why is it that many people prefered to live-in than getting married legally?

I can look at from both sides of the fence. I rushed into a marriage with my first husband and didn't take time to really get to know him. He was abusive and almost killed me. It lasted 6 months. I took 6 years of living with my Hubby before I was really ready to take the chance and get married again. We knew everything about each other and have been happily married for almost 2 years. I lived with my ex-b/f for 9 years. After the first 5 years I knew I didn't want to marry him and it was a blessing when we finally hit the point of breaking things off. Thankfully I never had kids so the only person affected by my decisions was me. I probably would have done alot of things differently if I had kids. I do think it's important for ppl to really get to know each other before they rush into marriage. **AT PEACE WITHIN** ~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~

I think that now marriage is less of a necessity, and more of a choice, and bcause here are hoices, there are likely opposing opitions; to get married, or to live in, or to stay single? Because the pressure is no longer there, not as many people are going to want to be as traditional as heir parents HAD to be, in order to be accepted by sociey. I'm married, but we lived ogether for a while first, and I'm glad we did.