In this episode, Niall Boylan takes calls from listeners about a relationship dilemma that raises an interesting question. Can you have a happy, committed relationship without ever living together?
A woman who has been dating a man for several months says they're both divorced, get on brilliantly and genuinely enjoy each other's company. But there's a problem. He's beginning to hint that they should move in together, and she's not sure she wants that.
Having already been married, she's built a comfortable, independent life and has no desire to go back to cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, organising appointments and effectively becoming a housekeeper for another grown man.
She loves the companionship, the romance and the freedom of having her own space. But is it fair to expect a committed relationship while refusing to share a home?
Niall asks whether women, particularly those who have already raised families and been through divorce, are becoming less willing to sacrifice their independence for a relationship. Or is this woman unfairly assuming that moving in with a man automatically means taking responsibility for looking after him?
Is she protecting her independence, or does she simply want all the benefits of a relationship without the compromises?
And what about the man? Is he entitled to expect that a serious relationship will eventually lead to living together?
Niall hears from callers on both sides of the debate, including those who believe couples are happier living apart and others who argue that sharing a home is an important part of building a future together.
Would you move in with a new partner later in life, or have you reached an age where you simply couldn't be bothered living with someone else?
Is living apart the secret to a happy relationship, or is it just being single with benefits?
