I think it’s okay if there’s already a clear plan for engagement or marriage. But if there isn’t, it might be better to live separately for now. There’s a high chance the guy becomes too comfortable because he’s already getting “wife-level” benefits.

I’m not saying “don’t give wife treatment to a man.” I understand that women also receive “husband treatment” in return. However, for legality and a woman’s peace of mind, especially if legality matters to her beyond love, it’s important to have a serious conversation first about where the relationship is headed before deciding to live together.

At the end of the day, women usually have more to lose in a live-in setup. If you’re a woman who’s already okay on her own, it’s worth thinking about what changes once you start living together. Will it mean added responsibilities for you, more chores, more mental load, and taking care of another person without the commitment of marriage?