Are you guys married? “No aunty,” is the reply. Then? Without marriage, how can you live together? “Aunty, this is called a live-in relationship.” Aunty has nothing to say. She just shrugs her shoulders. This is not a scene out of some show but this is what happened with a friend of mine. I read that live-in relationships have been legalized. It’s celebration time for couples who were just thinking about it. I think it’s a welcome decision although it has its own advantages and disadvantages. Actually it’s an old concept which is only being legalized now. I know so many of my friends who had decided to go for a live-in but couldn’t because of disapproving parents. But now some of my friends are happily living in. Actually it’s a big step and it’s an experiment, alright for those who are seriously thinking of marriage yet have the heebie-jeebies about taking the big plunge. Marriage involves adjustments and a live-in arrangement gives couples that time to think if they are with the right partner. A live-in arrangement helps the boy and the girl to know each other better and also give them a chance to know their good, bad and ugly habits. But yes, all live-ins do not culminate into a marriage. Some realize it’s better to go their separate ways than marry and then go for a messy divorce. So, yes, a live-in can help you understand better if you are ready to spend the rest of your lives with each other. Sometimes, you may know each other so well that you would rather live alone. But these days, breaking off and then getting back again is a trend too. It’s not that I am against living-in relationships or am discouraging people to live-in because to me, a live-in is as good as married. Because everything has to be shared equally. Both the boy and the girl are equally responsible for everything. It doesn't mean that you are only sharing the rent and expenses of the place you are living in it means ‘from now on we will be equal’. So all you auntyji’s, be prepared to see many more such couples. Disclaimer: the views expressed in this column are those of the author and TellyChakkar does not necessarily subscribe to the same.