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In reply to the discussion: Sanders reopens Dem primary wounds [View all]NurseJackie
(42,862 posts)Back in my day, when a couple could only "partially commit" but didn't want to marry, we'd say they were "shacking-up". They enjoyed many of the benefits of marriage and living together, but none of the actual commitment and promise of working long term. Basically, either party could just bail-out whenever they wanted with very little impediment or obstacle preventing a hasty decision. So, in spite of any perceived benefit, the danger was that either party could leave the other high-and-dry on whatever whim suited them at the moment.
Kinda hard to develop a trusting relationship when you're only "committing" for the superficial bits.
I, for example, changed career paths to follow my husband's career ... but I'd have NEVER given that much control of my life and my future to some guy who just came along and that I enjoyed "shacking-up" with. Who in their right mind would do such a thing. That's too much of a sacrifice without much benefit in return.