Matthew McConaughey recently shared an unexpected secret for maintaining a strong marriage, emphasizing the importance of bed size rather than typical relationship advice. In his book Poems & Prayers, he suggests that couples should consider switching from a king-size to a queen-size bed to improve intimacy. This insight, which McConaughey calls the “Matthew McConaughey bedroom tip,” highlights how simple changes in sleeping arrangements can impact relationships.
Why Sleeping in a Queen-Size Bed Helps Couples Stay Close
During a September 22 interview on The View, McConaughey explained the reasoning behind his recommendation. After becoming parents, he and his wife, Camila Alves, resorted to combining two king-size beds to accommodate their children—all three of whom are now teenagers: Levi, 17, Vida, 15, and Livingston, 12. However, this arrangement often resulted in them waking up far apart. He described waking up with his wife nearly 20 feet away, which was “not productive for snuggling,” he added.
Drop down to a queen-size bed, it’s good for your marriage,
McConaughey advised.
The Inspiration Behind McConaughey’s Book and Personal Reflections
Poems & Prayers, which debuted on September 16, is McConaughey’s first poetry collection. The book explores themes from his acclaimed memoir Greenlights to deeper reflections on faith and resilience. McConaughey shared on the TODAY show that this project has been a long time in the making, inspired by his desire to confront doubt and cynicism encountered over the years.
I found myself getting a bit cynical, having a bit of doubt,
he told Craig Melvin.
I am seeing a lot of reasons not to believe, not finding enough things to believe in. So instead of looking at the evidence, of the facts of the world, I thought, ‘let’s look at ideals, poetry, prayers,’ and see if we can maintain the faith in those and bring those down and make those a reality.
Implications of This Advice for Families and Couples
McConaughey’s suggestion goes beyond a practical sleeping arrangement—it reflects the importance of fostering closeness in relationships, especially after children join the family. By choosing a smaller bed, couples may naturally spend more time physically near each other, which can strengthen bonds and improve communication. This simple shift, recommended by an actor known for his thoughtful public reflections, offers parents a fresh perspective on maintaining intimacy amid the challenges of family life.
