Delay Rather Than Rejection of Marriage: The Meaning of Cohabitation Outside Marriage Through the Eyes of Live-In Couples

Cohabitation outside marriage is a pressing social issue. Using qualitative descriptive study, I explored the meaning of cohabitation and marriage postponement as perceived by five unmarried couples. My in-depth interviews made me realized that cohabitation outside marriage is described as similar to marriage and a socially negotiated relationship, while marriage postponement is viewed as a delay rather than rejection of marriage. In this study, I highlighted the need for counseling and outreach programs to promote informed decisions among live-in couples. I believe that research across diverse contexts is needed to better understand the economic, social, and cultural factors influencing cohabitation and marriage decisions.

Delay rather than rejection of marriage, cohabitation outside marriage, live-in couples

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