Small Things Often

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about curbing your expectations in your relationship.

Maybe you once thought that if you lower your expectations, you won’t be disappointed by your partner. Or on the flip side, if you had high expectations… everything in your relationship would be perfect — but neither of those expectations are realistic. Instead, shoot for a “good enough” relationship. That might sound like you’re settling for less than best, but it’s really not.

In a good enough relationship, you have high expectations for how you’re treated. You expect your partner to treat you with kindness, love, affection, and respect. You expect your partner to treasure you… and value your feelings and who you are. You expect them to be loyal — and to stand by your side. You absolutely do not tolerate emotional or physical abuse.

A good enough relationship isn’t sunshine and butterflies all the time though — you’ll still have disagreements with your partner… because well, that’s real life. EVERY couple argues and actually, conflict is healthy because it leads to a greater understanding.

Just don’t expect to solve all of your relationship problems. A good amount of conflict is perpetual… meaning there are some things that you and your partner will rehash over and over again without progress. Maybe your partner likes to spend Friday nights with you out of the house — they want to go for a long walk or grab a pizza… and all you want to do is melt into the couch because you’re absolutely exhausted. Neither of you can agree, but you can manage conflict constructively. 

You can come to a mutual understanding and figure out a compromise that works for both of you. That could mean melting into the couch together THIS Friday and going out for pizza NEXT Friday. And when things get tough… when difficult emotions bubble up… you can repair the situation when you hurt each other. Both of you can say, “I’m sorry” and make an effort to make it better.

You’re good friends. You have a satisfying sex life and make intimacy a priority. You share the same values and ethics, beliefs, rituals… and work towards some of the same goals. You can agree about what a home is, what love is, and how you want or IF you want to raise children. You honor each other’s dreams even if they’re different. You trust each other and you’re completely committed to making your relationship work. Because that’s exactly what you deserve!

So don’t set your sights on some unrealistic “high” standard — strive for a good enough relationship.

Here’s today’s small thing: Talk to your partner about curbing your expectations for each other. How can you work towards or continue a good enough relationship? Talk about the things that you’re doing well… and what you’d like to work on!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about empathizing with your partner.

When your partner is having a hard time, you might automatically try to help them. Maybe you say things like, “Well, it could be worse…” and “You could spin this into something positive…” — and you truly have good intentions when you say it, but you’re actually invalidating their feelings. So what’s a good solution? Stop trying to change or fix how they feel and instead, focus on connecting with your partner.

You can do that by showing empathy and putting yourself in their shoes. Start by listening without judgement — that means washing away all preconceived ideas about what they’re feeling and what they need. Be present in the conversation when your partner comes to you and says, “I can’t stand that we’ve been bickering all day over text. I feel really hurt.” Practice non-defensive listening and remember how much you love and respect each other. Be curious about your partner’s feelings and consider saying something like, “I feel terrible that you feel hurt. I want to know more if you’re up to talking about it.”

Pay attention and look for those feelings of being hurt, sad, or angry — or whatever it is! Concentrate on that emotion and listen to what your partner needs… and don’t get swept away by the facts of what actually happened. This is where couples can get stuck. Let’s say you and your partner start arguing over who is “right” — when actually both views are valid. When your partner is having a tough time, it might not matter at all who is right or wrong… and in fact, if you focus on that… you could also invalidate their feelings. 

So listen with your whole being because it’ll become a lot easier to understand their perspective. Think of it like this. Your partner is in a dark hole with these difficult emotions. And now, you need to climb into that hole with them. Feel what they’re feeling because empathy is kind of like a mind meld. You can sometimes experience their feelings on such a deep level that you almost become your partner. Sounds wild, right? Empathy can make you so connected that it’s physical — and you have to be vulnerable. Attuning to your partner’s difficult emotions requires you to connect with that feeling within yourself… so dig deep!

And then, try to summarize and validate how they’re feeling. Tell your partner that you respect their perspective and that their feelings are natural and valid… even if you don’t agree. You could start by saying, “How could you not feel hurt? I completely get where you’re coming from.” Validating their perspective doesn’t mean that you’re abandoning your own perspective… empathizing just shows that you understand why they have those feelings and needs.

