Commitment

If we consider a relationship from the "Psychological point of view" we realise that there are three very important components in a relationship. viz, Commitment, Passion and Intimacy.
Visit the following link for more information:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triangular_theory_of_love

If the couple are not growing in these three areas the relationship will be unbalanced.

Now if there is a lack of commitment in the relationship then the couple will generally not be able to grow beyond a certain amount of intimacy and self-revelation, because each one will be afraid that if the other walks out of the relationship then they could use the exteremely personal information gained during the relationship as a form of blackmail or even use the knowledge of the persons weaknesses against them.

Also when there is a lack of commitment both individuals can and do make decisions without necessary envisioning the other person in it or considering the future of the relationship as they are not bound by anything, so there is this constant insecurity about the future of the relationship.

Many people claim they are in a Live-in relationship because they "just want to be friends" but in reality it generally is that they are afraid of the total commitment of themselves to the other person that a marriage requires.

It generally stems from an attitude that says "as long as there's something in it for me im here, but dont ask me to make any sacrifices" which is a very selfish outlook to life.

Besides a marriage requires working at and they may not be ready to put in the time or the effort to deepen the relationship, so they feel as long as things work out, its great; but if there are any hiccups then each can go their own seperate way.

In a "Festival of Families" July 8-9 in Valencia, Spain; Pope Benedict XVI reflected, and I quote from John Allen Jr.'s "All Things Catholic" July 14, 2006 issue

"We have gathered here from so many parts of the world as a community which with gratitude and joy bears witness that human beings were created in the image and likeness of God for love, and that complete human fulfillment only comes about when we make a sincere gift of ourselves to others."

The heart of Benedict's argument was expressed in this paragraph from his text.

"Christian faith and ethics are not meant to stifle love, but to make it healthier, stronger and more truly free," he said. "Human love needs to be purified and to mature if it is to be fully human and the principle of a true and lasting joy."