LAT or Living Apart Together: What Does This Relationship Model Consist Of?

The LAT couple model, or Living Apart Together, emerges as an alternative to traditional coexistence under the same roof. It allows you to maintain autonomy and physical independence, while maintaining a deep emotional commitment.

LAT couples choose to live separately for reasons such as preserving individuality, flexibility in responsibilities, and preventing daily conflicts Although they do not live together, they share commitment and quality moments together. Francisco Hidalgo, director of Avannza Psicoluciones in Seville, tells us its details, benefits and disadvantages.

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Origin and concept of the LAT model

The LAT couple model, or Living Apart Together, has emerged as an alternative to traditional living together under the same roof. This form of relationship allows couples to maintain their autonomy and physical independence, while remaining emotionally committed to each other.

This trend has gained popularity in recent years in the Western world, including Spain. People with previous family responsibilities, such as children from previous relationships, have adopted this model Labor mobility, especially in professions such as the military, has contributed to the adoption of the LAT model, since many professionals are forced to move and prefer to maintain the relationship remotely.

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Reasons to choose the LAT model

There are various reasons why couples choose to live separately within the LAT model, each of them providing benefits and advantages for the relationship:

1. Preservation of individuality

It allows each member of the couple to maintain their identity and autonomy, avoiding the feeling of loss of self in daily life

2. Flexibility in family and work responsibilities

By living separately, the management of each person’s family and work responsibilities is facilitated, allowing greater freedom in the organization of tasks and commitments.

3. Prevention of conflicts derived from daily coexistence

Avoiding daily coexistence can reduce the tensions and conflicts that may arise on a daily basis, allowing the couple to enjoy quality moments together without the daily pressures

Advantages of the LAT model

The LAT model offers various advantages that help strengthen the relationship of couples who choose it. Some of the main ones are highlighted below:

1. Maintenance of passion and romance

By maintaining the autonomy of living separately, LAT couples can preserve the spark and romance in their relationship. Having special and shared moments of encounter helps keep the passion alive between both of you

2. Avoidance of tensions derived from coexistence

One of the key advantages of the LAT model is the possibility of avoiding conflicts and tensions that often arise in daily coexistence under the same roof. By having separate spaces, couples can enjoy moments together without falling into daily disputes.

3. Share quality time together

Even if they live apart, LAT couples can enjoy quality moments together. Establishing meeting moments and dedicating exclusive time to the couple allows us to strengthen the emotional connection and create meaningful memories in the relationship

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Challenges of the LAT model

The LAT model, despite its advantages, also presents certain challenges that couples must face to keep the relationship healthy and satisfying.

1. Lack of security and trust in the relationship

One of the main difficulties of the LAT model is the lack of security and trust that can arise from not sharing the same physical space permanently. By not being present on a daily basis, couples may experience doubts about the stability of the relationship and the fidelity of the other

2. Possibility of imposition of the model due to external circumstances

Another challenge for couples who choose the LAT model is the possibility that one of the parties may feel obligated to maintain this type of relationship due to external circumstances, such as work distance or family situation. This can lead to tension and conflict if one party is not comfortable with physical separation.