So, you’re thinking about moving in with your partner. Cute. In our country, that’s basically the live-in trial pack before you buy the full shaadi subscription. But let’s be real: while the law says live-in relationships are legit (thank you, Supreme Court), uncles in your WhatsApp family group will still clutch their pearls harder than they did during Virat and Anushka’s wedding announcement.

Wait, What Even Is a Live-In Relationship?

In plain terms, a live-in relationship is when two adults decide to live together without getting married. Sounds simple, right? Well, in India, even though the Supreme Court has ruled live-in relationships legal, society still loves to give side-eye.

In fact, a 2023 study conducted by the Times of India & Lionsgate Play survey found that 1 in 2 young Indians approve of live-in relationships, but many still feel nervous about what “log kya kahenge.” So yeah, it’s legal. But will your landlord agree? Or will the flat become suddenly unavailable for anyone else but ‘seedhi saadhi’ families? That’s another story.

Why It’s the Next Big Step in India

For many Indian couples, marriage feels like the only socially acceptable milestone. But live-ins are becoming a middle ground. It’s not about rejecting marriage; it’s about saying, “Hey, let’s see if we can survive each other’s snoring and farting and weird sleep schedules before we sign up for seven lifetimes together.”

Yet despite being legal, society sees live-in relationships as a cocktail of rebellion and scandal. From landlords suddenly deciding their flat is “family only” to neighbours gossiping, the judgment is real.

Signs It May Be Time to Move In

Before you haul your beanbags into one flat, check if you’re ready. Some green flags:

• Emotional security: Do fights end with solutions or with “Fine, I’m blocking you”?

• Financial stability: Rent, bills, Swiggy orders… who’s paying for what? (Spoiler: not your parents.)

• Shared values and long-term goals: If one of you wants kids and the other thinks cats are enough, maybe talk it out first.

• Trust: If you’re planning to secretly check their phone, maybe you’re not ready to share a bathroom.

Factors to Consider Before Moving In

This isn’t just a sleepover that never ends. Here’s the real talk:

• Finances: Are you splitting rent 50-50, or is one person covering more? Put it on paper. Your love may be priceless, but electricity bills aren’t.

• Pets: Who’s walking the dog when it’s 42°C outside? (And no, “But I have meetings” isn’t an excuse.)

• Family: Brace yourself for the “Shaadi kab kar rahe ho?” hotline ringing non-stop.

• Personal space: You’ll need it. Yes, even if you’re madly in love. Separate hobbies (and sometimes, beds!)  save relationships.

Questions Couples Might Face (And Clapback Ideas)

• “Saath rehna hi hai toh shaadi kyun nahi?” → “Because rent is cheaper than divorce.”

• “Babies bhi shaadi ke bina karoge kya?” → “Abhi toh plants bhi zinda nahi rakh pa rahe.”

• “Log kya kahenge?” → “Log waise bhi kahenge. Let them.”

Stories from Indian Couples Who Did It

• Neha & Rohan, Mumbai: Lied to their landlord that they were cousins. Spent six months dodging awkward Raksha Bandhan conversations.

• Arjun & Priya, Delhi: Moved in to save commute time. Now their biggest fight is over the AC temperature (classic Delhi problem).

• Sameera & Iqra, Pune: Two women who found a flat only after pretending to be “just friends.” They say it’s the little rebellions that make love stronger.

• Kabir & Ananya, Bangalore: Thought living in would be a 24/7 romance. Realised romance also includes unclogging bathroom drains together.

The Legal & Practical Side

Here’s the part most couples skip (but shouldn’t):

• You can actually draw up a live-in agreement. Sounds boring, but it sets clarity on financial responsibilities, property, or what happens if things don’t work out.

• It’s not about being pessimistic: it’s about protecting both partners. Think of it like relationship insurance.

If you want a full breakdown of what Indian law actually says about live-in relationships, we’ve covered it in this guide here. 

Sassy takeaway: Moving in together is not the “shaadi lite” your relatives think it is. It’s a conscious choice, a practical step, and yes, a rebellion against outdated norms. Do it with love, clarity, and a sense of humour, because that’s the only way to survive sharing a single cupboard in Mumbai.

Final Thoughts

Moving in together can be magical! Late-night Ramen, Netflix binges, and the joy of waking up next to your person. But it’s also adulting with higher stakes.

So before you pack your bags, have the hard conversations, prep for nosy relatives, and remember: your relationship, your rules.

Because at the end of the day, love isn’t about how society defines it. It’s about what works for the two of you (and your cleaning rota).

Exploring intimacy while sharing a space? Make sure comfort and consent are always at the heart of your relationship. Trying new experiences together can be fun and help you grow closer — whether that means setting boundaries, cooking together, or exploring pleasure with safe, body-friendly sex toys and lube that make every moment smoother.

About the Author

Madhu (she/her) has been an avid reader of all things spicy since her childhood. She writes sassy blog posts and listicles now so that others may benefit from her wholly inappropriate, wholly informative tastes, too.