experience an additional loss-their biological clocks have been
ticking while they cohabited; when they break up, they have lost
valuable time in which to find a marriageable partner and have
children. 10
Second, cohabitors value independence more than
noncohabitors; marriage involves less independence than living
together. For example, cohabitors are less likely than marrieds to
support or be financially responsible for their partners. 11 They
more often have separate bank accounts. Male cohabitors are
more likely to value personal leisure and individual freedom.
But this individual freedom may come with a price: they do not
reap the benefits of a deeper and more intimate relationship.
Third, cohabitors are more likely than noncohabitors to have
negative attitudes about marriage and are more likely to accept
divorce as a solution to marriage problems. 12 In addition, the
longer cohabiting couples live together, the more negative their
attitudes about marriage and childbearing are.13
Finally, a pattern of "serial cohabitation" actually becomes a
roadblock, rather than a prelud