Sonia Bruganelli and Paolo Bonolis, who recently separated, have taken unconventional but practical steps to maintain their family dynamics. Living next to each other near Ponte Milvio, Rome, both have chosen to reside in adjacent apartments, allowing for easy communication and interaction.
Their homes, though not part of the same condominium, are connected through their daughter Silvia's room. This setup stems from their desire to keep family ties intact, even amid their separation. "Quando abbiamo deciso di separarci, c'è sembrata un'opportunità. Come il film sliding doors," (When we decided to separate, it seemed like an opportunity. Like the movie Sliding Doors) Bruganelli explained during her conversation with La Repubblica.
She emphasizes how this arrangement, far from being awkward, has allowed respect to flourish. "Vite adiacenti non significa mancanza di rispetto," (Adjacent lives do not mean lack of respect) she asserted, highlighting her view of their relationship post-divorce. While some might question the wisdom of such proximity, Bruganelli insists it ensures they are readily available for their children's needs.
Bruganelli, who now identifies as someone fostering her own identity rather than just being “the wife of,” lives with their youngest child, Adele, whereas Paolo Bonolis takes care of their other children, Silvia and Davide. Their family traditions live on; meals and celebrations continue to happen at Bonolis' home, reinforcing the familial bond. "La casa sono i figli," (The house is the children) she said, signifying her belief about where home truly lies.
Despite sharing physical space, Bruganelli and Bonolis maintain what seems to be distinct personal lives. Bruganelli described Bonolis' visits to her apartment as rare, remarking, "Paolo sarà venuto qui in un anno un paio di volte" (Paolo has come here maybe twice this year). This distance reinforces the idea of independence within their cooperative parenting model.
Bearing in mind her new status and responsibilities, Bruganelli clarified her stance on future relationships. “Con un nuovo compagno non cerco la quotidianità, non ho bisogno di portare un altro affetto dentro casa e credo che non convivrò mai più,” (With a new partner, I do not seek day-to-day life; I do not need to bring another affection inside my home and I believe I will never cohabit again) she stated. This speaks volumes about her current outlook on life—her priority lies with her children rather than embarking on new romantic ventures.
Reflecting on her and Bonolis' separated yet connected existence, Bruganelli seems adamant about safeguarding her children’s wellbeing without compromising her personal space. Their arrangement is unique, blending separation with proximity, and appearing to navigate their new normal amicably. It serves as both a challenge and opportunity to redefine family life going forward, ensuring their children remain at the center of their decisions.
The couple's approach to handling their separation, marked by mutual care and consideration for their children, stands out as quite modern. Bruganelli’s conscious choice to maintain this level of connection with Bonolis post-separation speaks to the possibilities of redefining familial bonds. It highlights how respect and practicality can play substantial roles even amid personal changes, echoing the sentiment of many modern parenting situations.