Oh and by the way… when you make this conscious effort to be empathetic instead of trying to change or fix your partner’s feelings… you’ll likely notice your partner reciprocating. Because we have to receive empathy to feel empathy so really, it’s a win-win.

Here’s today’s small thing: The next time your partner expresses difficult emotions, react with empathy. Remember to listen without judgement, concentrate on their feelings, climb into that dark hole right along with them, and validate how they feel.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about how to share fondness and admiration…even if you’re busy.

We know. You’ve got a lot of things on your plate. And so does your partner. Between work, family commitments and endless to-do lists, life can get hectic. You feel there’s no way to fit everything in… so, without even realizing it, the first thing that’s put on the back burner…is your relationship. And pretty soon, you start noticing things are very different.

Maybe your partner always seems to be distracted when you speak to them. And when you do talk, there always seems to be an issue. And love-making? Well, that seems to be a thing of the past. And because your relationship is at the very bottom of your priority list, you find yourself feeling more and more undervalued and alone. Neither one of you feels important in the other’s life anymore. And you even wonder if you still love each other. If this is the case, listen up, because we’ve got some ways for you to strengthen your bond, get back on track — and rediscover what you cherished in each other.

First, actively look for ways to let your partner know that they are important and valued. No matter if your day is busy, you can always find a moment or two to connect. For instance, give a quick call or text your partner in the afternoon just to see how their day is going. And always be on the lookout to look for things your partner is doing right — and then share your appreciation for it. Maybe they whipped up a delicious dinner before you got home from work. Don’t take it for granted. Tell them how much you appreciated it.  

Next, focus on what you cherish about each other — and share those thoughts with your partner. Maybe you love their kindness and compassion. Or maybe the way they make you laugh out loud with their corny jokes. Don’t just think it… tell them!

Another way to reconnect is to add some new rituals of connection. Maybe carve out some time to exercise together or simply take a short walk together around the neighborhood. Start a ritual of always hugging first thing in the morning and then when you return home in the evening. And not a one-arm hug! A nice full one! Or plan an “at-home” date night once a week. Be creative! The possibilities are endless.

No matter how busy you both are, put aside at least twenty minutes a day to simply talk to each other and connect. Find a time that is convenient for you both. You may be too tired at the end of the day, so maybe it’s over dinner, if it’s just the two of you. If not, maybe grab some time after dinner to sit by yourselves and just talk to hear how your partner is feeling — and be supportive. And don’t forget to turn off your cell phones!

And finally…talk about your sex life. Yep. No matter how awkward it might feel at first, it’s important to discuss what makes each of you feel desired. You may even realize that because of your busy lives, you’ll have to schedule intimate time together. But don’t be surprised if the anticipation of these scheduled visits may raise your sex life to whole new heights!

It may take a few months to build all these suggestions into your relationship— but over time, regardless of your hectic lives, you’ll find yourselves back on track, valued and loved through a whole new culture of appreciation.

Today’s small thing: Talk to your partner, and come up with a plan on how to incorporate fondness and appreciation back into your lives — and watch your relationship flourish.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about turning relationship goals into habits.

Maybe you and your partner have talked about setting specific goals. It can start out exciting… and then it can get daunting. Shared goals are, of course, important for couples, but the chaos of life can make you feel like you’re failing at reaching these goals instead of making progress.

So instead, turn those goals into habits that you and your partner can practice every day. Let’s say you have a goal to manage contempt. Turn that into a habit of nurturing the fondness and admiration in your relationship. Tell your partner what you love about them! Maybe it’s how they always put you first. Or their commitment to your family. Whatever it is, share it with them! Fondness and admiration are crucial to the long-term happiness of your relationship and helps to prevent contempt from becoming an overwhelming presence in your life. It’ll make you want to point out what your partner is doing right… instead of what they’re doing wrong.

