Try before you buy?

Apologies that I did not post this yesterday, the Internet at chateau de Baldock is being difficult.

So... Try before you buy... Does it make sense in regards to living with your partner before marriage?

If people are to be treated like a used car or a pair of shoes, then sure. Dabble before you make a commitment. Test the water. If you read about my second car Gerald (here and here), then you'll know that I'm more than sympathetic to test driving cars for quality and compatibility.

But people are not like cars. This mantra only works to dehumanise the person you are hoping to move in with and works with the positive slant towards the driver.

Also, you don't bring your baggage with you when you take a test drive and carry some away to the next car. Car's don't care if you reject them. Car's don't have their trust in the next "test driver" trashed if you pack up and walk away.

Furthermore, the divorce rate for those who live together prior to marriage is higher than those who marry first. If "try before you buy" was a successful method of wedding out "incompatible" couples then the rate should decrease.

Seems the mantra isn't all that effective long-term.