In Gottman's framework, what does 'turning toward' refer to?

In Gottman's framework, what does 'turning toward' refer to?

• A. Turning toward bids for connection
• B. Responding positively to the partner's bids for connection
• C. Criticizing when upset
• D. Ignoring partner's needs

Answer: (B)

Turning toward is about how you respond when your partner reaches out for connection. A bid for connection can be a look, a question, a request for support, or a shared moment. Turning toward means you respond in a warm, engaged, and positive way—you acknowledge the bid, show interest, and connect rather than ignore or dismiss it. This positive responsiveness builds intimacy and trust and is a strong predictor of relationship satisfaction. It’s about the quality of your response to the other person’s attempt to connect, not about the bid itself. So the best description is responding positively to the partner's bids for connection. If you miss the bid or respond negatively, you’re turning away or turning against, which undermines closeness.

Turning toward is about how you respond when your partner reaches out for connection. A bid for connection can be a look, a question, a request for support, or a shared moment. Turning toward means you respond in a warm, engaged, and positive way—you acknowledge the bid, show interest, and connect rather than ignore or dismiss it. This positive responsiveness builds intimacy and trust and is a strong predictor of relationship satisfaction. It’s about the quality of your response to the other person’s attempt to connect, not about the bid itself. So the best description is responding positively to the partner's bids for connection. If you miss the bid or respond negatively, you’re turning away or turning against, which undermines closeness.