#154. Set a Deadline!! [Guest: Mina Kuwamura] Part 2

Cohabitation with a set deadline is a shortcut to marriage.

MAIKO shares that in a past relationship, she lived with her partner under a six-month deadline. They discussed how old they wanted to be when they married, how many children they wanted, and wrote these goals down to plan their future. Looking back, she notes that having a clear goal and working backward, rather than just moving in together aimlessly, led to a smooth path toward marriage.

Real values revealed during cohabitation become your criteria for judgment.

Mina Kuwamura discusses the current trend of many people beginning to live together without a clear purpose. There are many things you only learn after living together, such as lifestyle habits and financial attitudes. Sometimes, you may realize along the way that this person might not be the right one. Both speakers emphasize that this is not a failure, but rather a positive piece of evidence to help you evaluate the relationship before marriage.

Advice based on expertise from a marriage consulting agency.

At Mina Kuwamura's agency, many couples consider living together after graduation. She always tells them to start only after setting a deadline. It is a wise strategy to avoid letting the relationship drift indefinitely. MAIKO also shares a story about a specific event that naturally led to marriage preparations during her time living with a partner—listen to the full episode to hear the rest!