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What does it mean when Juliet says, "I have bought the mansion of love but not possessed it"?

As Juliet awaits Romeo, she muses on love and lovers, wishing for night to fall so that Romeo can safely ascend to her bedroom and they can spend the night together. As Juliet eagerly anticipates Romeo's arrival, she considers what it will be like to lose her virginity to her husband, thinking of how handsome he is.  She says, in part, "Oh, I have bought the mansion of a love, / But not possessed it, and though I...

As Juliet awaits Romeo, she muses on love and lovers, wishing for night to fall so that Romeo can safely ascend to her bedroom and they can spend the night together. As Juliet eagerly anticipates Romeo's arrival, she considers what it will be like to lose her virginity to her husband, thinking of how handsome he is.  She says, in part, "Oh, I have bought the mansion of a love, / But not possessed it, and though I am sold, / Not yet enjoyed" (3.2.28-30). What she means is that she begun the process of marriage, but she has not completed it. Though she belongs to Romeo now, he hasn't made her his yet. In other words, Juliet is married, but she and Romeo have not consummated their marriage yet. Via metaphor, she compares love to a mansion, a luxurious and beautiful home, but she has not moved into it yet.  Although Juliet no longer belongs to her father, having been "sold" to her husband, the metaphorical transaction is not complete until Romeo has "enjoyed" her.  Once Juliet has lost her virginity to Romeo, she will consider herself as having "possessed" the mansion of love.

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