{"id":26474,"date":"2026-01-08T09:00:45","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T22:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.relationshipsnsw.org.au\/?p=26474"},"modified":"2026-01-08T10:51:21","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T23:51:21","slug":"living-apart-together","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.relationshipsnsw.org.au\/zh\/blog\/living-apart-together\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201c\u5206\u5c45\u201d\uff1a\u4e3a\u4ec0\u4e48\u8d8a\u6765\u8d8a\u591a\u7684\u592b\u59bb\u9009\u62e9\u5206\u5c45"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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For many couples, deciding to move in together is an important step in their relationship and a sign of their commitment to each other.<\/h6>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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However, a growing number of people are opting to stay in loving, devoted relationships but not live under the same roof<\/a>. Instead, they\u2019re \u201cliving apart together\u201d (LAT for short).<\/p>

So, how come people are choosing to continue living independently? We spoke with Sandy \u2013 our Counselling Practice Specialist at Relationships Australia NSW, to learn more about why people might be making this choice, what\u2019s driving it, and some of the benefits it can bring to romantic relationships<\/a>.<\/p>

What \u201cliving apart together\u201d means<\/h2>

People who are living apart together (LAT) are in long-term romantic relationships but choose to live in different homes.<\/p>

Australian Government data suggests<\/a> that seven to nine percent of people aren\u2019t living with their partner.<\/p>

The important part of LATs is that it\u2019s done by choice. There are many couples who are \u201cregretfully apart\u201d – they might be separated by distance<\/a>, or other circumstances (e.g. financial, cultural) that prevent them from living together for a period of time.<\/p>

For those pursuing the LAT lifestyle, it\u2019s a long-term decision made with their partner.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Why people live separately in a relationship<\/h2>

According to Sandy, many couples make this choice to keep some autonomy and financial freedom.<\/p>

\u201cPeople who speak very positively about LAT say they\u2019re getting the best of both their independence and connection with a partner,\u201d she explains.<\/p>

\u201cSome people really value their space and routine and want to hold onto that. So, it\u2019s a way of accommodating that and, at the same time, having a relationship and romance.\u201d<\/p>

It may also be to try and minimise the impact of a new relationship on children<\/a> if they are still living at home.<\/p>

Elisabeth Shaw, CEO of Relationships Australia NSW, says that older women and people who have previously been married or in long-term relationships are leading the charge in LAT relationships. In many cases, they don\u2019t want to compromise the family home or have already gone through a settlement and divorce<\/a>, which they don\u2019t want to repeat.<\/p>

\u201cWomen, particularly, enjoy the independence that comes from not being obliged to anyone, if that\u2019s been a feature of other stages [such as kids, elderly parents, and work obligations],\u201d Elisabeth told the ABC<\/a>.<\/p>

She also added it can bring a buzz to many relationships.<\/p>

\u201cI\u2019ve had people say the relationship doesn\u2019t get stale because you have to work at it – you have to make an effort to see each other. [LAT relationships] get into a different mindset instead of just pulling into your driveway and knowing [their] partner\u2019s on the couch. There\u2019s something about going to the trouble of seeing each other, which is quite special and quite exciting.\u201d<\/p>

While people might choose not to live together, both Sandy and Elisabeth emphasise that this doesn\u2019t mean they\u2019re not any less committed to each other.<\/p>

\u201cIt\u2019s important we don\u2019t view living apart as an indication of commitment \u2013 people can be as committed living apart as they are together,\u201d Sandy says.<\/p>

It\u2019s also essential to note that many of these assumptions are made about heterosexual relationships, and those who have the financial support and privilege to choose to live separately.<\/p>

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A post shared by Relationships Australia NSW (@relationshipsnsw)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>