Last night, my partner left for a three-day business trip. I must admit, while I despise his absence because I miss him, there’s a part of me that relishes the time apart. After all, it means fewer chores, no grocery runs, and the TV is all mine! Finally, I can binge-watch my guilty pleasure shows without hearing the usual eye-rolls or questions about my viewing choices—like, “Why do you even watch that?”
It turns out, I’m not alone in enjoying a little space now and then. A study conducted by researchers at Northwestern’s Family Institute revealed that couples who spend a significant amount of time apart—often due to work—tend to report higher levels of happiness and well-being compared to those who cohabitate full-time. According to findings shared in the Boston Globe, these long-distance couples generally experience lower levels of depression, reduced fatigue, healthier eating habits, and more regular exercise.
What’s the Secret?
According to Steve Du Bois, a co-author of the study and research fellow at Northwestern, these couples enjoy a unique balance. He noted that the independence that comes with living apart allows individuals to engage in activities like exercising, socializing, and sleeping soundly without interruptions—all of which are crucial for maintaining mental and physical health. Maybe I should think about kicking my kids out of my bed tonight, hitting the treadmill, and making plans to meet some friends.
The Challenges of Long-Distance Relationships
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. While those in long-distance relationships might thrive individually, they often face increased stress regarding personal issues and experience more conflicts with their partners. The Globe pointed out that these couples tend to have less frequent intimate moments (shocking, I know) and may score lower on “relationship maintenance” indicators—such as expressing love, discussing feelings, and sharing household duties. Du Bois mentioned that these factors could contribute to heightened stress levels for those navigating long-distance relationships, and he hopes to explore solutions in future research. But as long as he waits until my favorite show is on hiatus, I’m okay with that.
Exploring Different Living Arrangements
If you’re considering the dynamics of your relationship, it might be worth exploring different living arrangements. For further insights, check out this post on Cervical Insemination, as it discusses alternative family structures. Additionally, if you’re looking into at-home insemination options, Make A Mom offers reliable kits to help you on your journey. For those curious about fertility issues, Womens Health provides an excellent resource for understanding infertility and home insemination.
Conclusion
In summary, while living apart from your spouse can bring a sense of freedom and personal growth, it’s essential to weigh the potential emotional challenges that could arise. Finding the right balance may lead to a happier and healthier relationship.
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