Alone Together in the New Age of Marriage
Posted by admin on 2024-11-13 |
Marriage, once seen as the merging of two lives under one roof, is undergoing a transformation. Across the globe, and increasingly in India, some couples are rethinking traditional living arrangements, opting to maintain separate residences while staying in committed relationships. This trend, known as Living Apart Together (LAT), is redefining how love, companionship, and personal space are balanced in modern partnerships.
Breaking Away from Tradition
In India, marriage has traditionally been intertwined with cohabitation. Families, societal norms, and even legal frameworks have upheld the idea that couples should live together after marriage. However, as the younger generation prioritizes individuality and personal growth, the definition of marriage is evolving.
A 2020 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center highlighted that in Western countries, nearly 10% of committed couples live apart by choice. Although India lacks similar statistical data, anecdotal evidence from urban areas suggests a growing acceptance of LAT relationships, especially among dual-career couples.
Why Are Couples Living Apart?
Career Aspirations
Dual-income households are on the rise, but career opportunities often demand relocations. Instead of compromising professional growth, some couples prefer maintaining separate homes. For instance, Radhika and Saurabh, a Bengaluru-based couple, chose LAT when Radhika secured a high-ranking position in Mumbai. "We visit each other often, and the distance has made us appreciate our time together more," Radhika shares.Personal Space and Independence
Modern couples increasingly value individuality. Living apart allows them to maintain their personal routines, hobbies, and friendships without the compromises cohabitation often demands. A study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that LAT couples reported higher satisfaction levels, attributing it to the autonomy their arrangement provides.Avoiding Domestic Conflicts
Sharing a space inevitably leads to disagreements over chores, schedules, and habits. Some couples believe that living apart helps them focus on the emotional and romantic aspects of their relationship, minimizing day-to-day friction.Cultural and Family Constraints
For some, living apart is not a choice but a necessity. Interfaith or intercaste marriages, still taboo in many parts of India, force couples to adopt LAT to avoid familial or societal backlash.
The Merits of LAT Relationships
Enhanced Quality Time: Couples living apart often make deliberate efforts to spend time together, making their interactions more meaningful.
Personal Growth: Living separately allows individuals to pursue personal goals, hobbies, and careers without feeling constrained by traditional marital expectations.
Preserving Romance: Absence, as the saying goes, can make the heart grow fonder. The physical distance in LAT relationships often helps sustain the excitement and novelty of being together.
The Challenges of Living Apart
Social Stigma
In a society where cohabitation is considered synonymous with a successful marriage, LAT couples often face judgment and intrusive questions.Financial Strain
Maintaining two households can be expensive, especially in cities where rents and living costs are high.Lack of Intimacy
Physical separation may lead to feelings of loneliness or emotional distance over time, particularly in relationships lacking strong communication.Parenting Complexities
For LAT couples with children, managing parental responsibilities across two homes can be challenging and may raise questions about stability for the child.
What This Trend Says
The rise of LAT relationships reflects the changing priorities of today’s couples. Traditional ideas of marriage, rooted in sacrifice and cohabitation, are being replaced by partnerships that prioritize mutual respect, individuality, and shared goals. LAT does not signal a decline in the institution of marriage but rather its adaptation to modern needs.
Couples are recognizing that love and commitment do not always require proximity. As technology bridges communication gaps and societal norms slowly shift, LAT relationships may continue to gain acceptance in India’s evolving marital landscape.
Looking Ahead
While LAT relationships challenge traditional views, they offer a glimpse into how marriage can evolve in a way that accommodates both individuality and togetherness. Whether this trend will reshape the institution of marriage in India remains to be seen, but it undeniably underscores a critical shift: love today is about choice, not obligation.
As Indian society grapples with balancing tradition and modernity, LAT couples serve as a testament to the resilience of relationships in their many forms.
