Geordie Lass & Doc Sass

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:
Talk every day – silence creates distance
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 solutionHow 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 helpWe 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 otherHow 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 clearlyWhy 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 perimenopauseHow work, money worries, health changes and hormones can all feed into relationship tension, and why your partner can become the easiest target.
Rupture vs repairWhy 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.
FREE Connection Guide >> Download Today
Till Next Time
Stay ConnectedSara Liddle — info@inflori.co.uk | www.inflori.co.ukAnna Stratis — coachdocanna@gmail.com | www.coachdocanna.com
 
 

Welcome to the podcast! Sara and Anna are back, easing into autumn with slow mornings, hot drinks, and a chat about what happens when relationships lose their spark. From conflict tools to laughter yoga, this episode is filled with practical insights and real talk about keeping connection alive through all seasons.
Love Desk:The Relationship Desk of Love brings us the 5-5-5 Method for conflict resolution.Originally shared by therapist Suzanne Clark, this approach helps couples handle disagreements in just 15 minutes:
5 minutes for one partner to speak (no interruptions)
5 minutes for the other partner to share their perspective
5 minutes to talk it through together
We unpack:
Why uninterrupted listening changes everything
How most arguments derail because we’re too focused on defending, not hearing
Why five minutes might be more than enough when real listening happens
How the final five can be used for reflection, not forced resolution
The takeaway? Conflict isn’t solved by speed, it’s soothed by being heard.
Hot Topic: Why do couples stop having fun?Sara and Anna dive into why playfulness fades and how to bring it back. A strong value of Sara's, so very important to keep the fun alive every day. 
We explore:
The gradual drift from laughter to logistics
How life admin, parenting, and responsibility quietly squeeze out joy
Why some couples never stop having fun, and what they do differently
The link between emotional safety and freedom to be playful
Rediscovering what fun actually means to you, not just as a couple
From laughter yoga to calzones in a messy kitchen, this chat is a reminder that joy doesn’t need grand gestures, it needs space, curiosity, and connection.
Listener Question:"My partner still follows their ex on social media and occasionally likes their posts. It really bothers me. Should I say something or let it go?"
We unpack both sides of the story:
When jealousy points to insecurity versus when it signals disconnection
Why trust, self-worth, and healthy boundaries all matter here
How to raise the topic without accusation or shame
When to self-reflect and when it’s time for a calm, honest chat
Takeaway:Fun fades when the connection does. The fix isn’t always big. It’s often in the small things: staying curious, speaking kindly, and laughing together even when life feels heavy. Whether it’s resolving conflict, finding your playfulness again, or deciding what truly matters, this episode is your reminder to bring lightness back in.
FREE Connection Guide >> Download Today
Till Next Time
Stay ConnectedSara Liddle — info@inflori.co.uk | www.inflori.co.ukAnna Stratis — coachdocanna@gmail.com | www.coachdocanna.com

Welcome to a special deep-dive episode.
Sara & Anna are back, reflecting on the everyday reality of expectations. Where they come from, how they show up, and what happens when life doesn’t go to plan.
Does life ever really measure up to expectation? 
We explore:
Why expectations often lead to disappointment (and why we rarely notice them forming)
The “guess what I’m thinking” trap that leaves partners feeling misunderstood
How unspoken standards quietly damage relationships
What Gottman, Esther Perel, and Brené Brown each reveal about unmet needs and perfectionism
The impossible balance we expect from our partners - lover, best friend, therapist, cheerleader, and co-parent, all in one
How mismatched expectations play out in everyday life and what it teaches us about communication and choice
Reflection:
Sara and Anna share stories, laughter, and a few hard truths about:
How resentment grows when expectations stay unspoken
Why gratitude can shift everything back into perspective
The difference between healthy standards and impossible ideals
The importance of co-creating a relationship that’s leak-proof from outside pressures and social media noise
Takeaway:
Life may never fully measure up to the picture we imagined, but joy and connection often live in the imperfect moments. When we let go of rigid expectations and focus on gratitude, curiosity, and communication, we make space for something more real and far more fulfilling.
 
Till Next Time
 
Stay Connected
Sara Liddle — info@inflori.co.uk | www.inflori.co.uk
Anna Stratis — coachdocanna@gmail.com | www.coachdocanna.com

Welcome to the podcast! Sara’s wrapped up in jumpers, Anna’s still basking in the Greek sun, and between autumn showers and Mediterranean peaches, we’re diving into the realities of love, life, and expectations.
 
Love Desk:
Three signs your relationship might have lost its spark (from Psychology Today).
We discuss:
When imagining life without your partner feels like relief rather than heartbreak
Why exhaustion might not just be about busyness, it could be emotional burnout
The quiet loop of “should I stay or should I go?” and what it’s really telling you
Sara and Anna reflect on how love can shift from lightness to heaviness, and how to tell the difference between needing rest and needing change.
 
