I wonder.

[bronze_ribbons]

In today's New York Times:

Ms. Farge suggests a reason: "In the 18th century, a man and woman lived together for a maximum of three or four years because of wars, epidemics, death during childbirth and so on. Life was a succession of funerals and remarriages. In fact, until today, couples have never had to live together for a long time."

Comments

[joannemerriam.livejournal.com]

I also question "maximum," but if it'd said, "generally only lived together..." or "often only lived together..." I wouldn't have raised an eyebrow.