Why Living Apart May Be the Relationship Upgrade You Need

"Living apart together (LAT) is a term that refers to two people who are in a committed relationship and choose to reside in separate homes. While some researchers define LAT couples as "unmarried," others consider married couples who are not cohabitating as LAT as well."

"According to 2021 Census data, 3.89 million adults in the U.S. live separately from their spouses. While many couples still choose to live together, more couples are choosing to live apart together due to a variety of factors including a desire for more independence, career mobility, financial considerations, and needing adequate space for remote work."

"One potential benefit of LAT is having more space and time to explore one's passions, interests, and hobbies outside of the relationship. Having a healthy amount of space in a relationship can help each partner maintain their own identity and provide a sense of balance that brings them closer together, rather than further apart."

"LAT can be beneficial for couples with busy careers that require long hours or frequent travel as it can help them feel more present when spending time with one another outside of work. LAT can also help reduce friction for couples working remotely. After the pandemic, many companies began switching to hybrid or fully remote roles full-time."

Leila and Reza have been together for a decade and have deepened their connection by being intentional about quality time despite hectic schedules. They live apart together while remaining in a committed relationship, and their relationship has never been stronger. Living apart together refers to two people in a committed relationship who choose to reside in separate homes, and it can include both unmarried and married couples who are not cohabitating. U.S. Census data from 2021 shows millions of adults live separately from their spouses. Couples increasingly choose this arrangement for independence, career mobility, financial reasons, and adequate space for remote work. Benefits include maintaining personal identity, feeling balanced, and reducing friction for busy careers and remote work.

Read at Psychology Today