How Turning Towards Your Partner Can Build a Stronger Marriage

Building a strong marriage is rooted in the everyday, seemingly small acts of engagement with one another. According to relationship researcher Dr. John Gottman, the simple act of "turning towards" your partner—responding to their bids for attention and emotional connection—has a profound impact on relationship quality.

When your partner makes a bid for connection, whether through a comment, a gesture, or even a glance, how you respond matters. Turning towards them—rather than away or ignoring—creates a cycle of positive reinforcement that strengthens trust. This positive interaction builds a foundation of emotional safety, making both partners feel valued and understood.

The science behind this concept lies in the power of emotional attunement. Each time we engage with our partner’s needs and desires, we signal that their emotional world matters. This kind of responsiveness fosters intimacy and security, two cornerstones of a strong marriage. Even small moments, like sharing a laugh or offering support during a tough day, accumulate to create a bond that can withstand life’s challenges.

So, if you want to build a stronger, more trusting marriage, remember: it's not about grand gestures but consistent, thoughtful acts of turning towards each other. It’s these daily moments that make the difference.