No two married couples are the same, however, it’s common for wedded partners to share the same bed. But just because it’s common, that’s not to say it’s necessary for a healthy relationship.
Whether you’re living in different houses or occupying your own wings within the same property, here are six celebrity couples who, for various reasons, have tried living apart during their marriage.
Contrary to what you might think, some even attribute having their own, established personal space to being the secret of a happy marriage.
Gwyneth Paltrow and Brad Falchuk
Paltrow married her second husband, producer Brad Falchuk, in September 2018, but the pair still maintain separate houses in Los Angeles. Speaking to The Sunday Times, Paltrow revealed she was taking the advice of an intimacy teacher who suggested maintaining a level of “polarity” in a marriage.
The actress-turned-Goop-founder admitted Falchuk stays with her roughly four nights out of the week and added that their approach to married life was “ideal”. “All my married friends say that the way we live sounds ideal and we shouldn’t change a thing,” she said.
Victoria and David Beckham
Victoria and David Beckham reportedly have their own designated spaces within the same property, with claims that, “even when the pair are in their countryside home in Oxfordshire, England, they can be worlds apart. The house has been designed with separate ‘his’ and ‘hers’ wings.”
“I think they quite like having somewhat separate lives,” the source continued. “When you’ve been married that long, some regular distance does you both good!”
Julia Roberts and Danny Moder
Julia Roberts and her husband of 16 years, Daniel Moder, purchased a $9 million house across the road from the family’s main home where it’s believed Moder now spends a significant amount of his time, but is still close to his wife and kids.
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West
After Kanye West was hospitalised in November 2016 for issues relating to stress and exhaustion, Kim Kardashian reportedly lived away from him for a while. “Kim is being very protective and doesn’t want Kanye around the kids right now,” an unnamed source told Us Weekly at the time.
“Kanye’s behaviour took a huge toll on their marriage,” another source told the publication. “But Kim feels relieved he is getting the help he needs. She thinks this is what it will take to save him—and help their marriage.” It’s believed the couple have since moved back in under the same roof.
Nico Tortorella and Bethany Meyers
Younger‘s Nico Tortorella and Bethany Meyers tied the knot in March this year, however, they admit, “we still don’t live together. We see each other on a weekly basis. We’re face timing all day, every day.” While the openly polyamorous couple just bought a house together in upstate New York, this isn’t expected to change their living arrangements.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt
Before Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s famous divorce in 2016, the couple had reportedly been living separately under the same roof for a while. “Angelina basically had her own wing and he had his,” a source close to Brad told US Weekly at the time.
Helena Bonham Carter and Tim Burton
Helena Bonham Carter and Tim Burton were together for 13 years and, throughout their relationship, the pair lived in separate sides of a conjoined property. The reason? Burton reportedly snored and had unusual sleeping patterns. But Helena swore that personal space helped their relationship immensely, “We see as much of each other as any couple, but our relationship is enhanced by knowing we have our personal space to retreat to.”
