Bids for Connection

John Gottman's term for any attempt — verbal or nonverbal — to get attention, affirmation, or connection from a partner. Can be as small as pointing out something interesting or as significant as sharing a worry. Partners respond in three ways: turning toward (engaging), turning away (ignoring), or turning against (rejecting). Couples who regularly turn toward bids have dramatically more relationship satisfaction. The accumulation of small moments matters more than grand gestures.

Origin

John Gottman