@Matrix, thank you VERY much for bringing this up. I really like the idea of enabling a feature on the platform that helps couples, housemates, or travel companions surf/host together. I agree with @Aleja that combining profiles is not a good approach for a number of reasons, particularly as @kellyt pointed out, it would be difficult to implement.
A different approach would be the ability to link 2 or more accounts together (for a specific period of time or indefinitely). You can send a request to link profiles (along with a definition of the link that both are agreeing upon) and once linked, that link would be clearly indicated on your profile. The 3 profile-linking types that would be relevant to couch requests/hosting:
- Partner (spouse, domestic partner, girlfriend/boyfriend of the linked person)
- Housemate (currently lives at the same residence as the linked person)
- Travel Buddy (person is traveling and overnighting together with linked person)
When traveling, you would have the ability to “add” the linked-person to your couch request. When when hosting, a request sent to one housemate would be received by any other linked housemates on the platform (the requester would be notified that the request is being sent to linked profiles). This also would help prevent any surprises (“Oh, I didn’t know you have a housemate!” or “I didn’t know you were going to be hosting someone tonight!”)