Sep 30, 2010 / 11:07 am
Commenting on a recent analysis which shows a jump in the number of cohabitating couples in the U.S., relationship expert and father of seven Anthony Buono said the figures are evidence of “individual selfishness” and a “contraceptive mentality” in our culture. Buono argued in remarks to CNA that those who avoid or postpone marriage while living together fail to experience “true happiness.”
The Denver Post reported last week that the Census Bureau showed a 13 percent increase in the number of opposite-sex unmarried couples who shared living arrangements. The number rose to 7.5 million couples this year as opposed to a 2 percent decrease between 2008 and 2009. According to the Denver paper, demographers suggested that a suffering economy may be contributing to boyfriends and girlfriends seeking to increase financial help from one another.
In commentsto CNA on Wednesday, father of seven and founder of Ave Maria Singles Anthony Buono said that “more and more couples living together” show how individuals are seeking “to enjoy all the benefits of marriage, without the commitment required of marriage.”
“I’m sure none of us have any illusions of couples having the conviction or strength to live together simply to share expenses in a down economy, or to save money together before marriage, or to get to know each other as people so they can determine if they will work out in the long run,” Buono added.