Shacking Up

I could be opening a big ol' can of worms but my post is in regards to living together before marriage, sex, and whatever comes to my mind while posting. If you don't want to read it, you don't have to. If you want to comment, please do. Agree, or disagree with me, I'd like to read your thoughts. I have done some research on it, statically speaking, which I'm sure we've heard them. What bothers me about this entire thought is what happen to the moral and values of marriage!? Where did we as a country start thinking its OK to live together prior to marriage?
Those that have a religious background, where do they think this is right?
Where are the parents? Are they discouraging this or just thinking/saying 'well everyone else I guess is doing it'.
Or is it that traditional values are gone by the wayside and I'm just going to have to adjust my thoughts to accept it?
DH and I were talking about this on the way home from a day @ the lakes. What are we going to do with our children to make sure they continue to live a life that does not include shacking up?
Then there's sex before marriage. Very unusual I fear, that this day and age you can find someone that is a virgin when they get married. Don't people worry about diseases? Pregnancy?
My niece just recently told me that in her health class the teacher asked: 'How do you know when you're ready for sex?' I thought the answer should have been 'when you're married' or ' when you're ready to accept the responsibilities that come with it'. Instead it was some off the board discussion about when you can put a condom on and when you feel ready. Or my favorite was when she answered about waiting till your married and it was poo poo'd by the teacher. (those that are homeschooling I know this is one of many reasons why you do it)
I'm afraid our culture has accepted shacking up and sex when you feel ready.

The ol' saying the 'Why buy the cow when the milk is free' couldn't be more true I guess. Commitment to a relationship by living together is no longer that. It's a convenience factor. Or they can save money on rent by living together. Or they want a wedding in the Summer and it's Winter when they move in. Or 'everyone's doing it so why not?' I'm just not getting it??

Are you?? Sorry I have to stop right here. Our internet connection is really flacky and I don't want to loose this post!