Barbara Corcoran, the well-known entrepreneur and television personality, recently shared her positive experience with having separate bedrooms from her husband, Bill Higgins. At 76, Corcoran believes that this arrangement has significantly enhanced their marriage. “When I got my second bedroom, I immediately loved my husband twice as much,” she stated in an interview with The Wall Street Journal.
Corcoran, who has been married to retired Navy captain and FBI agent Bill Higgins since 1988, advocates for couples to consider this unconventional setup as a way to maintain personal space. She suggests that even those living in small apartments can find solutions, such as using separate beds or creating a designated sleeping area.
Personal Space and Relationship Dynamics
Discussing the benefits of having distinct sleeping quarters, Corcoran noted that it is essential for her to protect her alone time, particularly in the mornings. “I always wake up at 5 o’clock. I make myself some coffee, sit on my chair, and daydream for an hour,” she explained. She emphasizes the importance of starting her day without distractions, which helps her maintain her energy and focus throughout her busy schedule.
Despite her packed calendar, Corcoran has established a strict boundary by taking Mondays off work. “I will not work on a Monday,” she affirmed, elaborating on how she prepares for the week ahead by leaving notes and commands for her team.
Corcoran’s insights on this topic are not new. During a December 2024 appearance on “The Jamie Kern Lima Show,” she discussed how having separate bedrooms contributes to her marital success. She noted the significance of having private space, especially given her active lifestyle and busy social calendar. “What I need more than anything else is a respite, and my husband is not relaxing,” she said.
Celebrity Endorsements of Sleep Divorce
Corcoran’s views resonate with other celebrities who have similarly embraced the concept of “sleep divorce.” Television host Carson Daly has referred to it as the “best thing” for his marriage, while actress Bette Midler has revealed that she and her husband have slept apart since the early days of their relationship. This growing acceptance of separate sleeping arrangements suggests a shift in how couples approach intimacy and personal space.
In conclusion, Barbara Corcoran’s advocacy for separate bedrooms serves as a testament to the evolving dynamics of modern relationships. By promoting personal space, she encourages couples to explore alternative arrangements that may lead to a happier and healthier partnership. As more individuals consider the benefits of such living situations, it remains to be seen how this trend will shape contemporary marriage norms.