What is the difference between a boyfriend and a husband, a wife and a girlfrien

United States
July 31, 2011 11:55pm CST
I have heard that many people who live with their partner before they get married are more likely to get a divorce, because they expect married life to be like having a roommate, and things change after marriage. But how do they? The reason I am asking is because I am planning to hopefully cohabit with my boyfriend after two years or so. Since we're so young, chances are we're not going to be able to afford any kind of a wedding in that time. Since neither of us are involved in any religion, we do not want to be married in a church. Other than that, there aren't really any other plans, but I know we're not the types to spend a lot of money on that anyway, so it'll be pretty low-key. So chances are, we could probably afford it. That part, I just don't know. Would it be beneficial to get married two years from now, rather than 4 or 5, just because of this statistic that people who cohabit first get divorced? Should we really avoid cohabiting? Is it that big of a deal?
2 people like this
8 responses
@aimend13 (51)
• United States
1 Aug 11
Personally, I don't think there is much of a different between being "married" or just "living together" except for some legal things. For example, without marriage you both have no true legal claim on one another. I think it comes down to what you both believe. If one of you believes that marriage changes the way the relationship/living situation works, then yes things will be different after marriage. I think that if you are living with someone then you are just as committed to that person as if you both decided to get married first. For example, if your significant other is going to cheat on you - they are going to do with whether you are just "living together" or if you are married. Living together still has the same responsibilities and day to day expectations as marriage.
1 person likes this
• United States
1 Aug 11
That's been my take on the whole thing too, it's the same person, it's the same guy, and we both are in it for the next 75+ years together, no matter what it's called. I told him that as soon as we start living together, I want to wash his clothes, and do dishes, and cook for him as much as I can, because I want to go ahead and act like a wife, and take care of him. I think the only other possible difference would be that most girlfriends don't wash their guys' underwear, but wives do, and I'm willing to wash his undies if it means showing him I'm in it for life. I think the reason the statistics look so bad for people who live together first is because they don't really want to get married, and they're not committed, just because it's not the way they feel.
1 person likes this
• United States
2 Aug 11
To be honest, marriage statistics look bad for anybody whose married, whether they live together or not. In the US, 50% of all marriages end in divorce. I think that's a combination of things - the fact that divorce is so easy and socially acceptable now a days is a big one. I think you and your significant other are going to be very happy as it seems that you both have similar views on the situation. In all honesty I don't think that living together before marriage has any real bearing on the fate of the marriage at all :)
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
1 Aug 11
If the two of you are committed to each other and want to spend the rest of your lives together, why not get married instead of cohabiting? A marriage license is less than $20 most places, I think, and a justice of the peace can marry you. My ex and I paid a preacher $20 to marry us in his back yard. Yeah, I'm divorced but not because of anything to do with cohabiting or the usual troubles, it's a long story. But getting married can be done affordably. The difference between co-habitants and marrieds is commitment. When you live together you're saying you love each other until something better comes along or until the first big fight. When you're married you're telling each other that no matter what happens, you'll be there and nothing can tear you apart without a battle. I think you shouldn't cohabit. It's something I did when I was young and I can't tell you one good thing that came from it. It was fun playing house but that's all it was, playing. There was no real commitment so neither of us gave our best efforts.
1 person likes this
@urbandekay (18278)
1 Aug 11
I had cohabited with previous gfs and had assumed that marriage was just like a committed long term relationship, when I got married I found it to be very different all the best urban
1 person likes this
• Philippines
1 Aug 11
All I would say is living with your boyfriend before you get married will give you a chance to see how he is 24/7. Well, maybe not exactly 24/7, but you sure will see things you don't see when you're together in another place. You'll see his habits, like does he flush, or is he a neat freak, or does he brush his teeth real quick, does he take a bath everyday or not? Thank kinda stuff. Also, you'll be the first thing in his way when he gets frustrated, happy, sad, or angry. It will be a good way to see if you can learn to live with each other. Imagine you living with your siblings. Except you're lovey-dovey with your boyfriend. There are as much perks as there are downfalls to living together. So it pretty much depends on how much you are willing to sacrifice, or lower your pride, or give up for this person so that you can live harmoniously. Once you've figured that out, figure out if you want to make it official to the world. And once you do, the only thing you need to make it official to the world is a wedding date and a budget.
1 person likes this
• Bangladesh
1 Aug 11
Relationship depends on trust,respect and understanding. If both of you have those,then I can suggest to get married.Marriage is a blessing from God.So, get married and life a sound life.
1 person likes this
• Malaysia
1 Aug 11
Well boyfriend is someone whom you love but he is not eligible for any matters of your legitimate value. He cant be a heir to your property or you cant be to his. Marriage is a process where your relation is socially and legally accepted. After marriage you share everything with your spouse and if you want to discontinue living with her then you will need a legal notice for that. Hope I am not wrong.
1 person likes this
@QeeGood (1213)
• Sweden
1 Aug 11
I think the difference in husband and wife ; girlfriend and boyfriend will be the commitment of giving a promise before God to be there for one another in a marriage. When you are girlfriend and boyfriend you can split up easier. As you are together you grow to learn each others differences and similarities while your love matures for one another. But there are people who after a few months know that they are right for each other and get married to remain married for lifetime. Others need some years to grow together before getting married. It is very individual. Listen to your heart for your decision.
• Philippines
2 Aug 11
Marriage is based on trust, love, respect and understanding with each other and its a long term relationship. .It is also accepting each imperfection. .So if you think you love each other in-spite of each imperfection why not get married. . that's one key of a successful marriage.