10/13/2026
Your partner says, “Look at that tree.” You’re mid-scroll, so you say, “Mm-hm.”
Sound familiar? We've likely all experienced this. We encourage you to rethink what this can mean. This comment wasn’t likely just about the tree. It was your partner reaching for you.
Prominent couples researchers (e.g., The Gottmans) call these “bids for connection.” They can be a comment, a question, a sigh, a funny thing they noticed. Each one is a small way of saying, “Hey, are you here with me?” You can either turn toward or away, the latter of which involves that "mmhm."
Turning toward doesn’t take much. Look up from your phone and meet their eyes. Then add a little something: “Oh, wow, it's so beautiful. What do you like about it?”
That’s it. A few seconds that say, “I see you, and I’m here.” This example, is, of course, a relatively superficial example but these happen each day. Try and find ways to create meaningful exchanges out of small moments like these, which communicate to your partner that you're present and interested in their experience, no matter how small.
What’s a small bid your partner made today? Did you catch it?