When my partner recently left on a three-day business trip, I felt a mix of emotions. While I miss him dearly, I secretly relish the benefits of his absence: fewer chores, less grocery shopping, and more uninterrupted time to binge-watch my favorite shows. It’s a guilty pleasure I can indulge in without someone questioning my choices.
Interestingly, I’m not alone in appreciating a little distance. Research from the Family Institute at Northwestern University indicates that couples who spend much of the week apart—often due to work obligations—report higher levels of happiness and better overall health than those living together all the time. According to findings highlighted in the Boston Globe, these long-distance couples experience lower levels of depression, reduced fatigue, improved diets, and more regular exercise.
What’s the Secret?
According to Steve Mitchell, a co-author of the study, the key lies in independence. Couples living apart have the freedom to engage in activities that promote mental and physical wellness, such as exercising, socializing, and enjoying uninterrupted sleep. Perhaps I should consider reclaiming my own space tonight, opting for a workout and planning some dinner with friends.
The Challenges of Distance
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. While these couples may thrive individually, they also face increased stress related to personal issues and experience more conflict within their relationships. The Globe notes that long-distance couples often have less intimacy and score lower on relationship maintenance activities, such as expressing love and sharing household responsibilities.
Mitchell suggests that these challenges could contribute to heightened stress levels among long-distance couples, and he hopes to explore strategies in future studies to help them navigate these complexities. As long as he waits until my favorite show is on hiatus, I’m all for it.
Exploring Family Options
For those interested in exploring options for starting a family, consider checking out this post about our home insemination kit or the impregnator at home insemination kit for authoritative insights. Additionally, the Mayo Clinic offers valuable information about pregnancy and home insemination that can be beneficial.
Conclusion
In summary, while living apart from your spouse may offer certain advantages, it also presents unique challenges that can impact the relationship. Finding the right balance between individual independence and relationship maintenance is key to long-term happiness.
Keyphrase: living apart from partner happiness
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