You do not need to cohabit to know your partner - Marriage counsellor
Speaking on the dynamics of modern relationships and faith-based courtship, Apostle Gbedemah challenged the growing cultural trend of couples moving in together before taking formal marital vows.
Marriage counsellor Apostle Chris Gbedemah believes that living together before marriage is not essential for a lasting and compatible relationship. Speaking on Tv3's Afternoon show, he criticized the trend of couples cohabiting before taking formal vows. Gbedemah stressed that true intimacy and understanding come from intentional communication, shared values, and observing how a person handles life's challenges, which don't require sharing a home before marriage.
He argued that cohabitation can create a false sense of security, confusing convenience or proximity with genuine commitment. Instead, he advised couples to concentrate on discussions about long-term goals, financial plans, family expectations, and core beliefs. Gbedemah also noted the importance of observing a partner's responses to stress, disappointment, and conflict within their social and professional circles, while seeking advice from trusted counselors or community mentors.
He concluded by encouraging young adults to resist societal pressure to adopt shortcuts, urging them to pursue purposeful and transparent courtship that respects both their personal values and their partner's integrity.
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