The Evolution of Love Why More Pinays are Choosing Live-in Arrangements

The Evolution of Love Why More Pinays are Choosing Live-in Arrangements

In recent years, the notion of living together without marriage has gained popularity among Filipino women. According to a study by the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), more Filipinas are opting for live-in arrangements over traditional marriage. This shift is driven by a new era of practicality, as couples prioritize financial stability, shared responsibilities, and emotional intimacy.

A New Era of Practicality

The world has become increasingly interconnected, leading to significant changes in our perceptions of love and relationships. Gone are the days when marriage was seen as the only acceptable way to solidify a union. Today, couples are choosing cohabitation for its practical benefits – combining financial resources, sharing household responsibilities, and enjoying emotional intimacy.

Meet Maria, a 30-year-old marketing specialist who has been living with her partner, John, for three years. When asked about their decision not to get married, she explains, We're not against the idea of getting married one day, but we want to focus on building our careers and financial stability first. Living together allows us to combine our resources, share household responsibilities, and enjoy each other's company without the pressure of societal expectations.

From Tradition to Transition

The CPD study reveals that women aged 15-49 who are living with their partners have quadrupled in the past three decades – from 5% in 1993 to 19% in 2022. This shift is not limited to young adults; even older generations are embracing cohabitation as a viable alternative.

Take, for instance, the story of Liza and her partner, Alex. After getting pregnant unexpectedly, they decided to cohabit as a practical means to cope with the new addition. We didn't want to rush into marriage just because we were having a child, says Liza. Living together allowed us to adjust to our new reality, share responsibilities, and continue our romantic relationship.

The Role of Economics

As the cost of living increases, couples are prioritizing financial stability over tradition. Cohabitation provides an opportunity for partners to pool their resources, reduce expenses, and plan for a more secure future.

Meet Chris and his partner, Rachel. They've been cohabiting for five years and have two young children together. When asked about their decision not to get married, Chris explains, We're not against the idea of marriage, but we want to focus on building our careers, paying off debts, and securing our financial future before making a long-term commitment.

The Rise of Emancipation

In an era where women are empowered to make their own choices, cohabitation is seen as a symbol of independence. It allows individuals to take control of their lives, prioritize their goals, and build relationships on their own terms.

Meet Sophia, a 25-year-old artist who has been cohabiting with her partner for two years. When asked about her decision not to get married, she says, I want to focus on my career, travel, and explore my passions before settling down. Living together allows me to have the freedom to pursue my goals while still enjoying the company of someone I love.

The Takeaway A Shift in Perception

As we navigate this new landscape of relationships, it's essential to recognize that cohabitation is not a rejection of traditional values; rather, it's an evolution of our understanding of love and commitment. By embracing live-in arrangements, couples are prioritizing practicality, emotional intimacy, and financial stability – all while redefining what it means to be in a meaningful relationship.

Keywords Filipino women, cohabitation, marriage, Commission on Population and Development (CPD), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), National Demographic and Health Survey, Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality survey.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.