Is Living Together Required After Marriage?
The misconception that couples must live together after marriage is just that—a misconception. While cohabitation is common among married couples, many choose to maintain separate living arrangements due to a variety of factors such as work commitments, personal preferences, and cultural practices. The decision ultimately depends on the couple's unique circumstances, values, and choices.
Defining Living Together
When people think of living together, they often visualize couples sharing a home 24/7. However, the definition of "living together" can be more flexible. For some, living together means being in the same house at least five days a week, while for others, it might mean living under the same roof for specified periods, such as during holidays or weekends.
A Real-Life Example
I remember a couple from my hometown, Jamshedpur, with twin boys, whom I often saw on a mountaineering tour. The husband, a close colleague of my dad and a senior VP, worked in their hometown, while his wife was a senior executive working in Noida, 1400 kilometers away. The boys stayed with their mother, and the couple met up for vacations and holidays. This example illustrates that a mutually agreed upon decision can work for a marriage, even when partners are living in different cities.
Reasons for Living Separately
Long-distance relationships aren't always easy, but they can be a viable option for married couples. Here are some reasons why a married couple might choose to live separately:
Financial Reasons
The rise in expenses has led to more couples deciding to pursue high-paying jobs in different cities to save and accumulate funds.
Work Transfers
Promotions and career growth often involve relocation, leading to one or both partners being based in other cities.
Personal Preferences and Careers
Some individuals may not be able to find suitable jobs in their partner's city, or both partners may be career-oriented and want to pursue their ambitions in different locations.
No Immediate Responsibilities
In cases where there are no immediate responsibilities like children or elderly parents to care for, couples may choose to live separately to maintain their independence and freedom.
Maintaining the Spark
Some couples prefer a bit of distance to keep the spark in their relationship. Others might be in an open relationship, which allows them more flexibility.
Conclusion
No, it is not necessary for a married couple to live together all the time. However, spending as much time together as possible can help couples grow stronger and reduce reliance on the influence of a third party. Every couple is in a unique situation, and only they can be the best judge of what works best for them. By making a mutual decision and communicating openly, living apart can still lead to a successful and loving marriage.