Sharing a place before marriage: Beneficial or not?

Some couples think that pre-marital cohabitation is a good way to see if their relationship has what it takes to survive in today�s world - before they make the commitment of marriage, Olsen said. In fact, with a 50 percent divorce rate in the United States, some couples think that pre-marital cohabitation is important because moving out is easier than getting a divorce.

Research shows, however, that couples who live together before marriage don't necessarily make better partners during marriage or have a greater chance of staying together.

"Ultimately it comes down to the couple�s decision about cohabitation and to whether or not they feel comfortable living together," Olsen said. "For example, if they�re not ready to tell Mom and Dad about it, then they�re probably not ready to live together."