Season 1: Foundations of Connection

Title: Spotting the Tiny Moments that Build Love

Bids for connection are the tiny invitations we send our partner every day — a glance, a sigh, a question, a playful comment. In this episode, Angela explains how recognizing and responding to those small moments can transform the emotional climate of a relationship.

Drawing from Gottman Method research and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), you’ll learn how to identify bids, understand the attachment needs beneath them, and turn toward your partner in ways that build lasting safety, trust, and laughter.

Relationship Reset Challenge

This week, catch two bids a day and respond. Pause before defaulting to distraction, and intentionally turn toward instead. Before bed, reflect together:

“When did we connect today?” “When did we miss each other’s bids?”

Resources Mentioned

• John & Julie Gottman, The Relationship Cure — definitive guide to bids for connection.
• Dr. Sue Johnson, Hold Me Tight — Emotion-Focused Therapy for couples.
• Arms Open Counselling resources and blog posts: www.armsopencounselling.com

Connect with Us

If today’s episode resonated with you, share it with a partner or friend who could use a little reminder that love grows in tiny moments. Follow @ArmsOpenCounselling on Instagram and Facebook for more relationship wisdom, behind-the-scenes therapy insights, and heart-centered tips.

Presented by Angela Kingma

Edited by Tayte McHugh