Living apart together - meaning and definition
AlsoLAT relationshipapart togetherliving apartseparate homes
Definition
A committed couple who choose to keep separate homes rather than live together.
At a glance
- A committed couple who choose to keep separate homes.
- Often shortened to LAT.
- Reasons include independence, children, caring roles or simple preference.
- Sociologists report growing numbers, especially among older adults.
- It questions the assumption that moving in is the natural next step.
In detail
Living apart together, sometimes abbreviated LAT, describes couples who are long-term partners but maintain their own households, often in the same town. The choice may reflect independence, children from earlier relationships, caring responsibilities or simply preference.
Sociologists have noted growing numbers of LAT couples, particularly among older adults and people who have previously been married. The arrangement challenges the assumption that moving in together is the natural next step.
In a sentence
- We're living apart together: we've been a couple for ten years but we each have our own flat.
- After my divorce I knew I wanted a LAT relationship rather than sharing a house again.
Where the word comes from
The phrase has been used by sociologists since the late twentieth century to describe a pattern they saw growing in many countries.
Not to be confused with
- Long-distance relationship
A long-distance relationship is shaped by geography, while living apart together is usually a deliberate choice.
Common questions
Is living apart together a sign of a weak relationship?
No. Many LAT couples are deeply committed. They simply prefer separate homes, often for practical or personal reasons.