KWR: Moving in together before marriage?

We lived within 2 hours of eachother. I moved in after a year of dating. I always said I wouldn't move in till I was engaged but I did anyway, a part of me felt gosh when is it ever going to happen. 2 1/2 years later he purposes. We are getting married within 11 months of his proposal. Once were we're engaged I had this over whelming feeling of commitment! That mushy gushy I could feel this way forever. And for my self I wouldn't mind staying engaged as long as I possibly could it's such a great feeling. I guess getting married would feel just the same living with somone first make your see, feel and hear everything that your life will be like in the future I highly recommend it!

DH and I started living together very soon into our relationship. Things were still different once we got married. We waited until then to combine finances and it just felt different. It was still exciting coming to find our first place as a married couple and now, we definitely argue about chores more. I will also say that living together prior to getting married eased the transition and we got those living together adjustments and arguments over with early on. I would say that if it's something that really bothers you, then living together before marriage may not work for you. There isn't a right or wrong answer; it's what works for you and your FH.

FH and I have lived together almost 4 years now. Much to my family's dismay, it has been the best decision ever. I know his quirks, how he takes forever in the bathroom in the morning, how he always leaves milk and juice jugs out after he's poured a glass, and I love him despite his silly traits. I'm not going to marry him and then be shocked by all of these things. I know him completely, his dreams and nightmares, his habits and his cooking talents. I would advise any of my friends not to marry someone without living with them.

Thank you all for all the tips! As a little backstory, FH and I have been close friends for over 10 years and in a serious relationship for 3; we even share bills. It's normal to us! And although I feel like I know everything about him, I suppose things will change when it's more than just a sleepover every night. I think I was just lusting over the idea of having some big milestone in our relationship coincide with our marriage (as a kid, I always thought it'd be sex, but that clearly didn't work out ), but I suppose the unity itself is a milestone. Again, thanks for the advice; it's been wonderful reading your stories.

I totally get what you mean about coinciding milestones, but I definitely recommend living together before you get married. It will change your relationship (not necessarily in a bad way). I've been living with FH for about 2 and a half years, and we bought a home together earlier this year. I love living with him, and I'm so glad we did it before getting married - I know so much more about him now and feel more comfortable with him than ever!

I couldn't marry someone I hadn't lived with first, for the reasons many others have mentioned. And some folks are good with staying together forever without getting married, but in the U.S. there are so many legal & financial benefits you can only get if you're married. The system strongly favors marriage here, so it felt impractical for us to have the lifelong commitment without getting married. And I want a wedding, haha.

My FI moved in with me the day before he proposed and I love living together! I feel completely confident about marrying him because we are a good team with household tasks etc. I know I will still feel like it's very different and special to get legally married. I will change my name and I just know it will feel special. I say go for it!