Marriage Counsellor and Psychologist Shivani Misri Sadhoo

Love, faith, and communication are the perfect recipe for a healthy relationship. Yet we live in an era where touchscreens often speak louder than our voices, and notifications interrupt moments that once belonged solely to each other. Couples today are constantly busy—physically present but emotionally elsewhere—scrolling through lives instead of truly living their own. In this climate of distraction and constant movement, relationships are expected to adapt, bend, and survive at a faster pace than ever before.

As priorities shift and independence becomes more valued, commitment itself begins to take on a different meaning. The idea of lifelong promises can feel overwhelming in a world that celebrates flexibility and personal freedom.

Many people now seek companionship without the perceived weight of traditional expectations, believing that emotional connection does not always need formal labels to be real or meaningful. Gradually, this mindset has opened the door to alternatives where love is tested in shared spaces, daily routines, and mutual understanding—without immediately stepping into the institution of marriage.

Shivani Misri Sadhoo, who is a leading couples therapist and marriage counsellor in Delhi, shares her thoughts on whether a Live-in relationship would be good or bad in 2026 in this article.

What is a Live-in Relationship?

So, by now we all know what a live-in relationship is. It is an arrangement where a couple in love decides to live together without the social or legal sanction of marriage, yet remains equally responsible toward each other.

Pros of Live-in Relationship

1. Freedom Remains Intact

One of the things that happens when you are married is that you seem to lose some freedom, because your individual choices inevitably start affecting your partner. You cannot simply say no to your partner’s relatives’ wedding even if you do not wish to attend, or you may have to cancel a weekend trip so that your in-laws can spend time with both of you.

There are many ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ you cannot ignore once you are married. In a live-in relationship, however, this freedom largely remains intact—choices are still personal, boundaries are more flexible, and compromises are made out of willingness rather than obligation, allowing both partners to retain a stronger sense of individuality. In fact, one does not have to legally separate like a divorce; they can simply part with each other amicably whenever they want to.

2. Compatibility Testing

One of the key factors of a healthy relationship is being truly compatible with each other, and a live-in relationship makes that easier to test. Living together allows partners to see the real person behind the smiles and polite gestures of dating.

When you share the same space, use the same kitchen, spend more time with each other, you get to know each other’s daily routine, mood swings, and quirks– things that aren’t visible during brief dates. Couples often put on their best behaviour during these short meetups, which makes it hard to see the real person.

3. Enhanced Communication

When couples choose a live-in relationship, their communication often naturally improves. Sharing a living space requires them to navigate daily routines, responsibilities, and conflicts together, which encourages clearer expression of needs and feelings. This constant interaction helps partners develop better conflict resolution skills and fosters healthier, more effective communication patterns within the relationship.

4. Saves Money

This is perhaps one of the most practical benefits of a live-in relationship. Couples can share their rent, bills, and other household expenses in a live-in relationship.

Cons of Live-in Relationship

1. Legal Problem

Without a clear legal or societal framework, live-in relationships can create uncertainty about commitment, future plans, and personal boundaries. This lack of clarity may trigger insecurity, anxiety, and misunderstandings between partners, making communication more challenging and leaving individuals unsure about their rights, responsibilities, and the relationship’s long-term stability.

2. Societal Factor

Society may not approve of such relationships. This further leads to emotional stress.

3. No Commitment

Lack of commitment is a major drawback of live-in relationships, as partners may avoid long-term responsibility. Without clear promises, emotional security often suffers, making the bond feel temporary. This uncertainty can lead to trust issues, unequal effort, and hesitation about future plans, leaving one or both partners feeling unstable inside.

So, is a live-in relationship a good or bad idea in 2026?

Honestly, it depends—not on the trend, but on the people involved.

A live-in relationship can work beautifully when there’s clarity. When both partners are open about what they want, where they’re headed, and what their boundaries are. When independence doesn’t turn into emotional distance. When freedom comes with responsibility. And when love isn’t treated as disposable just because it isn’t legally defined.

But it can fall apart when it’s used to dodge commitment instead of understanding it. When comfort replaces effort. When fear of permanence gets dressed up as “being modern.” And when the emotional work isn’t shared equally, leaving one person giving more, hoping more, and quietly settling for less.

Maybe the issue isn’t live-in relationships at all. Maybe it’s how confused we’ve become about commitment. Somewhere along the way, we started mistaking flexibility for depth, and freedom for bravery. Real commitment—married or not—has never been about paperwork. It’s about intention. It’s about choosing to show up, even after the excitement wears off.

• Love doesn’t demand a specific format. But it does demand sincerity.
• And whether you share a home or take sacred vows, the question stays the same:
• Are you building something meaningful—or just passing time together?

So, ultimately, a live-in relationship in 2026 can be good or bad depending on the couple. It all depends upon the perspective.

It works when there is honesty, clarity, respect, and shared responsibility. Without commitment and communication, it can cause confusion and hurt. Ultimately, meaningful relationships depend on intention, not labels.

Healthy relationships thrive on communication, understanding, and emotional connection. When partners face conflicts, the way they respond can either strengthen their bond or gradually erode it. One destructive behavior that silently undermines relationships is stonewalling. Though it may seem like a harmless way to avoid confrontation, stonewalling can have long-term emotional consequences and create a toxic cycle between partners, says India’s top couples and marriage counsellor Shivani Misri Sadhoo in this article.

What is Stonewalling in relationships and marriages?

