Pros and Cons of Live-in Relationship

A live-in relationship is an alliance that people enter into in order to satisfy their various needs. Some people enter into one because they believe they are madly in love. Others do the same because they believe it will help them understand and know their partner better and will also aid in sculpting a better future with this person. There are advantages and disadvantages in every relationship and the same is true for live-in relationships too.

Pros of Live-in Relationships

• A live-in relationship lets a person see what living with her/his partner can actually be like. It is a step one can take before getting into an institutionalised arraignment such as marriage.
• A live-in relationship allows couples to spend more time with each other as now they are not bound by the constraints of time.
• Live-in relationships expose the level of love and intimacy as they stand between couples. A couple living together will get to know how much they care for and love each other and what are the various impediments in this liaison of theirs. It also brings relationship problems to the forefront before the final step of marriage is taken.
• Many couples believe that they should enter into a live-in relationship before taking the final plunge. Because in case some issues arise that absolutely cannot be sorted, the relationship can be ended without getting into a legal battle in most cases.
• Another considered advantage of live-in relationships is that because they currently fall outside the ambit of societal structure, the adverse influence of society can be avoided in them. This means that live-in relationships do not follow the otherwise necessary diktats of society. The burdens of social relationship are less in a live-in relationship and it actually helps a relationship blossom further.

 Cons of Live-in Relationships

• In simple words a live-in relationship leaves nothing to be discovered by the couple post marriage. Routine already sets in between live-in relations and there is anxiety or expectancy left for to be realised after marriage.
• Because there are no specific laws to deal with the intricacies of live-in relationships in most countries, the incidence of major problems in these cases are on the rise. Many people are duped of their assets in live-in relationships. Cases of verbal and physical abuse are also quite rampant in live-in relationship despite the fact that live-in relations are considered more ‘modern’.
• A potent disadvantage of live-in relationship is social censure. Because these relationships have not yet been awarded the stamp of social acceptance, they are looked at with scorn. Many couple in live-in relationships prefer to call themselves married fearing rejection. This primarily causes problems in relationships.
• It is very difficult to move into another relationship after a live-in relationship. Live-in relationships require a lot of time, energy and devotion. The most important fact is that in a live-in relationship two people decide to share their lives. And if such a relationship comes to an end it takes a toll on the mental health of people.

Importance of Intimacy in Relationships

Importance of Intimacy in Relationships

When two people enter into a relationship, it is generally believed that they will now a strong bond and deeply connect with each other. However, considering the mass hysterical times that we live in, it is becoming increasing difficult for couple to share an intimate relationship. There is way too much apprehension and doubt in our minds which make us wary of the other person. However, the importance of intimacy in relationships cannot be ignored. It is what makes our relationship with that special someone unique. And we are not talking about sexual intimacy alone. Intimacy in a relationship has to happen at all levels.

Importance of Intellectual Intimacy in Relationships

Intellectual intimacy in relationships simply means that two people fully connect when it comes to matters of the mind. Of course we are not hinting that you become clones of each other! Intellectual intimacy will mean that your respect your partner’s process of thought and that the two of you connect despite disagreements. Sharing of ideas, healthy debates and exchange of opinion can both enrich the individual mind and strengthen the relationship. 

Importance of Emotional Intimacy in Relationships

The two of you need to fully understand each other and your respective emotional needs. It is very important that partners in a relationship should try and fulfil any emotional void in each other’s lives. This can mean that you lend a supportive shoulder to your partner during trying times! Emotional intimacy in relationships is critical. It decides whether or not you will be able to spend your life with this person.

Importance of Sexual Intimacy in Relationships

Sexual intimacy is of crucial importance in any relationship. When in a relationship, the act of making love further deepens the bond between two people. Sexual intimacy in relationship will also ensure that you can communicate freely with your partner. A sexually intimate couple is also more confident about each other and that shows through their daily life transactions. Sexual intimacy will also enable you to say no when you do not feel up to it. 

In order for you to be really intimate with your partner, you will have to make the effort to open up and increase proximity. However, it in no way indicates that intimacy in relationships means encroachment on each other’s ‘me’ time. The ideal way to remain intimate in a relationship and also to retain one’s unique identity is to tactfully balance personal need and joint commitment.