My husband (43) and I (40) have been married for 2 years and we live in separate houses that are attached.
This is our first marriage and we've both been living alone for so long that we are set in our ways.
Our friends think it's a bit weird but we get along better this way.

Nancy, Thunder Bay, Canada

My husband and I live 85 miles away from each other, and see each other weekends and holidays. This is becasue I like Dorset and he likes Surrey (also has a job he loves). I feel we both cannot committ to each other full time - get down about it, and feel it is not good at all, plus its expensive.

Lorrae, Bournemouth, Dorset

I live in another state than my husband, married for 9yrs. issues with living apart have made it hard for us to goal marriage for long term. I love this man very much.my son (18) is raising his daughter himself and to walk out of his life isn't a opption

dana, canyon country,

My partner and I are pondering the thought of LAT. I have 4 children from a previous relationship that ended in divorce and he has no children and has never been married. We have been together for 5 years. I am looking for more information ideas on how to make this work.

Carrie, southwest united states,

My partner and I have four children (2 each from previous marriages) and tried to live together for about 12 months before deciding it was detrimental to all our children and our own sanity. We were and still are committed and very in love and are now planing our wedding. I am very happy with LAT.

RAchael Taylor, Black Rock, Australia

I wanted to try this since all of my ex-husband's and my issues seemed to revolve around space and the house. He couldn't fathom it, so we are separated. I still think it would have worked. There is no one else I would rather be with, and as far as I can tell, he feels the same way, but we were not good in one another's space.

alisoncc, New York , USA

My wife and I are exploring this as lifestyle as an alternative to divorce since she has determined that she needs her 'own space' ofter 32 years of marriage and bringing up two children. She started from an assumption that to only way to achieve her desire was for us to separate and to ultimately divorce. I still love her and believe we can make a new start and build our relationship again using LAT as a base. It has to be worth a try. To critics like Phil Anslow I say this is addressing the reality of a situation, it does not follow the fairy tale ideal but not many marriages do; and how many people are living in misery, together, because they can't face making a change? I applaud those willing to embrace change if it keeps the family intact and brings peace and happiness to it's members.

Mark, Bristol, UK

November 7,2007

I can understand why some married couples would want to live this way. I am 36 year old male, I myself was once married, I was divorced in 1999 which by 2009 will mark a decade. I have been so used to living by myself,making my own decisions, etc. I honesty can say I like having my own space. However there are times I would love companionship. Also, I cannot see myself with someone 24/7. It would be very hard for me. Not because I am selfish Man. Just because I am used to being alone. It would be beneficial for both the Man and the Woman. They would be able to do their own hobbies, projects, get with their friends, etc.

The key to this whole thing is that the couple must hold each other accountable for intamacy with each other. This cannot be left out. If it does it can cause problems.

If everything in the relationship is well balanced. There should be no problems.

Kevin B. e-mail: atm2000quake@yahoo.com

Waukesha,State of Wisconsin, United States

Kevin B., Waukesha , United States, State of Wisconsin

Living apart together? They are benefit cheats.

S. Winn, Chester le Street, Durham

No wonder there's a housing shortage!

Colin , Shrewsbury,

This is something I think more women would agree with. I houseshare with a very good male mate and my partner lives a few mins walk away in his home. It works for me and I love it. I have the space. My partner would like more I think but I dont think he is prepared to make room for me and my stuff in his home. Also I am not prepared to do all the domestic stuff 24/7!! BUT I am a very caring, happy and loving person...

Sue Chichester

Sue Le-Marechal , Chichester, UK

You own space, furniture, kitchen, car, bills and time. I remember being married and being regarded as part of his furniture. I wish we had lived apart from the start and we might still be on speaking terms!

Jenny Harris, Peterborough, UK

Where is the commitment? Remember the Christian marriage vows "... For better, for worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, 'til death do us part ..." this is accepting the whole relationship with the one love or one's life. LATs seem to share the good and hedge their bets maybe until something better comes along or walk down the road when trials come. Is the Professor's report attempting to legitimise yet another alternative lifestyle? Oh, just another thought, it is no wonder more houses are needed when solitary occupations double the footprint a traditional married couple would require. And children - what sort of "family model" does this engender? Marry and get stable.

Phil Anslow, Brentwood,

Where is the commitment? Remember the Christian marriage vows "... For better, for worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, 'til death do us part ..." this is accepting the whole relationship with the one love or one's life. LATs seem to share the good and hedge their bets maybe until something better comes along or walk down the road when trials come. Is the Professor's report attempting to legitimise yet another alternative lifestyle? Oh, just another thought, it is no wonder more houses are needed when solitary occupations double the footprint a traditional married couple would require. And children - what sort of "family model" does this engender? Marry and get a stable lifestyle which has been successful for centuries.

Phil Anslow, Brentwood,