Modern couples are reimagining what a successful marriage looks like,
 often stepping outside the bounds of traditional norms. For some, this 
means choosing to live in separate households a radical yet increasingly
 popular arrangement that prioritizes individuality and mutual respect.

Sheryl
 Lee Ralph, the Emmy-winning actor, is one of the most vocal advocates 
for this lifestyle. In a December 2024 interview with People, 
Ralph shared how she and her husband, Senator Vincent Hughes, have 
maintained separate homes for over 20 years. Both have thriving 
careers hers in entertainment, his in politics and they’ve found that 
living apart allows them to fully invest in their personal goals while 
still nurturing their relationship. This year, they plan to celebrate 
two decades of marriage, proving that unconventional setups can thrive.

You
 might think, “That’s Hollywood it wouldn’t work for regular people.” 
But it does. Many couples are discovering that maintaining separate 
spaces can strengthen their bond by allowing each partner to grow 
independently.

To understand how common this is, I spoke with 
sociologist and sexologist Pepper Schwartz, PhD, who is in a 
long-distance marriage herself. “The Economist reported that 
over 4 million married couples in the U.S. live apart,” she says. “There
 are countless reasons for this choice. Some couples have established 
routines they don’t want to disrupt, while others prioritize career 
opportunities without sacrificing their relationship.” Dr. Schwartz 
lives 45 minutes away from her husband, an arrangement she says fosters 
both love and independence.

Of course, this lifestyle isn’t for 
everyone. Financially, maintaining two households can be a significant 
burden. Add in the complexities of taxes, parenting, and other 
responsibilities, and the arrangement can feel overwhelming, especially 
if the distance spans multiple states.

But for those considering a long-distance marriage whether by choice or necessity here’s how to make it work.

In
 many cultures, living apart as a married couple is met with skepticism 
or outright judgment. People often ask invasive questions: When will you live together? How will you raise kids? Why even get married?

Dr.
 Schwartz notes that couples in these arrangements often face 
assumptions that their relationship isn’t “real” or that they’re 
destined to fail. “People doubt the longevity of long-distance marriages
 or assume the couple isn’t truly committed,” she says. “But these 
relationships can be just as loving and intimate as traditional ones.”

Hayley,
 a 29-year-old New Yorker, has been married for a year and together with
 her husband for five. They’ve always lived apart he’s based in North 
Carolina and travels frequently for work, while her career keeps her in 
NYC. “When I explain why it works for us, people usually get it,” she 
says. “We value our independence and have established lives that we 
don’t want to uproot.”

If you’re
 considering a long-distance marriage, open and honest communication is 
key. Hayley advises couples to ask themselves why they want to live 
apart and what they hope to gain. “For us, it wasn’t a choice at 
first it just happened. But we’ve realized it works because we both 
value our own space and routines.”

Dr. Schwartz suggests exploring
 your attachment styles and emotional needs before making the leap. 
Securely attached individuals, who feel comfortable with independence, 
often thrive in these arrangements. Anxiously attached partners might 
also benefit, as the distance can provide reassurance through consistent
 communication.

Before moving forward, discuss logistics in 
detail: How will you handle finances? How often will you visit each 
other? What boundaries will you set around personal space? These 
conversations can prevent misunderstandings and ensure both partners 
feel respected.

Living apart can 
actually enhance intimacy. Hayley and her husband text daily and see 
each other every three weeks, making their time together intentional and
 meaningful. “The distance keeps our sexual desire alive,” she says. “We
 have a chance to miss each other, which builds excitement.”

Dr. 
Schwartz points to research showing that novelty like living apart can 
reignite passion in long-term relationships. She recommends maintaining 
rituals, like virtual dinners or shared activities, to stay connected. 
Technology, from video calls to intimacy apps, can also play a crucial 
role in fostering closeness.

Long-distance
 marriages aren’t without challenges. If your partner becomes distant, 
less affectionate, or harder to reach, it might be time to reevaluate. 
Dr. Schwartz advises addressing these issues head-on through open 
communication. Sometimes, moving in together can resolve underlying 
problems, but other times, the issues may run deeper than distance.

Ultimately,
 the success of any marriage whether living together or apart depends on
 trust, communication, and a shared commitment to growth. As Sheryl Lee 
Ralph puts it, “He has his life, I have mine. We each have our own light
 to stand in.” And that’s the beauty of rewriting the rules: creating a 
partnership that works for you.

Tips for maintaining intimacy, independence, and connection while living apart. Real stories and expert advice

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