5 Conversations Couples Should Have Before It’s Too Late

5 Conversations Couples Should Have Before It’s Too Late

From This Complex Life by Marie Vakakis

February 2, 2026 · 18 min · Episode 100

About this episode

Marie Vakakis discusses five essential conversations couples should have to strengthen their relationship before it's too late.

So many couples say the same thing when they come to therapy. We probably should have talked about this earlier. Not because of one big issue, but because of all the small conversations that got pushed aside. In this episode, I’m sharing five relationship topics that come up again and again in my therapy sessions. Things like how to talk about personal goals, navigating money and shared responsibilities, defining sex and intimacy, managing expectations as life changes, and naming the fears that quietly shape how we show up with each other. What we cover The conversations couples often avoid that lead to disconnection What to talk about before starting study or changing routines Why money triggers old patterns, and how to talk about them together How to define sex and intimacy in a way that works for both of you Expectations around parenting, roles and who does what How fear shows up in silence, frustration or resentment Mentioned in this episode Relationship Refresh Workshop (on demand) Sex and Intimacy Conversation Starter Guide Therapy sessions at The Therapy Hub ENROL NOW Relationship New Year RESET 2026 https://marievakakis.com.au/relationship-new-year-reset-2026/ Connect…

People in this episode

Host: Marie Vakakis

Topics covered

  • couples communication
  • relationship goals
  • money management
  • intimacy
  • expectations in relationships
  • fear in relationships

Keywords

  • couples therapy
  • communication
  • relationship advice
  • intimacy discussions
  • money conversations
  • expectations
  • personal goals

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Therapy Hub, Relationship Refresh Workshop, Sex and Intimacy Conversation Starter Guide, Relationship New Year RESET 2026

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