This Complex Life

Why Do We Keep Drifting Apart in Our Relationship


Listen Later

It doesn’t usually happen with one big fight. Most couples who find themselves feeling distant say it crept up slowly. Busy schedules, kids, work, distractions and one day you realise you’re living more like housemates than partners.

In this episode of This Complex Life, I talk about why couples drift apart, what research tells us about disconnection, and the small everyday actions that keep love alive.

I share:

  • Why disconnection often happens without us noticing
  • How emotional bids shape the strength of your bond
  • What Gottman research shows about drifting vs closeness
  • Simple practices to rebuild connection and stop feeling like housemates
  • Why small moments of presence matter more than big gestures

🎧 Listen now to explore why drifting happens and what you can do to bring closeness back into your relationship.

Resources:

  • The Gottman Institute
  • Relationship Refresh
  • AI Affairs, Clinic Closures, and the Mental Health Cost of Early Smartphones

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

https://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6

Mentioned in this episode:

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

https://marievakakis.com.au/relationship-new-year-reset-2026/

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

This Complex LifeBy Marie Vakakis

  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5

5

4 ratings


More shows like This Complex Life

View all
The Social Work Podcast by Jonathan B. Singer, Ph.D., LCSW

The Social Work Podcast

510 Listeners

Conversations by ABC Australia

Conversations

897 Listeners

All In The Mind by ABC Australia

All In The Mind

759 Listeners

Life Matters - Full program podcast by ABC Australia

Life Matters - Full program podcast

67 Listeners

Mamamia Out Loud by Mamamia Podcasts

Mamamia Out Loud

661 Listeners

True Crime Conversations by Mamamia Podcasts

True Crime Conversations

534 Listeners

The Imperfects by Hugh van Cuylenburg, Ryan Shelton & Josh van Cuylenburg

The Imperfects

390 Listeners

What's That Rash? by ABC Australia

What's That Rash?

235 Listeners

But Are You Happy? by Mamamia Podcasts

But Are You Happy?

41 Listeners

The Case Of by ABC Australia

The Case Of

227 Listeners

Australian Retirement Podcast by Rask

Australian Retirement Podcast

11 Listeners

The Private Practice Academy Podcast by Kerstin Anderson-Ridge

The Private Practice Academy Podcast

0 Listeners

Well, hello anxiety with Dr Jodi Richardson by Dr Jodi Richardson

Well, hello anxiety with Dr Jodi Richardson

10 Listeners