Hot Topic: Are we expecting too much from our partners compared to past generations?
We explore:
How relationships have evolved from practical partnerships to emotional everything
The impossible modern pressure to find “one person who meets every need”
Why community and friendships used to carry some of the emotional load
How to simplify what really matters, defining your top three non-negotiables instead of chasing a perfect checklist
Listener Question:
“I overheard my husband arguing with our child, and my child was actually in the right. What should I do?”
We unpack how to approach disagreements between your partner and your children, including:
Why timing matters, addressing it later, not in the moment
How to lead with curiosity, not correction
Seeing context before assuming who’s right or wrong
Remembering you’re on the same team, even when emotions run high
Takeaway:
Every relationship goes through transitions. The spark doesn’t have to fade if you stay curious, communicate openly, and remember you’re on the same side.
 
FREE Connection Guide >> Download Today
 
Till Next Time
Stay Connected
Sara Liddle — info@inflori.co.uk | www.inflori.co.uk
Anna Stratis — coachdocanna@gmail.com | www.coachdocanna.com

Welcome to the podcast!
Sara & Anna are back with a fresh dose of conversation and reflection. From the vibes of city life versus island chill, to what keeps us awake at 4 am, to how advertising quietly shapes our romantic expectations, we’re diving deep this week.
Love Desk:We look at how advertising has shaped our romantic rituals:
Why women began shaving legs and underarms (thanks to a Gillette campaign)
How De Beers convinced the world that diamonds = love
Hallmark’s role in making Valentine’s cards feel mandatory
The hidden pressure of sexual frequency “norms”
All raising the question: how much of what we think is romantic is really just marketing?
 
Hot Topic: Can men and women ever just be friends?Sara and Anna unpack both sides:
When friendship feels natural versus when boundaries blur
The role of jealousy and trust in how couples navigate opposite-sex friendships
Why “special energy” can be risky if it crosses into intimacy
The importance of keeping your closest bond sacred within your relationship
Where they disagree (yes, it happens!) and what it says about how different couples set boundaries
Listener Question:"I’m a single parent, and the other parent never contributes to gifts like birthdays or Christmas. I suggested we work it out together, but they ignored me. What should I do?"We explore:
Why co-parenting often involves ego clashes and value differences
How gifts link to love languages and what each parent is really trying to express
Ways to reduce conflict for the kids, who often feel caught in the middle
Practical steps for reframing conversations and moving forward
Takeaway:From diamonds to friendships to co-parenting, we’re reminded how much external pressures can shape our relationships. 
 
FREE Connection Guide >> Download Today
Till Next Time
Stay ConnectedSara Liddle — info@inflori.co.uk | www.inflori.co.ukAnna Stratis — coachdocanna@gmail.com | www.coachdocanna.com
 

We’re back with late-summer vibes, a Jersey date-day report, and a conversation that matters: romance scams are on the rise. Think “Tinder Swindler” playbook, love bombing, urgency, and then the ask. We talk through what to watch for, how to protect yourself, and how to support someone you suspect is being targeted.
Love Desk: 4 Modern Threats to Relationships
Digital distraction is invading quality time. Phones at the table, scrolling on the sofa, autopilot disconnection.
Ideological differences (values, politics, gender roles) are getting sharper and harder to bridge.
Hectic lifestyles erode intimacy when everything becomes logistics.
Childhood wounds show up as adult conflict patterns (attachment, defensiveness, shutdown).
Hot Topic: The Rise of the Rom-Con
We unpack how sophisticated romance scams work and why everyone is vulnerable, especially when lonely, stressed, or having low self-esteem.Red flags: moves fast, intense declarations, inconsistent stories, reluctance to video chat or meet, sudden money or “investment” requests, pressure and secrecy.Protect yourself: set non-negotiables (no money, ever), verify identities, slow the pace, keep close friends in the loop.If you’re supporting a friend: lead with care, not “I told you so,” share evidence gently, and stay available—shame keeps people silent. Recovery is possible.
Listener Question
“My partner never wants to make plans, and I feel unimportant. How do I raise this without sounding controlling?”We explore the planner–spontaneous pairing and offer scripts:
Invite a future-focused plan: “Would you be open to booking dinner next Friday?”
If they resist, get curious: “What comes up for you when plans are set in advance?”
Allow time for a maybe-to-yes shift; don’t react to the first “no.”
Aim for both/and: a couple of planned anchors each month plus room for spontaneity.
Try This Week
Phone-free meal or walk, just to talk.
One small plan made a week ahead (reservation, tickets, picnic).
If dating online: share new connections with a trusted friend; verify identities before you invest time or trust.
FREE Connection Guide >> Download Today
Till Next Time
Stay ConnectedSara Liddle — info@inflori.co.uk | www.inflori.co.ukAnna Stratis — coachdocanna@gmail.com | www.coachdocanna.com
 
 
 

