Barbara Corcoran, the renowned real estate mogul and star of the hit television series Shark Tank, has opened up about the unconventional secret that has kept her marriage thriving for nearly four decades. At 76 years old, Corcoran credits a simple yet transformative lifestyle choice for strengthening her bond with husband Bill Higgins: maintaining separate bedrooms.
In a candid interview with The Wall Street Journal published on February 2, the business icon shared how this arrangement has revolutionized her relationship. "When I got my second bedroom, I immediately loved my husband twice as much," Corcoran revealed, offering a refreshingly honest perspective on marital dynamics that challenges traditional notions of intimacy.
The couple, who exchanged vows on Valentine's Day in 1988, has built a life together that includes two children—son Tom and daughter Kate. Yet despite their deep connection, Corcoran emphasizes that personal space has been crucial to their longevity. Her revelation comes at a time when many couples, particularly those in urban environments like New York City, struggle with limited square footage and the pressure to conform to conventional living arrangements.
Addressing the practical challenges faced by city dwellers, Corcoran offered creative solutions for those who might not have the luxury of a spare room. "Well, they could get separate beds. They could put a wall up. They could sleep on the convertible couch," she suggested, demonstrating her trademark problem-solving approach. She particularly criticized what she sees as a common misuse of valuable space: "I don't really have a solution, but there's a lot of New Yorkers who have two bedrooms and one set up as a den or TV room. I think that's a misuse."
This isn't the first time Corcoran has publicly championed the benefits of sleeping apart. During a December 2024 appearance on The Jamie Kern Lima Show, she humorously noted that the arrangement makes intimate moments a "short thing," highlighting how physical separation can paradoxically enhance certain aspects of a relationship.
The real estate titan elaborated on her need for solitude, explaining that her high-energy lifestyle demands regular periods of decompression. "I think there's something to be said about your own private space," she told host Jamie Kern Lima. "I lead a very busy life. I have a huge family that I'm always entertaining. I have very sincere, active friends, and so what I need more than anything else is a respite, and my husband is not relaxing."
Corcoran painted a vivid picture of her home life, describing how her husband's constant stream of thoughts and ideas, while endearing, can be draining after a long day. "He talks and has ideas that run through his head," she explained. "It is sometimes difficult for me to come up with the energy at the end of the day to listen to him and to nod and to contribute to the conversation."
This honest admission resonates with many professionals who struggle to balance demanding careers with quality home life. Corcoran's solution is refreshingly simple: "I run a little short. Better I go to my room, and I have an hour to myself."
The story of how Corcoran and Higgins first united adds another layer to their unconventional partnership. They met at a conference in 1981, where Higgins, a former Navy captain and FBI agent who later transitioned into real estate, initially "played hard to get." Never one to back down from a challenge, Corcoran strategically pursued him and proudly announced she "won him over in 6 months." This determination and strategic thinking—hallmarks of her business success—clearly extended to her personal life.
Higgins' impressive background as a military officer and federal agent brings a disciplined, structured energy to their relationship, which contrasts with Corcoran's dynamic, entrepreneurial spirit. This complementary dynamic appears to work precisely because they respect each other's need for individual space.
In a touching Thanksgiving Day Instagram post from 2020, Corcoran offered a heartfelt tribute that revealed the deeper evolution of her feelings. "My husband Bill! What I thought I wanted when I married Bill 35 years ago was an exciting, sexy guy to travel the world with!" she wrote. "Now long into our marriage, I realize I've got the important stuff. A rock solid guy, a close friend, and a great father to our children."
This reflection captures a profound truth about long-term relationships: initial attractions often transform into deeper appreciations. The excitement and passion that may have sparked their union have matured into a foundation of friendship, stability, and shared parenting values.
Corcoran's openness about her separate sleeping arrangement challenges the stigma that often surrounds couples who don't share a bed. While society frequently equates separate bedrooms with marital trouble, Corcoran's experience suggests the opposite—that it can be a deliberate, healthy choice that preserves individual well-being and, by extension, the relationship itself.
The concept of "sleep divorce" has gained traction in recent years, with sleep experts and relationship counselors increasingly acknowledging that quality rest is fundamental to both personal health and relationship satisfaction. Corcoran's testimony adds a high-profile voice to this conversation, normalizing a practice that many couples have quietly adopted.
Her advice to urban couples reflects her real estate expertise—maximizing space for relationship benefit rather than traditional display. In a city where every square foot counts, repurposing a den into a second bedroom could be a relationship-saving investment. This perspective merges her professional knowledge with personal wisdom, creating actionable advice for her audience.
The humor with which Corcoran discusses her arrangement—joking about making intimacy a "short thing"—demonstrates the comfort and security in her marriage. Only couples with strong foundations can joke about such matters publicly, suggesting that their physical separation is not a symptom of emotional distance but rather a strategic choice made from a place of strength.
This revelation also highlights the importance of self-awareness in relationships. Corcoran understands her own needs—quiet time, personal space, energy conservation—and has built a marriage structure that accommodates them without sacrificing connection. This level of self-knowledge and clear communication is perhaps the true secret behind any successful long-term partnership.
For modern couples navigating the complexities of dual careers, family obligations, and personal fulfillment, Corcoran's story offers permission to design a marriage that works for their specific needs rather than conforming to external expectations. The 40-year success of her unconventional arrangement provides compelling evidence that there is no single formula for marital happiness.
Ultimately, Barbara Corcoran's marriage secret isn't really about bedrooms at all—it's about honoring individual needs within a committed partnership. By creating space for herself, she has created more room for love, appreciation, and sustained connection with her husband. Her experience suggests that sometimes, the best way to grow closer is to first ensure you can stand solidly on your own.