Another goal could be to strengthen trust. You could turn this into a habit of talking openly about your needs and desires with your partner. Have intimate conversations about what makes you happy, what makes you feel good, or what you want in the future! For example — you desire more words of affirmation from your partner. Tell your partner that it makes you feel good when they say how much they’ve missed you after a long day. Or that it makes you feel loved when they notice something different about you… like a new outfit or hairstyle. Intimate conversations can build a stronger emotional connection which leads to more trust and passion. 

Is increasing intimacy on your list of goals too? Swap it for a habit of paying more attention to your partner’s bids for emotional connection. Imagine right before going to sleep… you notice your partner’s upset in bed next to you and looks like they want to talk. Instead of ignoring or shutting them down because you’re so tired… turn towards that bid and ask, “What’s wrong?” When you respond to your partner’s bids, no matter how big or small they are, you’re showing that you’re there to support them when they need it most. 

Creating these habits instead of fixating on one goal can help you and your partner make small changes in your relationship that’ll make a big difference.

So here’s today’s small thing: Talk to your partner about some healthy habits that you could practice every day. What could you both change — or make an effort to continue — to make your relationship even stronger?

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about how to reverse relationship bankruptcy.

Sounds important, right? It is. And it all has to do with your Emotional Bank Account. If you or your partner have been feeling disconnected, ignored or unheard lately, your bank account could be already depleted.

What is an Emotional Bank Account? Just like a real bank account, there are always withdrawals or deposits to be made. But it’s not money you’re using. It’s bids for connection. A bid is any attempt for a positive connection from either you or your partner. It could be a word, a smile, a wink or a request. It’s a small gesture that means “I’m here and want to connect with you.” And any time you turn towards and acknowledge the bid — cha-ching! You’ve made a deposit! Any time you turn away from or ignore the bid — Zap! You’ve made a withdrawal. And if you continue to turn away, you may soon find yourself in relationship bankruptcy. Here’s some ideas of what may have gotten you there — and how to reverse it.

Let’s say you come home from work, and your partner is on the couch reading a book. You walk into the living room and say to them, “Oh my God. I can’t believe what a stressful day I had!” If they look up momentarily, nod, and then keep reading, they’ve turned away from your bid — and made a huge withdrawal from your bank account because you’ve felt ignored and unheard.

But, if they put down their book, and say, “Wow, tell me about it! What happened?” they’ve turned towards you. This small action has made a large deposit because you’ve felt heard and cared for.

Or maybe the bid of connection is non-verbal. Say you’re on the phone, and you see your partner sitting deep in thought, then letting out a big sigh. Do you stay on your phone call and ignore them? If so, you’ve made a withdrawal. To make a deposit, you’d get off the phone, sit next to them and ask, “Is something on your mind? What’s the matter?”

These small moments of connection affect your relationship in big ways. Because if an Emotional Bank Account is overdrawn, partners may question each other’s intentions — and feel disconnected and lonely. But when the Emotional Bank Account is positive and thriving, partners will tend to give each other the benefit of the doubt. This is especially important during times of conflict. If you’ve kept your emotional bank account healthy, then when stressful times arise, you’ll be more able to maintain a positive perspective and work through the issue together — because you have a “nest egg” of trust and love to draw from.  

So how do you reverse relationship bankruptcy? Change your mindset and be aware of the small moments of connection with your partner — then make more deposits than withdrawals. Invest in your Emotional Bank Account, and as it grows, your relationship will flourish with trust, love and understanding.

Today’s small thing: Examine the state of your Emotional Bank Account and share this knowledge with your partner. If you feel it’s got a low balance, take steps today to improve it by continually turning towards each other whenever a bid of connection is offered.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about asking for what you want.

Here’s a scenario that may sound familiar to you. You’ve had a hectic day. Work, errands, a doctor’s appointment… you’ve been racing from one place to another and you’re exhausted. Finally, you walk in the door at 6:30 — and find your partner on the couch, watching television. They look up at you with a big smile and say, “Hi, hon! How was your day?” But you can hardly answer because you are so angry. Yes, it’s your night to cook — but they KNEW what a crazy day you were having, why didn’t they start dinner? They see the expression on your face, and ask you what’s wrong. You shake your head, and say “nothing” — then angrily walk into the kitchen.

