Just like I’ve accepted being single for the rest of my life, I am more than okay with never cohabiting with a man ever again. I always tell my sisters this, but if I ever live with or marry a man, that man is Jesus. Why do I feel this way? Because I made the mistake of cohabiting with a boyfriend when I was younger and I quickly learned my lesson.

My main issue with cohabitating without some concrete promise of commitment, like an engagement, is I would never want to prolong a breakup because I live with and see this man every day. It’s much easier to break up when you live in two separate households. The breakup with my LVM ex was prolonged for months because we were in the beginning of our lease and I was too afraid to end my relationship since I knew it would be too painful to live with him after the breakup.

We ended up breaking up before the lease ended anyway but I was miserable having to share a living space with a man I learned to hate. Living with a man also helped me appreciate the peacefulness of being alone. I honestly think there are very few men that exist who won’t disturb the peace of your home while cohabitating. That’s why if I ever get to the point of engagement or marriage, I’m going to keep a home or rental space on the side incase I want to dip out and go back to living single.

I just don’t romanticize living with men because I’ve experienced the worst and I’ve seen a majority of women experience the worst with them too. It’s just not worth the risk to me. At least if you’re married you’re entitled to some form of reparations if things don’t work out. The government only sees you as single until you’re married and I will act single until I’m married in regards to cohabitating.