Fuzhou couple maintains extreme AA-style marriage for 40 years

A couple in Fuzhou, China, has lived under an extreme ‘AA system’ for over 40 years, characterized by complete separation of finances, sleeping arrangements, and even meals. The elderly pair, both in their 70s, have maintained a lifestyle where they earn and spend independently, a practice the husband, Mr. Li, describes as a fair way to manage household expenses since both have incomes.

The long-term estrangement escalated earlier this year following intense arguments. Fearing for his safety due to his wife’s volatile temperament, Mr. Li spent thousands of yuan to install seven surveillance cameras throughout their home to monitor her actions. The wife, Ms. Chen, expressed feelings of long-term neglect and loneliness, noting that their lack of emotional intimacy stemmed from an arranged marriage with little initial foundation and Mr. Li’s frequent absences due to his career as a seaman.

Mediation efforts have recently been introduced to address the conflict. While Ms. Chen acknowledged that her extreme emotional outbursts were inappropriate, she also expressed gratitude for Mr. Li’s care when she suffered a stroke last year. Mr. Li has indicated a willingness to observe future interactions with the hope of improving their relationship and resolving decades of accumulated resentment.