Okay, so what’s wrong with this picture? Have you figured it out yet? The answer is: You didn’t ASK for what you wanted. That’s right. The fact is, you can’t complain about not getting something that you never communicated to your partner.

Rewind this scenario to the morning or even the afternoon of the same day. Maybe you made a phone call to say, “Honey, I’m running late. I know it’s my night to cook, but could you make dinner instead? I’m beat.” There’s a good chance your partner would have agreed, or if they were busy, too, maybe you’d suggest ordering in. The fact is, your partner can’t read your mind.  You must ask for what you want in order to receive it.

And don’t forget there are many different ways to ask for what you want — and some work better than others.

If you say, “You never help me change the bedding. I always have to do it myself!” you’re probably not going to get what you want. Using words like “always” or “never” is a sure way of putting your spouse on the defensive. You’re basically asking — and criticizing at the same time.

If you say “If you have time, could you help me? You don’t have to if you don’t want to” — is still not asking for what you want. It’s vague and you’re almost backing off the request.

The best way to ask would be: “Honey, I’d love your help changing the bedding tonight. If we do it together, it would take half the time. And I love making the bed so cozy for us with clean sheets and pillowcases.”

Why does this example work so well? First, you’re making your desire known — help with the bedding. You then tell them why you’d like their help — it will take you half the time. Next, you give your partner clear expectations of when you want their help — tonight. And finally you tell them how much you love to make the bed cozy for you both. Bravo. You have set your partner up for success to say “yes” to your request.

The point is: How you say something is just as important as what you say. And asking for what you want — effectively and respectfully — is not only a powerful tool, but one of the greatest gifts you can give your partner.

Today’s small thing: The next time you get angry about your partner not doing something, ask yourself, “Did I verbally ask them to do this?” And if you did, how did you say it?

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about why you should surround yourself with healthy couples.

Did you know that research has shown that couples who are friends with other healthy couples have better relationships? And it’s not just because they like hanging out and having fun. Of course that’s part of it! But along with that, while they’re together, they’re learning what works and what doesn’t work in a relationship — just by observing each other in action with their partner.

Here’s some things you might learn.

Say you and your partner are at a couple’s home, and you’ve all decided to order take-out for dinner. There are two great Chinese restaurants in town, but your friends disagree on which one is better. Without ever raising their voices, they have a quick discussion — each giving the other time to express their thoughts, and then after a few minutes, one says, “Okay! Let’s go with your choice, and next time we’ll go with mine.” No raised voices, no hurt feelings. If you watched closely, you may have learned how to accept each other’s influence — and how to disagree while being still respectful — without criticism or defensiveness.

Or maybe you have friends who are masters of fondness and admiration. Even though they’ve been married for many years, you’d think they were newlyweds. Each time one walks into the room, the other smiles. They hold hands, hug frequently, and express love for each other, both physically and verbally. From this, you could become more aware of how to be more attentive to your partner — expressing love and intimacy more often throughout the day.

Perhaps another couple has had some rough times in their life together, ups and downs, and personal struggles. But through it all, they’ve remained committed to their relationship. You’ve watched in awe how they have worked through each crisis, remaining committed to their relationship and to each other. And they work at it! They attend workshops and are always finding new tools to strengthen their bond. From this you may have learned that even the best relationships need regular maintenance.

But It’s not only the healthy couples you can learn from — you can also learn from the ones who struggle — like couples who show contempt for each other or become critical or defensive when they argue. Maybe one of them stonewalls — shutting down when things get difficult — and the other gets flooded by emotion and says things they don’t even mean. By observing this behavior from the outside — you can see what you don’t want in your relationship, as well as what you do. Both are learning experiences that can truly make a difference.

