My DH and I just celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary and I love him more everyday. We dated for 5 years before marriage and three of those years we lived together. For us, living together didn't diminish our relationship but it did answer the question "Can we live together?". Our marriage is a very personal affair, literally. Neither one of us wear rings. And we often are not seen together nor do I feel compelled to talk incessantly about my relationship especially because everyone I know is getting divorced and it is rather obnoxious to discuss a wonderful relationship with someone who is separated. But any one who knows us quickly realizes that we have one of the strongest relationships possible. We are friends, lovers and parents. Our number one focus is our marital relationship But I think a big factor in our relationship is how I feel about myself. I don't need to be with him. I choose to be with him every single day. He accepts me for who I am- nothing more, nothing less. I refused to marry him until I finished my degree and knew that I would never be locked in a marriage because of financial reasons. I can support myself and my children on my own. Yes, it would be a serious cut back in funds but I can do it. I also feel good about myself. I am not afraid to have fun or be aggressive. I'm also old enough to realize that life is finite and that you better enjoy today because you or he might not be here tomorrow. Living together is a personal decision as is marriage. It is not for everyone. JCK