Marriage Is Better Than Cohabiting

Compared to their married peers, cohabiters consistently have lower rates of well-being than married people.  Why?  Because cohabiting relationships are ambiguous.  Usually each partner  has a different understanding of the nature and future of the relationship.  In marriage the couple is clear about the claim they have on each other.  Husbands are more likely to come home after work and not stay out all night with the guys than boyfriends are.  Wives and husbands are not as likely to flirt with others outside the relationship.  Marriage helps them know who they belong to emotionally and sexually.

Glenn T. Stanton and Dr. Bill Maier, “Marriage on Trial: The Case Against Same-Sex Marriage and Parenting,” pg.124-125