My boyfriend and I started dating in 2016 and he moved to live with me in 2017 (and other roommates). Although we were dating, we were still emotionally independent. At that time, we were young. We had many daily quarrels, which made us not think that our relationship would last for a long time. Therefore, we did not tell our family that we have a partner. My father's death in 2019 was a big blow to me, but I did not mention it to any friends, including my boyfriend. Until December 2019, before he was preparing to return to China, I wanted him to stay with me, so I chose to tell him. He was shocked. After communicating with his family, he told his family that he had a girlfriend and would stay with me in Canada. His family did not support his decision at first, but they respected his decision finally. From this time, both of our families recognized us, which is very important for a fixed relationship in my culture.
From then on, we began to get serious. My boyfriend promised he would love me and protect me for his whole life. Common-law partner
means, in relation to a person, an individual who is cohabiting with the person in a conjugal relationship, having so cohabited for a period of at least one year. The word “conjugal” indicates:
- a significant degree of attachment, both physical and emotional;
- an exclusive relationship;
- a mutual and continuing commitment to a shared life together; and
- emotional and financial interdependency.
I am confused about the beginning date of our common-law relationship when I filled out the forms. Is it the date in 2016 we started dating, or we began the serious relationship in 2019?
From then on, we began to get serious. My boyfriend promised he would love me and protect me for his whole life. Common-law partner
means, in relation to a person, an individual who is cohabiting with the person in a conjugal relationship, having so cohabited for a period of at least one year. The word “conjugal” indicates:
- a significant degree of attachment, both physical and emotional;
- an exclusive relationship;
- a mutual and continuing commitment to a shared life together; and
- emotional and financial interdependency.
I am confused about the beginning date of our common-law relationship when I filled out the forms. Is it the date in 2016 we started dating, or we began the serious relationship in 2019?
