Drawbacks

While a live-in relationship gives a couple time to get to know each other, society refuses to recognise this relationship.

Family and neighbours create problems; snide remarks are a constant reality.

There could also be lot of complications if and when legal issues -- over property for example -- enter the picture. Children born out of such a bond face problems, both socially and legally, as our judicial system is ill-equipped to deal with such a situation.

Many believe that however committed a couple in a live-in is, there's always a sense of insecurity and impermanency.

Then, there is the emotional trauma if and when the relationship doesn't work out.

Lavina Sharma* was in a live-in relationship for five years before she and her partner broke up. Looking back, she says, "He never took the relationship seriously because we were not married. Walking out was easy because there was no legal bond between us. And the callousness with which he did it made me feel used. I don't even want to talk about what I have faced with my family and friends since then. I had made a commitment; he didn't, and I am still paying the price."

*Name changed on request.