What happens when you love your partner but living together just isn’t working? Cady and Sharilyn dive into the concept of de-nesting — choosing to live apart while staying together — and how it can reshape what commitment looks like.

Cady shares her personal story of de-nesting with her husband Navarre after nearly a decade of cohabitation, revealing what led to the decision, how neurodivergence played a role, and how they maintain connection and intimacy across two homes.

Later, Navarre joins for a candid conversation about how de-nesting strengthened their marriage, improved communication, and reignited appreciation for intentional time together.

In this episode:

• What “de-nesting” actually means (and how it’s not a breakup)
• How to know when it’s time to consider living separately
• The intersection of neurodivergence, non-monogamy, and household dynamics
• Redefining what “marriage” looks like outside of monogamy and cohabitation
• Why intentionality beats proximity in long-term relationships

Mentioned in this episode:

• Couples therapy & communication practices
• Emotional labor and household management
• The importance of chosen family and queer community

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• Instagram: @KneeDeepPodcast
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• Cady: @ageofsexploration
• Sharilyn: @queerwomenspoetrycollective

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