Veteran actress Zeenat Aman has sparked a nationwide conversation by advocating for live-in relationships as a way for couples to assess their compatibility before marriage. However, the question remains: are live-in relationships truly a necessary step towards a successful marriage, or is it simply an option for some couples? Aman believes live-in relationships offer a valuable opportunity for couples to test their compatibility in a real-life setting. This isn't just theoretical for the actor, who revealed that her sons, Azaan and Zahan, have also followed this approach with their partners. ". if you’re in a relationship, I strongly recommend that you live together before getting married!" she wrote in her Instagram post “It just seems logical to me that before two people get their families and the government involved in their equation, they first put their relationship to the ultimate test," the actor added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zeenat Aman (@thezeenataman) Is the live-in relationship really a reality check? Radhika Mohta, a matchmaker and relationship coach who runs Elevate, a dating accelerator for marriage-minded singles, shed light on the practical aspects of live-in relationships. She agreed with Aman, saying that cohabitation can serve as a "reality check" for couples. From managing finances and household chores to resolving conflicts and navigating leisure activities, a live-in arrangement exposes couples to the nitty-gritty of daily life together. This experience can be invaluable in revealing potential compatibility issues or areas needing communication improvement. "Who controls the food menu? Who gets to have a say on which guests are welcome at home? Who is willing to surrender when over the TV remote when both the people have their favourite shows going on? Who has power to decide monthly expense budget or is it a topic for mutual discussion?" Mohta told indianexpress.com. How are young Indians in metro cities faring? In her Instagram post, the 72-year-old actor acknowledged the potential social resistance that comes with a live-in relationship, particularly in a conservative society like India. She playfully addressed this concern with the phrase "Log kya kahenge?" which translates to "What will people say?" implying that societal pressures shouldn't dictate personal choices. "I’m aware that Indian society is a little uptight about “living in sin” but then again, society is uptight about so many things!" she wrote. While Aman champions live-in relationships, Radhika Mohta emphasised there's no single path to marital bliss. She acknowledged that factors like long-distance relationships, cultural norms, and personal preferences can influence a couple's decision. Her experience, however, suggests that a post-engagement cohabitation period can be beneficial for some couples, particularly in urban areas with expensive housing. Owing to her experience of working with employed, urban women, Mohta found that many wanted to opt for a live-in relationship "post roka/engagement and pre-marriage stage. They say this will allow them to understand each other better and know if they can truly share the load and be an equal partner." This "living together trial" allows couples to iron out differences, strengthen communication, and build a stronger foundation for married life. What could be the legal problems of being in a live-in relationship? Live-in partnerships offer several advantages. They allow couples to share expenses, build a life together, and experience compatibility without the legal and social constraints of marriage. However, challenges remain. Live-in couples often lack the legal protections and social recognition afforded to married couples, particularly regarding property rights, inheritance, etc. With the proposal of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), this gets much more complex. While the UCC's final provisions are yet to be determined, states like Uttarakhad - where it's being rolled out soon - have included provisions mandating the recognition of live-in relationships. But there's a growing fear that the UCC could be used to undermine individual freedoms, particularly for women, in the absence of strong safeguards within the code. Choice and communication are key Ultimately, the decision to enter a live-in relationship is a personal one. The key lies in open communication, a willingness to understand each other's needs, and a commitment to building a life together – whether that journey begins before or after marriage.
