Write Comment     |     E-Mail To a Friend     |     Facebook     |     Twitter     |     Print

CHENNAI: For Arijit Nag and Madhumita Biswas (names changed), what started out as a smart way to split living costs in the city soon blossomed into something more worthwhile. The couple, who had been living together for a little more than a year, intend to walk down the aisle in a few months time.

Probably taking a cue from Hollywood stars Brangelina and Bollywood couple Saifeena, an increasing number of people in the city, especially those working in the same office, are opting for live-in relationships. There is also a growing social acceptance of this trend in metros, say counsellors.

"In corporate environments, men and women often have to work together for long hours. They spend a lot of time with their colleagues working on assignments so there are more chances of getting involved with each other," says Dr Rajan B Bhonsle, a Mumbai-based psychiatrist and family counsellor.

The social fabric of Chennai has changed over the last few years, say counsellors in the city. With IT companies and BPOs setting up shop, people from all over the country have joined the workforce here. "Many of them have live-in relationships. Since they are not from Chennai, their parents often do not know about it," says Dr Saras Bhaskar, a counselling psychologist.

Youngsters prefer a live-in relationship to marriage as they feel it gives them more freedom and time to understand their partner.

"A marriage means commitment towards one’s partner till death," says Arijit Nag, an IT professional who stays in Velachery. "There is no point getting married and then regretting it. It is better to have a live-in relationship as you will get to know your partner better."

His partner Madhumita shares his views. "When couples live together, their understanding of each other grows," she says. "It is also convenient as it is difficult for people who are new to the city to find a safe place to stay."

Dr Bhaskar says live-in relationships are common in metros like New Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai. "While these couples are attached to each other, they should be able to deal with the consequences if the relationship goes sour as it can have emotional and financial implications," she says.