Living with a romantic partner is common, but people’s reasons for cohabiting vary widely. Some move in to split rent, test their relationship, or simply spend more time together. Others do it for childcare, marriage ambivalence, or sheer convenience.
Does the why behind cohabitation affect a relationship’s success? Research suggests it might.
Why Do Couples Move In Together?
Studies highlight three primary motivations (Rhoades et al., 2009):
- Testing the relationship – A “trial run” before long-term commitment.
- Convenience – Saving money, sharing chores, or simplifying logistics.
- More time together – Deepening emotional and physical closeness.
But real-life reasons are often more nuanced. Some partners cohabit to care for a child, avoid marriage, or blend families from past relationships.
Do Reasons Predict Relationship Success?
A 2025 longitudinal study (Chapman et al.) tracked 485 cohabiting couples for five years. Key findings:
Time-focused couples had the strongest, healthiest relationships long-term.
“Testers” (those cohabiting to evaluate compatibility) had poorer relationship outcomes, echoing earlier research (Rhoades et al., 2009).
Interestingly, motives may reflect pre-existing relationship health rather than cause changes. For example, couples who prioritize time together might already be more invested.
Six Types of Cohabitors: Which One Are You?
A 2025 study (Beauparlan et al.) used advanced statistical methods to categorize cohabitors into six groups based on their motivations:
Convenience Seekers (16%) – Mostly motivated by practical benefits (e.g., cheaper rent).
Time Seekers (8%) – Want more quality time; least focused on testing or convenience.
Testers (25%) – See cohabitation as a compatibility trial; less driven by time/convenience.
Practical Cohabitors (11%) – Strongly value both testing and convenience.
Convenience Prioritizers (27%) – Mostly driven by practicality but also moderately value time/testing.
Many Motives (12%) – Highly endorse all three reasons (time, testing, convenience).
Which Group Has the Happiest Relationships?
- Time Seekers and Many Motives couples reported the highest satisfaction.
- Testers showed lower commitment levels, aligning with past research.
- Surprisingly, conflict rates didn’t differ across groups.
The takeaway? Multiple strong motives—not just one—may boost relationship health.
What This Means for Couples
While research relies on self-reported past motives (not real-time data), these insights can help couples reflect:
Discuss your reasons – Are you aligned, or is one partner “testing” while the other seeks convenience?
Time-focused motives correlate with happiness—prioritizing connection matters.
Testing isn’t doomed—but if it’s your only reason, tread carefully.
Future studies tracking couples over time will clarify how motives shape outcomes. For now, communication remains key.
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