It’s true that relationships take work. And just like building and maintaining a house, you’ll need a lot of tools in your toolbox when issues and conflicts arise in order to do some repairs. Learning from your healthy friends can help. And they can learn from you and your partner, too!
Today’s small thing: The next time you and your partner go out with friends, watch the way they interact, be aware of their behavior, discuss it, and learn from it.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about giving your relationship a fresh start.

Do you want more excitement or fun in your relationship? Does it feel stale… or boring? Well, you can’t just wish for a change… you have to make it happen by being intentional. And maybe reboot your relationship!

You can do that in four small steps that’ll make a big difference. The first is to touch your partner… sounds simple, right? But you need to go the extra mile! Try a three breath hug where you and your partner stand face to face. Embrace each other deeply and strongly. Both of you should inhale and exhale together… and then repeat that two more times. A three breath hug can be super calming and makes for a relaxing ritual that you can share together every day. Oh and when you go to bed, passionately kiss them goodnight. No grandma kisses allowed!

The second step is to talk and share some appreciation for each other. It doesn’t really matter how you do it… you can say it to your partner, write them a note and stick it next to their coffee — or maybe send a text. What’s important is that every day, you share something that you love, admire, or appreciate about them. And get specific! Share a story where your partner displayed one of your favorite qualities about them. Like that time they helped a neighbor who was struggling to change their tire in their driveway. Say how much you love how thoughtful and kind they are.

Okay and for the third step — you need to tease your partner. Build some anticipation for the night ahead by sending them a sexy picture of yourself. Or maybe give them a seductive wink over breakfast that says, “Can’t wait to see you later tonight.” Or whisper something enticing in their ear before they head off to work.

And finally, tantalize your partner by sensually touching them. It can be a hand rub while you’re watching your favorite show. It can be a foot rub. Or maybe come up behind them and kiss their neck while they’re doing some mundane chore. Bring that electricity and passion back!

By making these efforts, you’ll be spicing up your relationship and making it a priority.

So here’s today’s small thing: Take a few minutes every day to touch your partner, talk to them, and tease and tantalize them — and enjoy a relationship reboot!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about defining the culture of your couplehood.

A culture? For a relationship? Really? Yep. Because as strange as it sounds, just as every workplace has a “culture”, every relationship has one, too — made up of certain values, beliefs and attitudes that define you and your partner. So as the New Year approaches — a time of hope and new beginnings — it may be the perfect time to really think about the unique traits you value in your relationship. As you do, you’ll be creating shared meaning which, in turn, will deepen your connection and help you grow even closer.

So here’s our suggestion. Find a quiet time to sit down with your partner with a pencil and paper — and write down all the traits that make up your culture. Then ask each other questions about what kind of culture you might want to create in the future — and what specific values will help you get there. Here’s some ideas to get you started.

Do you and your partner value honesty? Put it on your list. Being able to trust each other is huge — and will give you a great deal of comfort as you go through life’s ups and down.  

Or does your culture include the importance of intimacy? If so, how do you keep it fresh and alive? Maybe you carve out time once a week for a date night. Or you regularly hold hands, touch and kiss — and make love-making a priority.

Maybe you and your partner value vulnerability and need to feel emotionally safe when expressing your most personal thoughts and feelings. And even when you’re hurt or angry, you feel safe enough to tell each other that you’re upset, and why.

Or perhaps it’s important to you to always treat each other with the utmost respect. To never shout or curse at each other. And if you get close to doing either, you take a break, make amends, and start over.

For some couples, having fun is a crucial part of their culture. Not only is laughter and humor a huge part of your daily life, but you plan activities, both large and small— to keep the adventure and fun going.

Or maybe you value the slogan “family first” — and pledge to always have each other’s back and take each other’s side no matter what happens — because before anything else, you are a team.

These are just examples of values that may be on your list. Yours should be unique to you and your partner — and then used as a roadmap to help guide you through your life together. And if at some point you find yourself drifting apart or going on autopilot in your relationship, you can always turn back to your list as a constant reminder of who you want to be as a couple.

Also remember that your list is a living document. It may change over time as you both change and priorities shift. But if it does, talk about it and make those changes together.

