[SuziQ]

I always thought that the time a young couple spends together prior to the children arriving as the cement to help lay a strong foundation in the marriage.

From the article, it sounds as though most of these couples have been playing house for a while anyway, even though it doesn't prepare them for true commitment

[mlmr]

From the article, it sounds as though most of these couples have been playing house for a while anyway, even though it doesn't prepare them for true commitment

You're right Playing house is not marriage.

If these young women find it important enough to marry in their respective denominations, it is sad that they do not follow the important rules of the denominations.

[Celtjew Libertarian]

From the article, it sounds as though most of these couples have been playing house for a while anyway, even though it doesn't prepare them for true commitment

My wife and I "played house" for more than a year before we were married (though we were engaged at the time). It gave us a chance to work on and out a lot of things together -- financial thoughts, parenting styles, shopping together, dealing with friends (troublesome and otherwise). I think our marriage has been been smoother and worked better for it.