The Ring Makes All the Difference: The Hidden Consequences of Cohabitation and the Strong Benefits of Marriage

Why not cohabitate?

Many believe nothing is better for their future marriage than a trial period—cohabitation. It’s the fastest growing family type in the U.S. So how’s that working out? Are people truly happier?

Author Glenn Stanton offers a compelling factual case that nearly every area of health and happiness is increased by marriage and decreased by cohabitation.

With credible data and compassion, Stanton explores the reasons why the cohabitation trend is growing; outlines its negative outcomes for men, women, and children; and makes a case for why marriage is still the best arrangement for the flourishing of couples and society.

This resource is ideal for those who are cohabitating or considering it, as well as pastors and counselors who need to be able to engage this issue.

From the Back Cover

Many believe nothing is better for their future marriage than a trial period – cohabitation. It’s the fastest growing family type in the U.S. So how’s that working out? Are people truly happier?

Glenn Stanton cites a wealth of research that looks at the effects of cohabitation and marriage on all areas of health and happiness. The results may surprise you. Well-done, unbiased science supports the traditional, Biblical view of the importance of marriage.

If you’re considering moving in together or currently living together, take the time to read this book. See for yourself the impact your current decisions will have on both your future and that of those you love. You’ll quickly see that all relationship forms are not equal. Cohabitation is not “marriage-lite.” Marriage is an action, a decision, a statement. Truly, The Ring Makes All the Difference.

“Christians believe traditional marriage matters because it is outlined for us in the pages of sacred Scripture. But guess what? Science, reason, and history are also on our side. In this excellent book, my friend Glenn Stanton explains how all of these roads point to the importance of marriage.” ~ Jim Daly, president – Focus on the Family

“LOVED this book! An easy and insightful must-read for anybody thinking about living together or getting married as well as those working with young couples, such as pastors, counselors, or mentors.“ ~ Julie Baumgardner, president and executive director of First Things First

“This … explains why marriage is different from other relationships like cohabitation, and how marriage benefits adults and children by signifying clarity about the nature of the commitment between two partners. It is both an important and a useful book.” ~ Scott M. Stanley, research professor, University of Denver; author, The Power of Commitment

The Ring Makes All the Difference tells us two hard truths: Cohabitation puts adults at risk for marital failure, and puts children at risk of being exposed to a relational merry-go-round that all too often ends in neglect or abuse." ~ W. Bradford Wilcox, director of National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia

GLENN T. STANTON is the director for Family Formation Studies at Focus on the Family. He debates and lectures extensively on the issues of gender, sexuality, marriage, and parenting at universities and churches around the country. Glenn is an author and contributor to many books and is quoted as a leading spokesperson on marriage and family issues. Glenn and his wife have five children and live in Colorado.