The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations That Create Secure, Lasting Love
An empowering, healing guide that reveals the true cost of avoidant behavior in a relationship—disconnection, disengagement, and divorce—and shows how we can instead learn to speak up and start connecting with the ones we love most.

“I wish I had spoken up sooner."

It’s a common myth that couples enter counseling fighting like cats and dogs. In truth, says licensed marriage and family therapist Colette Jane Fehr, her office is usually far quieter. It isn’t fighting, but rather conflict avoidance, that causes the deepest ruptures in romantic relationships. But most couples don’t see the problem until it’s (almost) too late.

Avoidant behavior—the need to “keep the peace” rather than dealing with conflict head on—isn’t our fault. Our ingrained attachment wiring urges us to sidestep day-to-day disputes and brush lingering problems under the rug. But staying silent is a losing proposition in the long term—leading us to self-abandon and essentially “quiet quit” our relationships, which robs us of deep, meaningful connection and inner wellbeing.

In The Cost of Quiet, Colette Fehr shines a light on the epidemic of avoidant behavior and shows us how to have the hard conversations that lead to stronger connections and lasting relationships. Drawing from the latest attachment science and evidence-based therapies she’s used to repair the bond between hundreds of couples, Fehr gives us the tools to approach our partner with openness, honesty, and vulnerability. The ultimate goal: a closer, securely attached relationship that doesn’t avoid conflict but rather engages with it in a positive, productive way, and the greater sense of confidence and empowerment that comes from speaking up for yourself in your relationship.
1147383104
The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations That Create Secure, Lasting Love
An empowering, healing guide that reveals the true cost of avoidant behavior in a relationship—disconnection, disengagement, and divorce—and shows how we can instead learn to speak up and start connecting with the ones we love most.

“I wish I had spoken up sooner."

It’s a common myth that couples enter counseling fighting like cats and dogs. In truth, says licensed marriage and family therapist Colette Jane Fehr, her office is usually far quieter. It isn’t fighting, but rather conflict avoidance, that causes the deepest ruptures in romantic relationships. But most couples don’t see the problem until it’s (almost) too late.

Avoidant behavior—the need to “keep the peace” rather than dealing with conflict head on—isn’t our fault. Our ingrained attachment wiring urges us to sidestep day-to-day disputes and brush lingering problems under the rug. But staying silent is a losing proposition in the long term—leading us to self-abandon and essentially “quiet quit” our relationships, which robs us of deep, meaningful connection and inner wellbeing.

In The Cost of Quiet, Colette Fehr shines a light on the epidemic of avoidant behavior and shows us how to have the hard conversations that lead to stronger connections and lasting relationships. Drawing from the latest attachment science and evidence-based therapies she’s used to repair the bond between hundreds of couples, Fehr gives us the tools to approach our partner with openness, honesty, and vulnerability. The ultimate goal: a closer, securely attached relationship that doesn’t avoid conflict but rather engages with it in a positive, productive way, and the greater sense of confidence and empowerment that comes from speaking up for yourself in your relationship.
15.99 Pre Order
The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations That Create Secure, Lasting Love

The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations That Create Secure, Lasting Love

by Colette Jane Fehr LMFT, LMHC
The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations That Create Secure, Lasting Love

The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations That Create Secure, Lasting Love

by Colette Jane Fehr LMFT, LMHC

eBook

$15.99 
Available for Pre-Order. This item will be released on February 3, 2026

Available on Compatible NOOK devices, the free NOOK App and in My Digital Library.
WANT A NOOK?  Explore Now

Related collections and offers


Overview

An empowering, healing guide that reveals the true cost of avoidant behavior in a relationship—disconnection, disengagement, and divorce—and shows how we can instead learn to speak up and start connecting with the ones we love most.

“I wish I had spoken up sooner."

It’s a common myth that couples enter counseling fighting like cats and dogs. In truth, says licensed marriage and family therapist Colette Jane Fehr, her office is usually far quieter. It isn’t fighting, but rather conflict avoidance, that causes the deepest ruptures in romantic relationships. But most couples don’t see the problem until it’s (almost) too late.

Avoidant behavior—the need to “keep the peace” rather than dealing with conflict head on—isn’t our fault. Our ingrained attachment wiring urges us to sidestep day-to-day disputes and brush lingering problems under the rug. But staying silent is a losing proposition in the long term—leading us to self-abandon and essentially “quiet quit” our relationships, which robs us of deep, meaningful connection and inner wellbeing.

In The Cost of Quiet, Colette Fehr shines a light on the epidemic of avoidant behavior and shows us how to have the hard conversations that lead to stronger connections and lasting relationships. Drawing from the latest attachment science and evidence-based therapies she’s used to repair the bond between hundreds of couples, Fehr gives us the tools to approach our partner with openness, honesty, and vulnerability. The ultimate goal: a closer, securely attached relationship that doesn’t avoid conflict but rather engages with it in a positive, productive way, and the greater sense of confidence and empowerment that comes from speaking up for yourself in your relationship.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780593852750
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Publication date: 02/03/2026
Sold by: Penguin Group
Format: eBook
Pages: 272

About the Author

Colette Jane Fehr is a licensed psychotherapist specializing in couples therapy. She also co-hosts Insights from the Couch, a just-launched podcast dedicated to helping women navigate midlife with clarity and confidence. She lives in Orlando, Florida, with her husband.
From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews