209. Golden Relationship Rules - Part 1

Episode 201 – Golden Rules for a Happy Relationship in 2026 (Part 1) Talk every day, fight the problem, not each other

In this first episode of our new mini-series, we’re getting you “relationship match fit” for 2026.

Over the next few weeks we’ll be sharing our golden rules for a happier, more connected relationship, and today we start with two of the most important ones:

1. Talk every day – silence creates distance

2. Fight the problem, not each other – you’re on the same team

We chat about how silence slowly wedges its way between you, even when you’re still talking about the school run, bins and bills. We’ll walk you through what to do if you’ve stopped really talking, how to take the first step when there’s been a stand-off, and why waiting years to deal with disconnection quietly erodes the foundations of your relationship.

We also explore what it actually looks like to be on the same team when you’re tired, stressed, in perimenopause, worried about money, or carrying old hurt. This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about learning how to repair, reset and come back to each other when life (and your nervous system) feel like too much.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why silence is an alarm, not a solution How silent stand-offs and “roommate mode” create growing distance, even if you’re still speaking about logistics.

• The cost of waiting too long to get help We talk about research showing couples often wait years before reaching out, and what that means for your ability to repair rather than press the “I’m done” button.

• How to take the first step when you haven’t spoken properly in days (or longer) Gentle ways to open the door again without blame, including using a simple structure like a 5–5–5 chat to get you both heard.

• Finding your voice when you’ve been the “silent peacekeeper” Why it feels safer to stay quiet, and how to start practising small, honest conversations without blowing everything up.

• Fighting the problem, not each other How to shift from “you vs me” to “us vs the issue”, especially when you feel hurt, misunderstood or let down.

• Seeing your partner’s intent (and your own) more clearly Why they might not be trying to hurt you, even if it feels that way, and how assumptions about intent can fuel unnecessary conflict.

• Stress, midlife transitions and perimenopause How work, money worries, health changes and hormones can all feed into relationship tension, and why your partner can become the easiest target.

• Rupture vs repair Why conflict isn’t the real problem – it’s the lack of repair that hurts most. We talk about what repair can look like in everyday, messy relationships.

There is always a way to take one small step back towards connection, even if you start on your own.

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Till Next Time

Stay Connected Sara Liddle — www.inflori.co.uk Anna Stratis — www.coachdocanna.com