@Mindful Muslimah JazakAllahu Khairan, its so nice to hear a range of perspectives on this alhamdullillah, very eye opening to things that may be overlooked or undiscovered <3 thank you Here is a summary of what the sheikh said - It should not be a nullifier in terms of considering the potential spouse - There are a lot of individuals who get married and they do not live close to their families but it works out well; for example, some travel and visit yearly as is feasible for them, Allahummabarik - When it comes to leaving the household eventually they will have their own children, and the individuals being invested in their own household is highly important; going back and forth between family can divide focus and hearts - Its healthy to maintain some distance when you are raising a family; hikmah of what the ulema say; when they get married they should live on their own, shouldn't have too many relationships, shouldn't spend too much time with people outside of the house - Especially if he has all the other prerequisites and all the conditions to be a potential good partner, it should not be a nullifier/dealbreaker or a means of not considering the person, finding a suitable righteous spouse can be difficult - The more you travel along the journey of marriage with a partner you are going to have so many more responsibilities towards the people of your own home to a degree where one would not have time to visit the family as often as one may like - Everyone is different, but is of the view that it is better to not be super close to the family in the initial phases of marriage so one can solidify their relationship with that individual and begin their life together strong - Distance also creates love and appreciation; relationship with your family can be stronger if you take the route of moving away - If the reason to stay close is that your parents are old, and you are an only child and you want to present for them, then that is a valid reason, they don't have anyone else, but if not its different - Allah swt knows best