Barbara Corcoran, the 76-year-old real estate mogul and television personality known for her role on *Shark Tank*, is vocal about the benefits of having separate bedrooms in a marriage. In a recent interview with *The Wall Street Journal*, she shared her perspective, stating, “When I got my second bedroom, I immediately loved my husband twice as much.”
Corcoran and her husband, retired Navy captain and FBI agent Bill Higgins, have been married since 1988. Their unique arrangement has fostered a deeper appreciation for each other, which Corcoran believes could benefit many couples. She encourages partners to consider separate sleeping spaces, even in smaller homes.
Rethinking Shared Spaces
In the interview, Corcoran offered practical suggestions for couples living in compact apartments. “They could get separate beds. They could put a wall up. They could sleep on the convertible couch,” she said. While acknowledging that this approach may not suit everyone, she emphasized that many couples could optimize their living arrangements to create personal space.
Corcoran pointed out that many New Yorkers, for example, have two-bedroom apartments where one room is often underutilized as a den or TV room. “I think that’s a misuse,” she stated, encouraging a re-evaluation of how couples utilize their living spaces.
For Corcoran, having her own space is essential, particularly in the mornings. She enjoys waking up at 5:00 AM to savor her coffee and indulge in personal reflection. “I try to stay off my cellphone and I usually succeed,” she remarked.
Balancing Work and Personal Life
Despite her busy schedule, which includes commitments to her business and family, Corcoran maintains a strict work-life balance. She takes Mondays off, a practice she has adhered to for years. “I will not work on a Monday,” she stated, highlighting her commitment to personal time.
Corcoran has previously discussed the concept of “sleep divorce,” referring to couples sleeping in separate rooms as a strategy for a successful marriage. During an appearance on the *Jamie Kern Lima Show* in December 2024, she elaborated on the importance of private space. “There’s something to be said about your own private space,” she noted, emphasizing that her busy life necessitates quiet time away from her husband.
She also mentioned that they have rules for entering each other’s bedrooms, stating, “I have to invite him into my bedroom, and I like it that way.” This arrangement allows both partners to maintain their individuality while still nurturing their relationship.
Corcoran is not alone in advocating for separate sleeping arrangements. Other celebrities, such as Carson Daly and Bette Midler, have also praised the concept, citing it as beneficial for their marriages.
As discussions around personal space and relationship dynamics continue to evolve, Barbara Corcoran’s insights offer a refreshing perspective on how couples can thrive in their partnerships. Her experiences highlight the value of individual time and the potential benefits of rethinking traditional living arrangements.
