Too much too soon? Quickie courtships, cohabitation, kids--some couples are in a huge hurry to settle down. Experts make a case for applying the breaks.(COSMO NEWS)

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For a second there it seemed like actors Ledger and Michelle Williams had achieved happily-ever-after status in record time. They fell in love, bought a house, and had a daughter, all in little more than a year. But that mad dash to become domestic failed, and they split this past summer, three years after getting together.

Granted, celebs have a habit of taking rash romantic action (Nicole Richie had Joel Madden's bun in her oven after about four months of dating, and Pamela Anderson applies for a marriage license every full moon or so). Much more surprising? The average couple can be just as susceptible to progressing at breakneck speed. "Some couples make major decisions like moving in together, marrying, or even having kids as soon as a year into the relationship," says Eli Finkel, PhD, assistant professor of psychology at Northwestern University.

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When you're still in the throes of infatuation, anything that enriches the bond seems smart. Add on the fact that so many famous young couples have romanticized the idea ...