Dear Advice Diva:

My parents recently separated after sharing their lives for more than 35 years. After living apart for a short while, they reconnected and my dad returned home. But there's an interesting twist: They are now sleeping — and quite happily, I might add — in separate bedrooms. Dad is a big snorer and mom is a late-night smoker and channel surfer. Annoying habits and bodily functions aside, to me, nothing beats falling asleep wrapped in the arms of a loved one.

However, I have to admit my parents' new living arrangement really seems to have its advantages. History is filled with examples of married couples living together but sleeping apart, and who among us hasn't secretly wished for a little more space or privacy every now and then? I'm not suggesting that this is a viable alternative for every couple, but perhaps it's something worth examining more closely. But can separate really be equal?

—Rob in Miami Beach, Fla.

Dear Rob:

Your parents have discovered one of the most undervalued keys to staying happy in a relationship: Getting a good night's sleep, something we can't tout enough. Give the Diva nine hours of blissful shut-eye, uninterrupted by telemarketers or frisky house cats, and even an unplanned weekend visit by the fiance's childhood friends from Jersey can be met with tact and calm.

We suspect your parental units are no different.

As for separate being equal, that's too philosophical a question for us, but as for the affection factor, we do think you'd probably be pleasantly surprised to learn of your folks' appreciation of naptime canoodling.

The Advice Diva welcomes your questions on relationships, family matters and modern etiquette — particularly the more amusing ones. Questions may be sent to advicedivaherald.com or to Advice Diva, The Miami Herald, 1 Herald Plaza, 5th floor, Miami, FL 33132.