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.

For years, relationships were measured by an unattainable ideal of perfection. Social media, movies, and glossy magazines painted pictures of flawless couples—always smiling, never fighting, and seemingly living a fairy-tale life. This pursuit of perfection has often left people feeling inadequate, disconnected, or pressured to perform rather than simply be themselves. But things are changing.

In today’s world, authenticity is fast becoming more attractive than perfection. People are craving sincerity, vulnerability, and genuine connection over carefully curated images. Love that feels real is winning over love that merely looks perfect, says Shivani Misri Sadhoo, who is a top couples therapist and one of the best marriage counsellors in Delhi and India.

Perfection Is Unrelatable

Nobody is perfect. We all carry quirks, insecurities, and struggles. When someone tries too hard to appear flawless, it can make them seem unapproachable or even inauthentic. Real life is messy, and people resonate more with imperfection because it mirrors their own reality. Showing flaws signals that you are human, just like everyone else, and makes space for true understanding.

Authenticity Builds Trust

Acting perfect often comes across as performative, as though there is something to hide. Authenticity, on the other hand, builds trust. When you are honest about mistakes or imperfections, it reassures your partner that you are genuine, which makes them feel safe and comfortable. Trust becomes the foundation on which lasting relationships are built.

Flaws Make You Unique

Conforming to society’s version of “perfect” often strips away individuality. Your imperfections are what make you memorable and different. A quirky laugh, a love for something unusual, or even awkward moments—these are the qualities that stand out and make someone fall in love with the real you. Rather than erasing flaws, embracing them adds depth and charm to your personality.

Vulnerability Invites Connection

True intimacy doesn’t come from polished perfection; it comes from vulnerability. When you are willing to admit your fears, struggles, or insecurities, you invite others to open up too. This creates a safe space for empathy and deeper connection. Vulnerability may feel uncomfortable at first, but it is often the bridge to emotional closeness.

The Illusion of Perfection Is Exhausting

Maintaining a façade of perfection demands constant energy, and it quickly becomes draining. The effort to always appear flawless leads to stress and even burnout. Authenticity, by contrast, is freeing. People are drawn to those who are comfortable in their own skin because it feels natural and effortless. Letting go of the pressure to be perfect not only brings relief but also makes relationships more sustainable.

Imperfection Fuels Growth

If perfection were possible, there would be no room for growth or self-improvement. Acknowledging flaws shows humility and self-awareness, both of which are highly attractive traits. When couples accept imperfection, they approach mistakes as opportunities to learn and evolve together rather than as failures to be hidden. Growth then becomes a shared journey, adding strength to the bond.

Sincerity Is Magnetic

Sincerity is one of the most attractive qualities a person can possess. People can sense when someone is being real and when they are performing. Acting perfectly often feels rehearsed, while sincerity is refreshing. It builds respect and warmth, allowing relationships to develop in a genuine way. This magnetism of sincerity draws people closer because it feels authentic and reliable.

Flaws Create Stories Worth Sharing

Some of the most memorable and meaningful stories come from imperfections, missteps, or unexpected turns. When people hide their flaws, they also hide these rich experiences. Imperfections bring humor, relatability, and depth to relationships. The shared laughter over awkward moments or lessons learned from failures often become the cherished stories couples carry for years.

Why Authenticity Wins in Relationships?

According to leading relationship counsellor Shivani Misri Sadhoo, when both partners embrace authenticity, relationships become stronger and more resilient. Trust grows because there is nothing to hide. Emotional intimacy deepens because both feel accepted as they are. Resilience develops because imperfections are not feared but faced together. Ultimately, authenticity creates the freedom to be yourself without judgment, to love without conditions, and to grow without pretending.

Conclusion: Imperfection Is Your Superpower

Perfection may appear appealing at first glance, but it is isolating and unsustainable. Authenticity nurtures trust, connection, and joy. Your quirks, flaws, and raw moments are not weaknesses—they are what make you human and lovable. In today’s world, being real has become far more magnetic than chasing perfection.

Authenticity is not just attractive; it is the foundation of love that lasts. By celebrating imperfections, sharing your stories, and embracing vulnerability, you open the door to deeper and more meaningful connections. Being flawed and sincere is not a limitation—it is your greatest strength.

Relationship Expert Shivani Shares How and When to Compromise In Your Relationship and When Not To

Compromise–This 10-letter word may have different meanings depending upon the context, but in a relationship, it means peacefully resolving a conflict by meeting each other halfway. One must remember that compromise does not mean giving in; rather, it means understanding each other’s point of view and finding a solution both parties can agree on. It must be a win-win and not a win-lose situation.

Compromise is a very important part of a healthy relationship, but it can be hard to do. Let’s learn why it is so difficult to compromise in a relationship from Delhi’s top marriage counselor Shivani Misri Sadhoo.

Ego matters: When two people have strong egos, they become entrenched in their own beliefs and points of view. This makes it hard to come to mutual understandings and compromises, as both parties are unwilling to budge on their stance.

Communication barrier: When couples do not communicate effectively, it can be difficult to reach a compromise. Miscommunication can lead to misinterpretations, frustration, and resentment, making it hard for couples to find common ground.

Fear of change: People tend to fear the unknown, and when faced with the possibility of change, it can be difficult to come to a compromise. This is especially true when the change involves something that is very important to the individual, such as values, beliefs, and lifestyle choices.

Loss of control: Fear of losing control and power can make it difficult to compromise. People can be reluctant to give up their own needs and desires to reach a mutual agreement.

Stubbornness: Stubbornness can prevent two people from finding a middle ground, as both parties may be unwilling to give in and make concessions. This can lead to a stalemate and make it difficult to reach an agreement.

While these are some of the reasons why people find it difficult to compromise, it is also essential to understand—

When to Compromise — And When Not to

Good or bad compromise? It is important to recognize when it is necessary to compromise and when it is important to stand your ground. Compromise should be used to create a win-win situation, where both partners (or family members, whoever is involved) get something out of the agreement. But it is important to know your limits and not compromise on anything that would undermine your values or sense of self-respect.

Don’t compromise your individuality in a relationship. It is essential to know when to let go and when to stick to your guns. Compromise should not be seen as a sign of weakness. You need not sacrifice your values or uniqueness just to please your partner.

Respect your family bond. Compromising doesn’t mean you should ignore your family or disrespect them just because your partner doesn’t like them.

Compromise can be healthy when it strengthens the relationship, but unhealthy when it leads to feeling taken advantage of.

How can you compromise?

Listen and be heard: Compromise is a two-way street. It is important to listen to your partner’s point of view, consider their feelings, and then take turns expressing your own needs and wants.

Empathy: Practising empathy means putting yourself in the other person’s shoes and trying to understand their point of view.

Respect each other’s opinion and values.

Be flexible when making decisions.

Agree to disagree: If two people disagree on something, they can still find a way to move forward without either of them giving up.

Conclusion

Compromise is a way of maintaining harmony and avoiding conflict. It is always about striking the right balance between two opposing views.