Keke Palmer is clear about one thing when it comes to relationships: love doesn’t automatically mean sharing an address.
While making the rounds to promote her upcoming Peacock series The ’Burbs, the multi-hyphenate star stopped by the Today show and got candid about how she handles dating conversations.
During a segment about modern first dates and discussing life goals upfront, Palmer said she prefers to get the big questions out early.
“I think that’s actually good,” she said, referring to talking about major topics like marriage and kids right away. “Just get it out of the way… talk about the things that actually show compatibility life-wise.”
But when the conversation turned to what she personally wants, Palmer didn’t hesitate to draw a firm boundary.
“I could be open, but one thing I need you to know is I never want to live together,” she said. “I like my alone time.”
She made it clear the stance wasn’t hypothetical or for laughs. “That’s real. I’m speaking as The Keke,” she added.
Palmer even referenced Whoopi Goldberg while explaining her outlook, saying she relates to the idea of maintaining separate space. “I just feel like Whoopi Goldberg said it best once. She was like, ‘I don’t want nobody in my house.’ And I feel that. I’m serious — married, even.”
Her ideal setup? Close, but not too close.
“You can be in the guest house, we can be on the same land, but I’m over there and he’s over there,” she said. “At best, separate rooms.”
The arrangement, in her view, keeps things interesting. “Think about how fun it would be to be like, ‘I’m going over to my man’s house.’ … It keeps it fun and exciting.”
Palmer, who shares her 2-year-old son Leodis with ex Darius Jackson, has spoken before about protecting her independence while balancing motherhood and career. That same mindset shows up in her approach to romance: connection without sacrificing personal space.
Professionally, she’s staying just as busy. The ’Burbs premieres February 8 on Peacock, with her next film, I Love Boosters, set to hit theaters May 22.