In Gottman practice, how do bids and repair attempts influence relationship trajectories?

In Gottman practice, how do bids and repair attempts influence relationship trajectories?

• A. Higher conflict.
• B. No effect.
• C. Lower satisfaction.
• D. Higher relationship quality.

Answer: (D)

Bids and repair attempts act as the small, everyday acts that keep a couple connected even during tension. A bid is any moment one partner reaches out for connection—through attention, warmth, or a question about the other’s experience. A repair attempt is the partner’s move to soften, apologize, validate, or re-engage after that moment feels strained. When these bids are met with calm, empathetic repair attempts, the moment is repaired rather than allowed to escalate. Over time, this pattern builds trust, closeness, and positive sentiment, which strengthens the overall quality of the relationship. In contrast, bids that are ignored or repair attempts that fall flat tend to erode connection and can lead to dissatisfaction, but the lasting trajectory, when bids are regularly met with effective repairs, is higher relationship quality.

Bids and repair attempts act as the small, everyday acts that keep a couple connected even during tension. A bid is any moment one partner reaches out for connection—through attention, warmth, or a question about the other’s experience. A repair attempt is the partner’s move to soften, apologize, validate, or re-engage after that moment feels strained. When these bids are met with calm, empathetic repair attempts, the moment is repaired rather than allowed to escalate. Over time, this pattern builds trust, closeness, and positive sentiment, which strengthens the overall quality of the relationship. In contrast, bids that are ignored or repair attempts that fall flat tend to erode connection and can lead to dissatisfaction, but the lasting trajectory, when bids are regularly met with effective repairs, is higher relationship quality.