Bill de Blasio and wife to separate, live in same house while wife Chirlane dates other people

The now ex-couple explained that under the new arrangement, they would continue living together in their Brooklyn townhouse while seeing other people.

In an interview with the New York Times, De Blasio and McCray broke down the reasons behind their decision, explaining that things had been less than optimal in their relationship for a number of years.

De Blasio told the Times that while he and McCray were sitting on the couch one Saturday night earlier this year, he asked her why she had stopped being "lovey dovey." The question sparked a conversation, and just hours later, they came to the mutual conclusion that their marriage had run its course, and that separation was the best way forward.

The former mayor admitted that there were warning signs throughout the years that went unheeded, and times he should have asked McCray, "What's missing in your life?"

"I just want to have fun," McCray told the Times, suggesting that after years of being in the limelight, she was ready for a low-key relationship.

McCray supported her husband throughout his career, and was even by his side during his brief journey into presidential politics, which she warned him against embarking on.

They both agreed that being in politics had put a massive strain on their marriage, and wondered if things would've been different had De Blasio not been elected mayor.

Prior to meeting De Blasio, McCray had identified as a lesbian, and even wrote an article proclaiming her sexuality to the world. Despite being told that he was her "soul mate," the former mayor explained that he often wondered about her claim.

"For the guy who took the chance on a woman who was an out lesbian and wrote an article called 'I Am a Lesbian'," he told the Times, "there was a part of me that would at times say, 'Hmmm, is this like a time bomb ticking? Is this something that you’re going to regret later on?' So I always lived with that stuff."

The pair said they will cohabitate "for the time being," but seemed eager to get back out there and meet new people.