There’s a lot of advice about what to do to build a strong relationship. But what about the things emotionally healthy couples don’t do?

Join me, Marie Vakakis, a therapist, mental health, and relationships educator. In this episode, I explore six common habits that can damage trust, connection, and communication—and why avoiding them can make a big difference.

Key takeaways:

• Sarcasm, eye-rolling, and small put-downs erode trust over time.
• Name-calling and labelling create emotional distance.
• Venting to friends instead of addressing issues can reinforce resentment.
• The silent treatment damages trust and communication.
• Forgetting milestones isn’t about the big gestures—it’s about showing care.
• Expecting one person to meet all emotional needs puts too much pressure on a relationship.

If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone—and it’s never too late to shift unhelpful patterns.

If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who might find it helpful. I’d love to hear your thoughts—reach out and let me know what stood out to you!

Connected Teens

https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/

Connect with Marie

https://thetherapyhub.com.au/

https://marievakakis.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

Submit a question to the Podcast

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Mentioned in this episode:

Join me live Jan 28th for the Relationship New Year Reset