This Makes or Breaks a Relationship

According to relationship expert John Gottman, one of the secrets to relationship success is “turning towards your partner” by making and receiving ‘bids’ for connection.

What are bids?

“A bid is any attempt from one partner to another for attention, affirmation, affection, or any other positive connection. Bids show up in simple ways, a smile or wink, and more complex ways, like a request for advice or help. 

“In general, women make more bids than men, but in the healthiest relationships, both partners are comfortable making all kinds of bids.” -The Gottman Institute.

It can be nice to be repeatedly acknowledged by your partner throughout the day. How often are you responding to bids? 

How often are you making them?