The old argument against shacking up is, “Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?” That was before milk was almost $4.50 a gallon. I’m not going to get into the moral or religious issue of whether living together before marriage is right or wrong;  I’m just saying that with the rising prices of gasoline, groceries and rent, if you can find someone that shares your bed and your bills, it might not be a bad deal.

But you don’t want to enter into any type of potential long-term situation without weighing both sides of the issue. Take the time of year, for example. Depending on your size, you may not want to begin living with someone in the summertime. It’s too hot for thick people to be close to other people for long periods of time. Thick people need lots of space in warm weather months. In fact, if you’re dating a large man or woman in July, and they find excuses to break up or spend time away from you, it probably isn’t because they’re tired of the relationship. It’s probably because it’s too darn hot!

If you do choose to live with your mate before marriage, if you’re a guy, you have to remember that “before marriage” is the operative word. You might think you’re just getting all the benefits of having a wife without being locked in to a contract. But to most women, living together is a dress rehearsal for marriage. That house key, in her mind, is as good as an engagement ring.  So, if you think you can just decide one day that you’re ready to move out or ready for her to change her address, you’d better also be ready for lots of drama. 

Whether you’ve lived together for six days, six months or six years, she has given you the best of her love, the best of her years and the best of her tears. You’ve used her up and caused her to waste her time and her talents on you. You’ve compromised her relationship with her family and God, and you’re going to pay. Forget about getting back a security deposit from the landlord; you’ve got go back in there and get your flat screen, your clothes and those huge stereo speakers that you’ve had since high school and can’t let go of.  Don’t take my word for it. Watch “Judge Mathis,” and find out everything you need to know about getting your stuff back after you move out — if it hasn’t been burned, bleached or given to her brother.

Of course, men aren’t the only ones who decide to cut their losses after living together.  For the female side of the story, listen to Rihanna’s new hit, “Take a Bow,” then ask yourself how you might look standing on the lawn in front of the house you used to share with her — begging to come back, right before the sprinklers come on!