Stonewalling occurs when one partner withdraws from communication, shuts down emotionally, or refuses to engage in resolving issues. Instead of discussing problems or expressing feelings, the stonewalling partner may give the silent treatment, avoid eye contact, or physically leave the room. It is often a defence mechanism against stress, criticism, or emotional discomfort.

However, while it may provide temporary relief for the person stonewalling, it leaves the other partner feeling ignored, rejected, and emotionally abandoned. Shivani Misri Sadhoo, a leading relationship expert, certified DBT & CBT therapist and one of the top marriage counsellors in Delhi and India, says there are many factors, these are:

Why is Stonewalling Detrimental?

Breaks Emotional Connection
Relationships rely on emotional intimacy and mutual support. When one partner consistently stonewalls, it creates a barrier between them and their partner. Over time, the partner on the receiving end may feel unloved or unimportant, which erodes trust and intimacy. Emotional disconnection often leads to feelings of isolation, resentment, and frustration.

Prevents Conflict Resolution
Conflict is inevitable in any relationship, but healthy disagreements help partners understand each other better and find solutions. Stonewalling interrupts this process entirely. When one partner refuses to communicate, problems remain unresolved, often escalating tension. This unresolved conflict can fester and eventually create a hostile or distant environment.

Triggers a Negative Cycle
Stonewalling rarely exists in isolation. It can trigger what psychologists call the “demand-withdraw pattern”, where one partner pressures for communication while the other withdraws. This cycle can intensify arguments and create a repeating loop of frustration, blame, and emotional withdrawal. Over time, it can be difficult to break this pattern without conscious effort and counseling.

Impacts Mental Health
Being on the receiving end of stonewalling can have serious psychological effects. It can lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and feelings of helplessness. The partner may constantly question their worth or blame themselves for the silence, creating emotional strain that spills over into other areas of life.

Erodes Trust and Security
A relationship’s foundation is built on trust and the assurance that both partners are willing to support and listen to each other. Stonewalling breaks this foundation. When a partner repeatedly shuts down, it signals avoidance rather than a willingness to work through issues. This lack of reliability can make the relationship feel unsafe and unpredictable.

Stonewalling may feel like an easy escape from a difficult conversation, but it is a destructive habit that weakens emotional bonds and prevents resolution. Couples must recognize this behavior early and work on healthier communication strategies, such as expressing feelings openly, practicing empathy, and taking breaks when emotions run high rather than shutting down entirely. By addressing stonewalling proactively, couples can maintain emotional intimacy, strengthen trust, and create a supportive environment where both partners feel heard and valued.

In today’s fast-paced and often stressful world, mental health has taken centre stage. More people are turning to therapy as a way to better understand themselves, manage their emotions, and lead more fulfilling lives. One of the most well-known and widely used approaches is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). But as therapy continues to evolve, a newer approach known as Positive CBT has begun to gain attention. So, what exactly is Positive CBT, and how does it differ from traditional CBT? This is explained by India’s top marriage counsellor and CBT Therapist Shivani Misri Sadhoo.

What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, is a structured, short-term therapy that focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. It’s based on the idea that negative patterns of thinking can lead to emotional distress and unhelpful behaviours. By identifying and challenging these patterns, individuals can learn to think more clearly and behave more constructively.

For instance, someone struggling with self-doubt might constantly think, “I always mess things up.” CBT would help them recognise this thought, question its accuracy, and replace it with something more realistic, such as, “I’ve made mistakes, but I’ve also done things well.”

CBT is highly effective for treating conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more. Its structured, goal-oriented nature makes it easy to apply in both short- and long-term therapy.

What is Positive CBT?

While traditional CBT focuses on correcting what’s wrong, Positive CBT takes a different route—it builds on what’s already right. It draws from the field of positive psychology and aims to help individuals not only reduce distress but also thrive emotionally and psychologically.

In Positive CBT, the therapist helps the client identify personal strengths, values, and moments of success. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms or dysfunction, it emphasises hope, growth, and possibility. Clients might explore questions like: What does my best self look like? What brings me meaning? When have I felt proud or capable?

The same techniques used in CBT—such as journaling, thought records, and goal setting—are still used, but they’re reframed through a more optimistic and forward-looking lens.

How does Positive CBT help couples therapy?

Positive CBT is especially impactful in the context of couples therapy. Relationships often suffer when partners focus too much on problems—what’s going wrong, what’s missing, or who’s at fault. While addressing conflicts is important, Positive CBT adds another layer by helping couples rediscover what’s working.

In couples therapy, this approach encourages partners to recognise each other’s strengths, revisit shared values, and rebuild emotional connection. Instead of getting stuck in cycles of blame or criticism, couples are guided to focus on gratitude, empathy, and shared positive experiences.

Therapists might ask questions like:

• What first drew you to your partner?
• What strengths do you bring to the relationship?
• When do you feel most connected or supported by each other?

By reinforcing the positive aspects of the relationship and building on shared successes, couples are often better able to handle challenges together. It transforms the tone of therapy from fixing a broken bond to strengthening a meaningful one.

Positive Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a powerful evolution of traditional CBT. While classic CBT focuses on managing symptoms and solving problems, Positive CBT goes a step further—it empowers people to lead richer, more meaningful lives.

Whether applied to individuals seeking personal growth or couples looking to reconnect, Positive CBT promotes resilience, optimism, and deeper relationships. It helps us not only cope with the world as it is, but also shape it into the one we want to live in—starting from the inside out.