Stacy Whitman

Despite the obscene amount of painfully outdated 90’s pop culture references, and 20-year old data, this book was surprisingly insightful and thorough. It took the unfortunate approach of providing women’s magazine-style pop quizzes, but when taken in context, were okay starting points for asking more significant and in-depth questions.

I appreciated how the authors stayed in good humor and provided positive perspectives in the legal and break-up chapters. It was much needed to slough show more through the mental and emotional hurdles those topics bring up. I also appreciate how there were brief chapters addressing the “long after the move-in” stages - marriage, breakup, or cohabitation for life. It was a good way to demonstrate that there isn’t just one outcome that can result from moving in with a partner.

My favorite thing about this book is that compared to the last title I read on the subject, which was almost all focused on the legal and financial side of cohabitation, this one also takes into account the couple’s dynamics; from the emotional and literal battles over moving logistics to how the relationship can develop and change over time in cohabitation.

This is a nicely balanced read, and I would recommend it to friends who are thinking about cohabitation as long as they take the age of the material into consideration. show less

It wasn't profound in any way or particularly revolutionary. However, unlike other reviews, I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing. True, it has a light style but given that it's 300 pages and you're probably emotional when reading it, I think that was a good choice. Yes, I could have probably thought out nearly everything in that book (except the sample of the legal contracts - that's helpful if you're writing your own, which often you might be writing your own at least amendments). show more However, given that you're probably not going to reading it unless you're considering shacking up, YOU'RE NOT THINKING CLEARLY! You're happy or scared or whatever emotion that's clouding your thoughts.

I actually think everyone preparing to shack up, or even marry, should give this book a chance. It will bring you back to earth to think about the practicality to actually make the relationship work. And, if you're borrowing the book, photocopy some of the legal chapters - there's a lot applicable to Canadians and the legal wording of contracts is very helpful. show less

It wasn't profound in any way or particularly revolutionary. However, unlike other reviews, I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing. True, it has a light style but given that it's 300 pages and you're probably emotional when reading it, I think that was a good choice. Yes, I could have probably thought out nearly everything in that book (except the sample of the legal contracts - that's helpful if you're writing your own, which often you might be writing your own at least amendments). show more However, given that you're probably not going to reading it unless you're considering shacking up, YOU'RE NOT THINKING CLEARLY! You're happy or scared or whatever emotion that's clouding your thoughts.

I actually think everyone preparing to shack up, or even marry, should give this book a chance. It will bring you back to earth to think about the practicality to actually make the relationship work. And, if you're borrowing the book, photocopy some of the legal chapters - there's a lot applicable to Canadians and the legal wording of contracts is very helpful. show less