I'm cohabitating... would appreciate any advice.

[Silock]

Originally Posted by Fat Elvis

at least in marriage, you have the (supposedly) stated committment to each other

It's not just supposed. Studies have shown that people in cohabitating relationships are much less committed to the relationship, on average, than married people. It's why they're less likely to stick it out when things get tough and break up, and why they're more likely to cheat.