Understanding Society User Support

Dear all,

I am dealing with the cohabitation histories of UKHLS (first wave) and the spells of cohabitation within the panel.

At first, I would like to know whether I can detect a "not-dissolved" union by checking the end date of the spell of cohabitation and verifying if it is equal to -8, which means inapplicable.

Provided that this is the case, I am currently dealing with the cohabitation histories of couples. There are often inconsistencies about the starting date of the union between the two members. Which member do you think I have to refer in order to have the most reliable information?

Thank you and best,
Lydia