Experts Flag 4 Ways to Reverse 'Quiet Quitting' in Marriage

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 5

Four practical steps—small gestures, intentional time, positive communication, and continued flirting and dating—can help couples reverse “quiet quitting” in marriage, relationship experts said.
James Sexton described the pattern as spouses staying together while quietly withdrawing attention, communication, and participation, often to avoid the trauma of divorce or blame for ending the relationship.
Mindy DeSeta said the drift can build over years, with couples still running a household as a team while living increasingly separate lives—different routines, friend groups, bedtimes, and phone-focused evenings.
Both experts said indifference can be a stronger warning sign than conflict, arguing that consistent, low-cost acts of attention can show whether both partners are still invested.