think long and hard about the real reasons behind moving in together. Is it because your relationship has become so comfortable that moving in seems like the next logical step before the ultimate goal, which is marriage? Is it because of economic convenience? Do you feel pressured into fulfilling what seems to be a social norm? Is it because you feel that your partner is slipping away, and moving in together will revive your relationship?

Often, relationships last until marriage when couples feel that moving together is the next logical step of the relationship. As a co-habiting couple, you share a lot of the practical responsibilities you'll be taking on in marriage - paying the rent, handling the bills, and who gets to do which household chores. You'll learn new things about your partner and see different sides of him/her you never thought existed.

If you or your partner has any habits that annoy the other, living together is the best time to make adjustments and get used to each other's quirks before swapping wedding vows. If living together turns out to be quite a nightmare, at least the relationship will end without the legal hassle of a divorce!

On the other hand, familiarity does breed contempt. If done for the wrong reasons, living together could spell the end of your relationship. Although there is nothing wrong with moving in together for economic reasons, it could go wrong if there isn't enough careful planning involved. There is a high risk that the spark and passion of the relationship will get drowned out by practical daily matters.

If you think moving in together is what will get you a long-term commitment from a guy/girl, it might not turn out to be that way. Some folks won't buy the cow if they can get the milk for free. Don't even think about moving in together just because everybody your age is doing it!

Moving in together will require a significant change in your lifestyle. Before signing the lease, it will help if you and your partner hold an honest discussion about your expectations, needs, concerns, and the possibility of marriage after living together. This way, you'll know what to expect out of your living arrangements and where your relationship is headed.

Set a time limit of several months before you do move together so you can carefully plan out where to live, who buys which appliances, and how the finances will be shared. Careful planning will lessen the occurrence of petty fights about daily living and practical matters.

Any relationship has its own share of turbulence and chance. If you are confident your relationship can handle the challenges and the rewards of living together, then you are on the right track.