Keke Palmer's Admission On Today Has Us Rethinking Our Relationship Boundaries

Keke Palmer said that living apart from a partner improves relationship boundaries. While on "TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle" on February 2, 2026, Palmer said that she never wants to live with a significant other. "I like my alone time," Palmer said unapologetically. She said even for married couples, living in two homes was her ideal. If two houses weren't possible, then Palmer said at least separate bedrooms were a must. It's certainly a hot take, since the norm is that couples end up moving in together at some point in their relationship. 

This idea of separate housing for couples is gaining a lot of momentum. It's especially appealing to women because they typically struggle more with codependency and people pleasing, and as a result, they run the risk of losing themselves in a relationship. Even women who out-earn their husbands still have more household chores, and yes, that statistic is legitimately upsetting. So, with women frequently shouldering more of the domestic labor, the idea of maintaining autonomy and personal space while still being in a relationship offers new and appealing possibilities. Of course, it's not always possible. With the cost-of-living crisis affecting many, maintaining two residences might be prohibitively expensive, but even separate bedrooms can offer some space. And while the idea of living separately might be shocking and untraditional, many women are gravitating toward it. To better understand this concept, Women spoke with mental health counselor Keisha Saunders-Waldron and somatic trauma therapist Chloë Bean to unpack this novel idea.

There are a lot of reasons why people are rethinking traditional cohabitation. Keisha Saunders-Waldron exclusively tells Women that living apart can bring a jolt of intentionality to a relationship. "You have to plan dates, call each other, make an effort. It keeps things fresh," she explains. "Plus, it also removes a lot of the petty resentments that build up from daily irritations. You're not fighting about how they load the dishwasher or leave towels on the floor. When you come together, you're genuinely excited to see each other rather than annoyed by their habits." So, separate habitation can reduce resentment and stress.

Chloë Bean explains the mental health benefits of separate living, saying, "From a somatic perspective, living separately can actually support a relationship by easing chronic stress and nervous system overload." That makes sense, because you can thrive in your relationship despite conflicting sleep schedules and maintain your own sleep arrangement. She continues, "When partners aren't having to constantly negotiate for shared space, routines, or emotional support, their bodies can feel less braced. That can make it easier to show up with curiosity and intention rather than resentment or boredom." Bean adds that distance can also create greater desire, both physically and emotionally. Living separately can help prioritize intimacy without sex, meaning your intimate life can actually benefit from the space.

Broaching the topic of living separately from your partner can be stressful, especially since most people assume that living together signifies a happy relationship. But there's a way to bring it up without making your partner feel like you're pulling away. Keisha Saunders-Waldron tells Women, exclusively, that checking in with yourself first is key. "Be clear with yourself about why you want this. Is it about protecting your peace, maintaining independence, or avoiding past patterns? Know your 'why' before the conversation," she says. Once this is clear, discuss it with your partner, framing it as a way to move forward together. Saunders-Waldron explains that clear expectations up front are crucial: navigate how often you'll see each other, how you'll approach sleepovers, and what commitment will look like for the two of you.
"Remember, this isn't about loving someone less," Saunders-Waldron tells us. "It's about loving someone while also loving yourself enough to protect what makes you feel whole."

Chloë Bean stresses the importance of communication when discussing your new living arrangement. "I encourage people to frame it not as avoidance, but as an intentional choice that supports everyone involved. It can help to explain what this living arrangement can provide, like more presence, less resentment, more room for desire," she says. Bean explains that living apart can give couples a chance to try new things and give each person greater agency in their own lives.