Changes in relationship formation and dissolution in the past 50 years have revealed new patterns in romantic relations among young adults. The U.S. Census indicates that young people are choosing to marry later and cohabitating more often than past generations. Now, a University of Missouri researcher has found that people in their 20s are redefining dating by engaging in “stayover relationships,” spending three or more nights together each week while maintaining the option of going to their own homes. (…)

Jamison found that “stayover relationships” are a growing trend among college-aged couples who are committed, but not interested in cohabiting.

Jamison found that couples who had a stayover routine were content in their relationships, but did not necessarily plan to get married or move in together.

“As soon as couples live together, it becomes more difficult to break up,” Jamison said. “At that point, they have probably signed a lease, bought a couch and acquired a dog, making it harder to disentangle their lives should they break up. Staying over doesn’t present those entanglements.”

{ University of Missouri | Continue reading }

photo { Thatcher Keats }

relationships | July 26th, 2011