Experts Weigh in On Gwyneth Paltrow and Brad Falchuk’s Strange Living Arrangement

LifeStyleJuly 5, 2019

Does absence really make the heart grow fonder? Yes, at least if you’re going to ask Gwyneth Paltrow and husband Brad Falchuk. Their set-up is not like any other – they only live together four times per week. This is not surprising to hear from the “Avengers: Endgame,” who, along with her ex-husband Chris Martin, coined the term “conscious uncoupling” when they announced their split.

Brad Falchuk and Gwyneth Paltrow’s Living Arrangements

The Goop founder recently revealed in an interview that their living arrangements involve the “American Horror Story” producer spending three nights with his kids from a previous marriage. The four days are what Brad has allotted for his better half, Gwyneth.

Although it is quite odd for a set-up, the 46-year-old said their friends are totally digging it and even described it as “ideal.” Even her life coach praised it, saying it brings polarity to their relationship.

Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin remain amicable despite their split

This wasn’t the first time she had opened up about their unusual arrangement. Last year, Gwyneth, who tied the knot with Brad in September, talked about their decision to have separate homes, explaining it was a result of careful consideration of their kids from past relationships, especially since they have teenage children. The actress shares two kids, Apple and Moses, with the Coldplay frontman, while the “Glee” creator also has two children with ex Suzanne.

What Experts Have to Say

Gwyneth and Brad make everything sounds easy – from being friends with your ex to being cool with their new flames, to living together part-time. But will this work? Relationship expert Antonia Hall explained that it isn’t ideal for most couples, but if the high-profile couple is happy and the set-up keeps things fresh, then it’s great that it works for them.

Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin/Shutterstock
As long as it works for the celeb couple, then this non-traditional way of living is OK

Furthermore, the coach predicts that more unconventional relationship traditions will soon emerge as people explore new ways. However, what works for them may not work for another couple, balance and relationship advisor Naketa R. Thigpen noted, but what’s important is to focus on what each of them needs. So if Brad and Gwyneth have chosen to have separate houses but still can attend to each other’s needs, then it’s alright.

Not an Option for All Couple

Fortunately for Gwyneth and Brad, they can afford to have two houses. However, it’s not something that all can easily copy especially since it is costly. Although that may be the case, they can take inspiration from the arrangement so that they can create safe space for each other which will make it comfortable for the other person to air their needs.

NY Presbyterian Hospital Weill-Cornell School of Medicine associate professor of psychiatry Gail Saltz, meanwhile, said that too much of it can be bad so it is definitely important to always take a look at their relationship. Furthermore, personal time is healthy but most couples find that they need to take time off for just three days a week.