We recommend journalists:

-Include more than one "expert" perspective, especially when the subject is a new research finding or statistic. Expert opinions vary widely about how to interpret such research.

- Note that people who are legally "single" or "unmarried" are often still part of relationships and families. For instance, 40% of the first babies of "single mothers" are born to cohabiting couples -- two parent families where the couple is not married.

- Specify the size of the difference when they provide statistics comparing two groups of people (for instance, married couples and cohabitors). Some statistical differences that are reported are surprisingly small.

- Include the perspectives of real unmarried people, not just "experts" talking about them. (Yes, we can do our best to help you get in touch with people to interview in your area.)

- Realize that stigma and discrimination against unmarried couples does still exist. Because of this, in some parts of the country and for some kinds of stories you'll have more success finding real people to interview if you are willing to use pseudonyms or only first names.

- Ask unmarried couples what language they use to describe their partner. If you're not sure, use "partner" or "significant other" for people in long-term relationships, not boyfriend, girlfriend, live-in, companion, lover, or another term that diminishes the relationship.

- Use language like "births to unmarried parents" or "non-marital births" rather than "out-of-wedlock births," "unwed mothers," or "illegitimacy." The phrases we recommend are widely-used, less judgemental ways to describe the same phenomenon.

- Recognize the positive aspects of the changes in marriage rates and expectations. For instance:

• Children are no longer labeled "bastards" or "illegitimate" if they are born to unmarried parents, and they receive the same rights as children of married parents.
• There is far less shame and stigma for people who are unmarried, divorced, or gay.
• People are no longer expected to remain in abusive marriages in order to uphold their wedding vows.
• Women no longer need a husband to survive financially.
• Children with gay and lesbian parents are less stigmatized than they once were, and numerous studies have shown that these children do as well as children with heterosexual parents.
• Single people, same-sex couples, and unmarried different-sex couples provide adoptive and foster homes for thousands of children every year who otherwise would have no families.
• There is increasing tolerance for diverse family structures and choices. Ninety percent of people believe society "should value all types of families."