Every couple eventually finds a rhythm that works for them. Some enjoy constant closeness, while others maintain a bit of distance to keep their bond strong. In a recent home tour on Farah Khan’s YouTube channel, Aayush Sharma and Arpita Khan Sharma offered a peek inside their upscale Mumbai residence.
As they guided Farah through their spacious Bandra apartment, Aayush remarked, “Welcome to our Dubai in Mumbai,” referring to their scenic balcony. Farah humorously responded, “This is better than Dubai.”
During the tour, Aayush revealed that they prefer relaxing in separate rooms. “This is Arpita and Ahil’s room,” he said, “but they’ve taken over my private space. This used to be my hidden spot to unwind, but now Arpita uses the couch, and my privacy is gone.” Joking about the expansive living room, Farah asked if they played cricket there. Aayush quipped, “Arpita builds huge homes but only uses a few corners.”
This brings up an important question: can having personal space within a shared home actually improve a couple’s relationship?
According to Gurleen Baruah, an existential psychotherapist at That Culture Thing, it depends on the purpose behind the space. Speaking to Indian express, she said that if the choice is made thoughtfully—out of respect for each other’s routines, rest, or a need for solitude—it can strengthen the relationship. Such spaces become peaceful retreats rather than ways to avoid one another. They recognize that while a couple is a unit, each person still has their own identity, past, and way of being.
However, Baruah cautions that if personal space is used to avoid communication or express silent discontent, it can lead to emotional distance. It’s not the separate rooms that define the relationship’s health, but the intention and honesty behind them.
When it comes to long-term partnerships, having personal space and privacy is essential.
Baruah emphasizes its importance—especially in households with children, where personal time and energy are constantly stretched. Even a small, private corner can be a vital refuge. She explains that lasting love isn’t about becoming one person, but about two complete individuals choosing each other repeatedly. Space allows for reflection, emotional reset, and ultimately helps preserve both partners’ sense of self and connection.
As for managing emotional boundaries and conflict in healthy ways, the key is open communication—starting with expressing needs without blame.
“Every couple has boundaries, even if they’re unspoken,” says Baruah. These might include separate daily habits, alone time, or even sleeping apart during tense moments. The important thing is that both partners understand the reason behind it. Communication isn’t always about solving a problem right away, but about acknowledging the discomfort and using space as a time to reflect and return with greater understanding. Space shouldn’t feel like a rejection—it should feel like a mindful pause.