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You’re not fighting. You’re just… quiet. The kind of quiet that hums with tension instead of peace. Conversations stay about the calendar, the kids, and dinner, but not each other. You can feel the gap growing even while you sit side by side, and you catch yourself wondering, when did we stop being best friends?

If you’re tired of “fine,” tired of feeling like roommates, and unsure how to turn things around without starting another argument, this episode is for you.

In this week’s conversation, Staci, Tom, and Brooke unpack what really causes emotional drift in long-term relationships (and why it doesn’t mean your love is gone). They’ll walk you through how to:

• Recognize the early signs of disconnection before it becomes distance
• Talk about what’s missing without triggering defensiveness
• Create real connection even when space has crept in
• Handle the panic that comes with silence and mixed signals
• And rebuild that sense of us, even after years of slow drift

You’ll also hear Staci’s response to a powerful listener question from a father navigating space with his wife while raising kids under the same roof.

This episode will help you see that the solution isn’t trying harder, it’s learning a new skill set for love.

Timestamps: 

03:04 Listener's Question: Navigating Parenting & Space in Relationships
04:26 Effective Communication: Addressing Concerns with Empathy
09:03 Understanding Defensiveness in Relationships
12:35 The Natural Decline: Why Relationships Drift Apart
16:35 Emotional Nuances: The Key to Genuine Connection
20:48 The Illusion of Connection: When Reality Hits
26:14 The Emotional Landscape: Beyond Physical Logistics
31:12 The Power of Co-Creation: Building Stronger Bonds
33:25 Understanding Emotional Nuances
34:18 The Genius of Love Languages
35:52 The Danger of Labels
37:16 Reflective Assessments
39:24 The Importance of Emotional Skills
42:27 Rich and Janet's Story
46:58 Paths to Save Your Marriage
56:55 Creating a Calm Kit
01:00:36 Conclusion and Resources

Mentioned in this episode

Love in Limbo: 30-Day Roadmap (Self-Paced): https://stacibartley.com/30-day-roadmap

Surviving Space Self-Assessment Quiz: https://space-assessment.scoreapp.com/

Save Your Marriage: VIP Program: https://stacibartley.com/vip-program

Save Your Marriage: A Blueprint for Avoiding Divorce: https://stacibartley.com/save-your-marriage-blueprint-to-avoid-divorcce

Have a question about love and relationships? We’re featuring one listener question or story each week. Send yours through the “Send us a text” link at the top of this episode description. Add your email if you’d like a reply.