I always say... live with someone first.. THEN get married. Maybe not exactly old fashioned, but hey.. it works better that way. You never know someone until you live with them.
Mike and I dated for a few years before we tied the knot. I was married before and didn't want to make another mistake. He had been previously married also before I came along as well. I told him that if it worked out after about 3 years, we'd get married. And we did, after that time passed and he went back into the Marines. I decided that wherever he was going to go... I was going to come along for the ride. Whever it lead us. And so..... we've been fighting and making up ever since. lol
I think the military had alot to do with us both rushing into our first marriages. You're lonely, bored, attach to people easily, want someone to be there for you after a long deployment, you're away from family and friends... etc. Thats why most of em end in divorce. It's sad, but hey.. law enforcement and the military has the highest divorce rates. You're always gone and you can be hurt or killed at any time. Some people cant deal with that.