In 2020, when the pandemic crippled the world, the veil around live-in relationships was somewhat lifted when people started talking about it. The surge in the number of people who decided to stay together without entering into a marital contract was welcoming, but not with society at large. While live-in relationships or cohabitation is beginning to steal Gen Z’ hearts, there’s more than meets the eye here.
If you are one of those who have been thinking to kick start this journey with your partner, and in case your mind is still wavering, read on these 5 hard-hitting realities that will surely come your way in harbouring your cosy nest:
- Because life in a metro doesn’t promise house rentals for live-in partners
Much to our chagrin, the modern bustling metropolis does offer a hard time for live-in partners to find a habitat for themselves. Many residential societies hesitate to rent out their apartment or house to live-in partners. Even if you decide to pay double the amount, be ready to get turned down at the last minute when pitted against a married couple, a family, or even a bachelor. So, before you set your eye on that picture-perfect apartment, don’t stop yourself from exploring other options. The majority of live-in partners living in society wear fake engagement rings to turn the rental agreement in their favor.
- Live-in, but first, inform
Yes, it’s legal, but the recent law being passed in Uttarakhand enforces all live-in partners to register their relationships, failing which they may be imprisoned. This news has baffled many millennials. While people aren’t yet ready to let their parents or family know about their arrangements, apprising the government has become an altogether different story now. This news has only discouraged a large number of people from entering into live-in partnerships.
- Are you ready to answer… everyone?
Dodging the social stigma attached to live-in relationships is by far the hardest challenge of being in a live-in relationship. More so if you live in India. People don’t look at you; they stare every time you walk in the society or come out of your flat. Those uncanny looks are inevitable, and so is the incessant whispering. A friend of mine once overheard a man commenting on his live-in relationship status by saying, “He’s finished. Too much sex only leads to weakness, and by the time he decides to marry, he won’t have any good quality sperm left to bear children.” This baffled him so much that he stopped greeting the uncle next time. Who would?
- You are always on the fence!
Agree that marriage doesn’t promise forever, but when you are in a live-in relationship, future gnaws at you. Trust is the epicentre of a live-in relationship, and to build that, it doesn’t take a village, but the two of you who need to keep the momentum going. The fact that it is way easier to say goodbye than when you are married can become nightmarish if you see your relationship being solemnized into matrimony someday. Brewing conversations around the future of your relationship could be put on hold or, at best, confronted only with your partner.
- Lack of familial support
If you are the one who has been interrogated about the whys and ifs of your live-in relationship status by your parents, relatives, or even siblings, I hear you! Let’s face it. Indian parents find it quite hard to comprehend the dynamics of a live-in relationship. They can’t be blamed entirely, as they have been conditioned in a highly conservative environment. If you expect a shoulder to cry on or seek practical advice, you are dissed instantly, as no one would ever take your relationship seriously.
But you know what? Don’t lose heart, for matters of the heart are known only to a few. In my recent novel titled Do I Not Marry?, as much as Neeti grapples with trivial issues at different instances in her live-in relationship, it is her relationship that gives her the most strength. So, does she walk down the aisle or decide to call it quits? Find out and let me know in the comments section how much you relate to her story. If you haven’t read the book yet, click here.
Comments