I have this type of relationship now. I have been married 3 times and am never doing it again. My boyfriend, Sonny and I have been together, but do not live together, for 3 years now. He lives in the country with 3 small noisy dogs and a parrot. He has a television on all the time when he is home. He has a big family who all smoke and come to his house and smoke inside when they are there (even though he has lung and heart issues and is an ex-smoker). He is very social.
I live downtown in a small city in a small studio apartment with my pet rabbit. Rabbit would not do well at Sonny's house. The smoke and noise and unorganized type of living would do him in. And me. I am an introvert and even when I am at his house, I look forward to coming home to my peaceful apartment. My disabled son lives down the street from me and I need to be near him.
I talk to Sonny on the phone for hours sometimes. I just put it on speaker and do my normal stuff. He comes here several times a week to take me shopping or whatever. Occasionally he stays over but he has his pets to care for and can't stay over a lot. They are older critters and he is a good pet dad.
I live in a subsidized apartment and can't have someone live with me unless they met the guidelines. I didn't want to be in a relationship at all when I left my husband, Sonny helped me leave there and get into this place. He knew I would not move into his home and is fine with it. But we have a very good relationship and can count on each other. He is happy and so am I. I think it depends on each couple, whether it is good or not. Living together is not easy for many couples.