The Wall Street Journal reported that the number of married couples living apart has risen 44% since 2000, to almost 4 million.

A sizeable number of these couples do this for work. The numbers rise when partners are building their careers, and fall near retirement. Still others do so in midlife, so one partner can satisfy career ambitions, often after being home raising kids.

Technology also plays a role. Spouses living apart can text, call, email and FaceTime each other often, to share their lives and stay connected. Some couples even cook in tandem and watch movies together through technology.

Still, it’s not ideal. Spouses reported having difficulty conveying emotions or resolving their differences from afar, as well as problems with intimacy.