A British woman who has spent nearly a decade in a relationship without ever sharing a home with her partner insists their unconventional arrangement is the key to a stronger, more exciting bond.
The Unconventional Path To Lasting Love
Maya Kokerov, 27, and her boyfriend Kieran Nair, 28, first met as teenagers at The University of Warwick. Like many couples, they planned to move in together after graduating. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to put those plans on hold indefinitely.
"Lockdown happened and we were confined to our homes," Kokerov explained in an exclusive interview. This period of limbo stretched for almost two years, during which they decided to focus on saving to buy a property together rather than rent. As saving took longer than anticipated, they made a surprising discovery: they genuinely enjoyed having their own separate spaces.
Discussions about cohabitation resurfaced in 2024, but were again postponed following the unexpected death of Kokerov's father. She chose to continue living with her mother and sister to help process the loss as a family.
The Benefits Of Separate Spaces
Despite not sharing a postal code, the couple have cultivated a deeply connected routine. They typically spend three nights together each week, always scheduling one or two mid-week dates. Nair lives just a 20-minute journey away, facilitating regular contact around their work schedules.
Kokerov credits the distance with injecting sustained excitement into their nine-year relationship. "Our intimacy seems to be stronger than that of many other couples our age who live together because it always feels very exciting when we have our long weekends to look forward to," she revealed. "We feel like we're still in the 'honeymoon' phase."
She argues that their limited time together transforms mundane activities into something more mysterious and prevents them from taking each other for granted. It also allows both individuals to fully maintain their independent lives.
"With the extra time apart, I can stay focused on my goals," Kokerov noted, highlighting how the arrangement helps them prioritise personal hobbies, careers, and gym routines without compromise.
Navigating Challenges And Future Plans
The lifestyle is not without its difficulties. Kokerov admits to missing Nair during stretches where they cannot meet, and cancelled plans can momentarily make the relationship feel long-distance. However, she says these periods only heighten the anticipation of their next reunion.
The couple has faced judgement online for defying the traditional relationship timeline. Kokerov firmly challenges the notion that couples must be inseparable, stating: "Our response is that, even while living apart, we've managed to build a very strong nine-year relationship which has carried us through difficult times."
Looking ahead, Kokerov confirms they do intend to live together before eventually marrying and starting a family. "For now, we're not ready for those steps," she said, particularly in the wake of her father's passing. "We're living in the moment and enjoying the time we have as we continue working towards those milestones."
