Barbara Corcoran, at 75, shares the unique aspect of her marriage with Bill Higgins. In PEOPLE's exclusive preview of the newest episode of The Jamie Kern Lima Show, she explains how sleeping in separate bedrooms has been the key to their success.

Uncover the Surprising Secret to a Lasting Marriage

Why Personal Space Matters

Barbara Corcoran loves her husband deeply, but she also values her personal space. With a huge family to entertain and active friends, she leads a very busy life. Having her own private space gives her a much-needed respite at the end of the day. It allows her to recharge and be herself.She said, "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." This personal space helps her maintain her balance and energy.

The Benefits of Separate Bedrooms

While her husband talks and has "ideas" that run through his head, it can be exhausting for Corcoran to listen and contribute at the end of the day. She finds that going to her own room gives her the time and space to unwind.She explained, "I run a little short. Better I go to my room, and I have an hour to myself." This separate space also allows them to have their own routines and preferences without interfering with each other.

Rules for Entering Each Other's Bedrooms

Corcoran and Higgins have clear rules for entering each other's bedrooms. If she goes to the living room, her husband follows her. But when she goes to her bedroom, he doesn't dare come in. She has to invite him in, and she likes it that way.She said, "If I go to the living room, my husband follows me. I go to my bedroom, he doesn't dare come in. I have to invite him into my bedroom and I like it that way." This creates a sense of respect and boundaries in their relationship.

Special Nights Together

Corcoran and Higgins have their own special way of spending time together. Their idea of a special night is a good game of Scrabble. They enjoy the competition and the time together.She said, "My idea of a special night with my husband is a good game of Scrabble. He'll often say to me S or S, and I'll say 'Scrabble' 'cause the first S means sex, and I say, 'No, Scrabble,' and I love beating him at Scrabble, and he loves beating me at Scrabble, and that's a great night." This shows that separate bedrooms don't mean a lack of connection.

Not the First Time

This isn't the first time Corcoran has opened up about having a separate bedroom. In March, she got candid about the secret to her longstanding relationship and shared how the couple sleeps in "separate bedrooms" to keep things "fun."She explained, "I've had a separate bedroom with Bill for like 40 years. I have to invite him in — he invites me in occasionally." This shows that it's a long-standing practice in their marriage.

The Added Intrigue

Corcoran also mentioned how their arrangements add a bit of intrigue and "sexiness" now that they can adhere to their own sleeping patterns and cleanliness.She said, "He puts piles of stuff everywhere and I am very neat so I couldn't sleep well at night. Now I sleep like a baby." This shows that even in a long marriage, there are still aspects that bring excitement.In February, Corcoran shared her best piece of marriage advice. She said, "You really have to take your partner as they are and not hope through the marriage they're going to change. Because they never do. You have to be satisfied! What you see is what you get." This advice shows her wisdom in dealing with marriage.Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.