Call it a matter of convenience, practice ‘match’, a compatibility test or even a rebellion... live-in relationship is no longer alien to our ‘youngistaan’.
If some feel live-ins help two people understand each other before ‘settling down’, there are also those who think it as “unjustifiable”. “What’s the point in loving someone and not marrying them?’’ they ask. Films showcasing such relationships encourage people to experiment. ``This is not a healthy trend,’’ they add.
“On the contrary, I feel it only helps one know your partner better. And we hear of marriages ending in three-four months time. Live-ins at least save you from the legal hassles,” says Arpita who has been living in with Rohit for three years now.
Prema, who married Amar after living in for 10-year asks what’s the fuss? “I opted for a live-in more as a rebellion. I met an old friend when I was going through hell, post a failed marriage. We developed a liking for each other and later moved in together. Yes, there is this stigma attached to such a relationship, but I didn’t need the ‘society network’ of aunts and uncles. It was on a recent holiday that he proposed marriage and we got married, sans relatives and ceremonies of course!”
But is this a growing trend in India? “Marriage is still the nirvana of life here. But live-ins are just about redefining relationships. It is opted by those who think marriage is a complicated package. Those who stress on space and feel that marriage may come in the way, go for it. Though the step is taken to avoid role-playing, partners often end up doing just that. But again it is wrong to assume live-ins as courtship before marriage,” explains sociologist Sudha Sitharaman.
“There are however pressures from the family to enter wedlock. But we both are really happy and have been able to know each other in and out. Who cares what the world thinks as long as I am happy?” concludes Smirithi.
(Names changed on request)
Two people without marital status living under one shelter for a long time are considered husband and wife by the law. The woman in such a relationship is entitled to shelter and maintenance in case of a split under the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act 2005. Also, children born out of such relationships are entitled to maintenance.
Sumana, lawyer
