Dear Economist,
I have fallen in love with a wonderful man, and on Valentine’s Day he proposed to me. We’re planning to marry next summer. The question is: should we live together over the next year, or wait until we’re married? The financial impact is relatively small either way, and I am not afraid of scandal. I am just trying to work out whether some time living together is likely to make our marriage stronger or not.
Elspeth
Boston MA

Dear Elspeth,