Are live-ins a must have before you decide to walk down the aisle?

I have been there and done that twice. My first live-in I lived with for 2 years and by the end of the 2 years found out that he could be abusive....well needless to say I left. The next live-in I lived with for a little over 2 years, we are now married and have 8 kids between the 2 of us. I am definately glad to have had the chance to find out whether or not we were suited for each other before getting married. When you live with someone first you get to find out whether or not you can mesh your lives together without major problems. All relationships will have problems but most you can work out. So I guess I would say yes it is better to live together first.

I personally do not agree with a live-in relationship. I know that people nowadays are more liberal when it comes to relationships but I still think that living together outside marriage is wrong in the eyes of God. Especially for women, because what if things didn't work out and when she finally meets Mr. Right, he happens to be the type of guy who values virginity. That would really make things complicated.

This is an idea that has been going on for some time in all different customs and I certainly don't judge anyone for their personal decisions. Some people choose to live together first and do so for many years before marriage. There are some people who do look down upon it but I just live and let live. It is not up to me to say what is right and what is wrong.