Is it healthy for married couples to live apart? This depends upon the couple. But it is possible for a married couple to live apart and maintain a healthy relationship. If both parties are mutually vested in the relationship they will work at their marriage just as hard as a couple living under the same roof.
The impact of living apart in a marriage wholly depends on the particular circumstances of the relationship and the personalities of the couple involved. A couple can benefit from living apart as it allows them to lead an independent life and have their space while not getting on each other's nerves.
If a couple must stay apart, it shouldn't be for more than six months or maximum one year. During this period, conscious and sustained efforts must be made to manage the issues which distance breeds like loneliness, non-frequent sex, lack of emotional and physical support.
Even if the spouses are living apart, they are still considered married. This has important consequences: they aren't legally allowed to marry someone else. if one doesn't have a will, the other spouse automatically inherits from the one without a will.
A separation can strengthen a marriage if it's done for the right reasons and if there are clear agreements from the start. Elements of a successful separation that enhances a relationship include getting third-party support and maintaining regular communication.
If a temporary separation is done in the right way and for the right reasons, and there are clear agreements, it can help couples gain perspective on their relationship and actually strengthen it.
Couples who live in their own homes (and expect to for the rest of their lives) have the least traditional relationships and the most freedom. Living apart lets them sidestep possible conflicts over all the habits, needs and people in their lives they've gathered over the decades.
Besides money and benefits, another reason people choose legal separation instead of divorce is because they aren't sure if they are ready to end the marriage. A legal separation allows couples to have a “cooling off” period to determine if the marriage can actually be repaired.
The bottom line? Coan advises every couple to adhere to the 70/30 rule: For the happiest, most harmonious relationship, the pro suggests spending 70% of time together, and 30% apart. That gives each of you enough freedom to explore your own interests while still being rooted and invested in your relationship.
Living apart together supposedly gives people all the advantages of autonomy – doing what you want in your own space, maintaining preexisting local arrangements and friendships – as well as the pleasures of intimacy with a partner.
In 2022, there are estimates that almost 3% of married Americans choose to live apart together. And it is on the rise for unmarried couples who want a romantic relationship while maintaining independent living arrangements.
So don't worry if you're going through it. "You can be in love, but you don't want to move in," licensed clinical psychotherapist Dr. LeslieBeth Wish tells Elite Daily. In fact, "that decision could be a very wise one," she says.
Depressing news for folks who like to take things fast: Couples who move in together before the age of 23 generally don't have a promising future and that doesn't taper off until you're 30. The longer a couple waits to move in together, the more likely it'll work long-term and that's what everyone wants, right?
The no contact rule in marriage often helps couples mend their failing marriage. This has proved to be quite an efficient method of getting back with ex-wife or ex-husband easily. But, the no contact rule during marriage separation or the no contact rule during divorce or after the separation is entirely different.
Separation can be healthy for a marriage, especially if you have been constantly at each other's throats. It provides you with the opportunity to spend time away from each other and reflect on the things that have gone wrong in your relationship.
"Children who are separated from their parents at an older age often experience problems in school and may exhibit regressive behavior. Older children may develop anxiety, depression or behavioral problems. Some may even self-harm in order to cope," she added.
There is no golden rule as to how long or short a separation should be. It can be as short as three months or as long as a year. Take your time. You do not want to abruptly get back together and then go through the same problems again.
If you've chosen to live apart, go on dates regularly, have dinner together a few nights a week, and grab lunch together. Discuss your needs as a couple, and spend enough time together to maintain your bond. Some couples who choose to live apart spend most of their time together, but sleep separately.
Occasionally and against the odds, some couples are able to reconcile after a period of separation. Statistics based on couples getting back together after a separation show that while 87% of couples finally end their relationship in divorce after a separation, the remaining 13% are able to reconcile post-separation.
Frequency of Sex in Older Adults
Females reported having sex an average of 4.68 times per month between the age of 40 to 59, dropping to 1.74 times per month between the age of 60 to 72.
Once a week is a common baseline, experts say. That statistic depends slightly on age: 40- and 50-year-olds tend to fall around that baseline, while 20- to 30-year olds tend to average around twice a week.
Usually, married couples in their 20s have sex 80 times a year, whereas those in their 60s are likely to engage in sex only about 20 times annually.
But, if you no longer find joy or simple happiness with your partner, or even feel resentful of them, then it's time to file for divorce. You deserve to be with someone with whom you're happy, not just be in a comforting habit with the one that you have.
Maintaining the sanctity of a healthy separation, treat your spouse like a business partner by answering emails, receiving phone calls and reply to text messages. It is not a time to talk ill of each other. Your aim is to give yourself space to reflect without their influence.