Love matters, but without trust, relationships can’t feel safe.

In this episode of This Complex Life, I will share what happens when couples love each other deeply but still feel disconnected. We often think love will carry us through anything, but when trust is missing, the relationship can start to erode.

I share why trust breaks down (even without betrayal), how to recognise the small moments that matter, and what you can do to start rebuilding.

Using the BRAVING framework, this episode gives you a clear way to understand what trust really looks like, and practical steps to reconnect with care, not criticism.

Key takeaways:

• Trust erodes slowly, often in silence, not always through big betrayals
• Why emotional safety is just as important as love
• How boundaries, reliability and integrity build trust
• Using BRAVING to talk about trust without blame
• How to repair trust when someone feels let down
• Why love alone isn’t enough if your partner doesn’t feel safe
• The power of small, repeated actions over grand gestures

Resources:

• Relationship Refresh Course
• The Therapy Hub
• Brené Brown’s BRAVING Inventory

If you found this episode helpful, I’d love for you to share it with someone supporting their relationship. You can find more episodes and tools at marievakakis.com.au

Connected Teens

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

Connect with Marie

https://thetherapyhub.com.au/

https://marievakakis.com.au/

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

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Mentioned in this episode:

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