Welcome back to the podcast! Anna & Sara are feeling the summer heat (literally!) as they chat about the bittersweet slide into August. There’s a reflection on presence, ageing, and why Pilates torture can teach us about intentional living.
Love Desk:We explore three hidden forces that can quietly trash a couple’s sex life:
The overload no one talks about – how invisible stress and daily mental loads kill desire
The mother-partner identity blur – when caregiving roles seep into romance
Old generation scripts that won’t die – outdated gender norms that still shape our expectations
With a dose of humour (yes, even about towel folding and dishwashing), we remind listeners why being intentional matters more than lacy underwear or quick fixes.
Hot Topic: Finding more time in your relationship
Why “time starvation” fuels disconnection and frustration
Creative ways to buy or swap time so you can reconnect
The difference between transactional time and quality presence
Why even folding laundry together can count (if you can resist critiquing how your partner folds the towels!)
Listener Question:"My partner says they love me, but they never initiate affection anymore. Am I expecting too much, or does this mean something deeper?"We dive into what affection really means, why it fades, and how to bring it back with intentional gestures that create reciprocity, not resentment.
This week is all about intentionality. Whether it’s making time, showing affection, or choosing how you want to show up in your relationship, small, deliberate acts build trust and connection over time.
Resources Mentioned:
FREE Connection Guide → Download today
Till next time… stay connected.
Sara Liddle · info@inflori.co.uk · www.inflori.co.ukAnna Stratis · coachdocanna@gmail.com · www.coachdocanna.com
 

It’s mid summer and Anna is in mid summer village politics. Sara is second guessing her wardrobe! 
We are all pretending to get our five a day with Pimm’s and the British phase of “don’t pop your cork during a serve”
 
Love Desk: The one news that hasn’t passed you by! We also dive into a fascinating tale from a Coldplay concert that made global headlines, leading to heated discussions on relationships, privacy, and passion.
 
Hot Topic: Is the cost of living crisis stopping you from making some tough decisions? 
There’s an ongoing challenges of making significant life decisions in the face of financial pressures, such as weddings, buying a house, or even divorce. We tackle the impact of the cost of living crisis on relationship choices and emphasize the importance of finding balance and making mindful decisions.
Question: “I caught my sister in law flirting with her personal trainer. I left the gym, immediately told my brother and they got divorced. Was I right to tell my brother?”
What would you do if you were in this situation?
 
FREE Connection Guide >> Download Today
 
Till Next Time
 
Stay Connected
Sara Liddle
info@inflori.co.uk
www.inflori.co.uk
 
Anna Stratis
coachdocanna@gmail.com
www.coachdocanna.com
 

Welcome to the Podcast!!
Anna & Sara are celebrating the longevity and dependability. Sara is suffering from peri and migraine, but they both still show up to bring the latest relationship insights and fun,
 
Love Desk: Would you turn up to a first date makeupless .....
It might take a bit of prep to look naturally good, are you for or against this latest trend? 
Hot Topic: Do you need space, or are you just avoiding? 
We unpack:
How avoidance can wear clever disguises
The difference between needing quiet and running away from hard conversations
Why recognising your own patterns can be trickier than you think
What avoidant behaviour can look like (hint: it’s not always obvious)
How your childhood and past relationships play a role in your current response to conflict and closeness
Question: "My partner flirts with other people when we’re out but says it’s harmless. Am I being too sensitive, or is this a boundary issue?"
We explore both sides, how to know if you're overreacting or if your gut is telling you something real, plus the red flags to watch out for in communication and defensiveness.
Whether you’re someone who loves your independence or you've found yourself pulling away without realising why, this episode will help you reflect with more clarity and compassion, for yourself and your relationship.
Book Link>> Attached by Amir Levine & Rachel Heller
FREE Connection Guide >> Download Today
Till Next Time
Stay ConnectedSara Liddleinfo@inflori.co.ukwww.inflori.co.uk
Anna Stratiscoachdocanna@gmail.comwww.coachdocanna.com
 

Welcome to the podcast!
We can hardly believe it… 200 episodes and we’ve still never met in real life.
In this very special episode, Anna and Sara raise a glass (and maybe shed a few happy tears) as they celebrate five years of the Geordie Lass & Doc Sass podcast.
 
From an online friendship to 200 episodes filled with laughter, love, and honest conversations. Today is all about reflecting on the journey so far and looking ahead to what’s next.
Sara is in the thick of wedding season and still soaking up the love bubble. Which is a great starting position to take a trip down memory lane. Please tune in and listen to how it started (entirely online) and led to a podcast that’s still going strong five years later.
Here’s what you’ll hear in this milestone episode:
• How it all began, and what inspired the very first episode• Reflections on the biggest lessons they’ve learned about love and relationships• A look back at listener favourites and golden oldies from the archive• What’s changed in their own personal lives and coaching work• A peek into what’s ahead for the podcast and the next chapter, which  might even include Relationship Retreats in Greece, watch this space• And, finally, don’t miss our recent episode exploring whether AI could ever replace your partner… even ChatGPT wasn’t so sure
Whether you're a long-time listener or brand new to the show, thank you for being part of this journey. Your support means the world.
Ready to reconnect in your own relationship? Download our free guide:www.inflori.co.uk/connection
Stay ConnectedSara Liddleinfo@inflori.co.ukwww.inflori.co.uk
Anna Stratiscoachdocanna@gmail.comwww.coachdocanna.com
 
Till next time!