Moving in together 

You've been with someone for a while and have decided to take the next step. In this day and age, its acceptable to live together before marriage. Although I know, back in the day it was considered sinful or taboo. Lets face it though, times have changed. Before you take that walk down the isle, you want to make sure you can cohabitate peacefully together. Well, maybe not always peaceful, but that's what puts the spice in life. How long should you wait before making that step? 3 months? 6 months? 9 months? a year? What is the status quo for that type of commitment? Personally, I think you have to weigh alot of factors before you do something like this. Do you love each other? Is he/she good to your kids? Are you happier together than you are apart? I don't think that there are any guidelines per se, it all depends on the situation. Everyone is different, just like every situation is different. What works for one couple doesn't necessarily work for another. Communication is the key. You have to discuss this type of move more than once. Actually, discuss the heck out of it. Make sure that this is truly what you want. If you have children, sit down with them and listen to their feedback. Let them know that things will change, but you're hoping it will be for the better. You can't predict what the future may hold, but you shouldn't stop yourself from moving forward because of your fears. You never know until you try. I know that the women of yesteryear will tell you that a man wont buy the cow if he can get the milk for free. However, it works both ways. Women of today are smart and independent. We choose what we want and find a way to make it happen. I dont know if a guarantee is what we are looking for because in reality, life just doesn't work that way. You need to be realistic in your expectations. Sometimes you just have to say, "what the hell" and give it a try. Any opinions on this topic? I'm interested in hearing what you think.