Relationship bliss with two roofs

DEAR READERS: I've decided to celebrate Valentine's Day by featuring relationship stories with a twist. Recently, I asked readers to share their unconventional habitation stories. Here are a few:

DEAR AMY: My husband and I have been married for five years and have always lived apart. This is a second marriage for both of us. When we were dating, we tried to blend the families, and it just wasn't working that well, so we agreed to keep both houses until the kids are off on their own. We feel we have the best of both worlds. We can see each other when we want, and if we don't want to get together we are free to have our own time. It will be interesting to see what will happen when our kids are gone and we have the opportunity to buy a home together, I'm not 100 percent sure that will happen.

--Happily Apart

DEAR AMY: Thirty years ago, a 30-year-old bachelor moved in next door (I was 40). We started a perfect relationship that has lasted for 25 years. We loved the proximity as well as our continued independence, and neither of us wanted to get married. Over the years, we have traveled together, invested in property jointly and maintained our opposite-sex friendships while remaining monogamous. We feel most fortunate to have separate residences. When we recently purchased new condos, we made sure we were still next-door neighbors.

--C and M

DEAR AMY: My partner and I have shared our lives for almost six years. I'm a widower. She is a divorcee. For two years, we lived 23 miles apart. When a condo became available in my development, she sold her home and bought it. It's been ideal. We share meals, major activities, and the joys and sorrows of her family and mine. We mischievously announced before assembled family members and friends at our commitment ceremony that, "separate money and separate housing do not hinder conjugal bliss."

--Happy at 85