Conjugal outcomes of different types of non-cohabiting relationships

While one in ten people have a stable intimate relationship with a non-cohabiting partner, this situation encompasses a multitude of realities. Following the same people over 6 years, this chapter shows that only 22% of persons were still in a relationship with the same non-cohabiting partner after 3 years, and just 12% after 6 years. The others had either moved in with their partner or separated from him/her. The study also seeks to identify how the characteristics of the persons, of their conjugal trajectory and of their non-cohabiting relationship are associated with the outcome of that relationship. Conjugal outcomes are very different depending on the timing of the relationship in the life cycle. With the possible exception of persons who have already had a partner (widowed or separated with children), non-cohabitation most often corresponds to an experimental phase and/or a transitional stage before living together under the same roof