Today’s small thing: Find some time to sit down with your partner and make a list about the culture of your relationship. Then weave those values into every aspect of your life!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about feeling lonely while in a relationship.

It’s the holiday season — a time of joy and family and traditions. But if you’re in a relationship where either you or your partner have felt disconnected from the other, the holidays can be especially stressful. Because while everyone is celebrating around you, your feelings of loneliness may even become more intense.

Some people may wonder how it’s possible to feel alone when you share a home, and spend so much time together, often in the same room. But it really has nothing to do with physical proximity — it’s about emotional connection. For instance, does your partner hardly ever make eye contact, or constantly text on their phone while you’re trying to speak? If so, it’s no surprise that you feel dismissed, disconnected and isolated.

So what’s the antidote for loneliness? Paying attention to each other’s bids for attention — and then responding by turning toward your partner with kindness and understanding. A bid is any attempt for a connection — it could be verbal or non-verbal — a question, a comment, a touch or a wink — or dozens of other ways you might reach out to connect. But how you or your partner respond to the bid, makes all the difference in the world.

For example, say you’ve had a really exhausting day, and even though it’s your night to cook dinner, you go into the living room and ask your partner, who’s watching television, if they’d cook instead.

They may turn away from the bid, totally ignore your question — and continue to watch TV, which will create disconnection and resentment between you.

They may turn against the bid, shut down the conversation, and say: “You promised to cook tonight! Can’t you see I’m watching the news?” also causing anger and disconnection.

Or, hopefully, they’ll turn towards the bid, and say, “I’m tired, too, but I can heat up leftovers and make salad since you’re so tired.” Ahhh. You have been heard and treated with empathy and understanding, which in turn, strengthens the emotional bond between you.

Another way to increase emotional closeness is to ask open-ended questions that actually require a conversation. If you ask questions that only require a “yes” or “no” answer, your conversation is over before it even begins. So instead of asking, “Did you have a good day at work?” say “Tell me more about your day.” Hopefully, this will open the door to a meaningful discussion.

So this holiday season, talk to your partner, discuss how turning towards each other is the foundation of love and trust — and is an incredible way to deepen intimacy — which, in turn, will lessen any feelings of isolation either of you might feel.

Today’s small thing: Start today to be on the lookout for bids of connection from your partner — respond by turning towards them with love and kindness — and get your relationship back on track.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about creating shared meaning through rituals of connection.

The holiday season is upon us — the time of year to gather with friends and family and bond together through old traditions and new memories. But there’s no better way to celebrate with your partner than to spend some time creating rituals of connection to keep the shared meaning in your relationship healthy, alive — and fun! Plus, you’ll find that rituals of connection have long-lasting, widespread dividends. Here’s some ideas to inspire you to create rituals and traditions — to stay connected throughout the year.

First, what’s your morning routine? How about just taking 15 minutes to have coffee with your partner and connect before you each go off into your day. It can make all the difference in the world in your relationship. And don’t forget to give your partner a kiss before they head off to work — whether that’s down the hall or out the door — and again at the end of their workday. And not just a quick one on the cheek. An intentional kiss so they know you mean it.

On the weekend, maybe plan on going out for breakfast every Saturday morning to relax, talk about anything that happened in the past week, and make plans for the week ahead. Then if the weather is nice, take a bike ride, or just go for a walk in the park, hand-in-hand. Sharing these moments can ignite passion and keep you connected.

If you happen to be in the car together, don’t just sit in silence or listen to the radio, instead take the opportunity to really talk to each other. Ask questions about your partner’s week, their feelings about something that happened in the news, or discuss an event that is coming up. Make it a ritual. Stay interested. Stay curious.

Be intentional about gratitude. End every night by sharing something you were grateful for that happened during the day. Maybe your older dog had a good visit at the vet. Or you’re happy that a work project went off without a hitch. Whatever it is, it will bring you even closer — and at the same time, help you both learn more about each other, and what small things bring you each joy.

Speaking of gratitude, practice an appreciation ritual. Tell your partner something they did during the day that you want to thank them for — like giving you some great advice about an issue with a friend — or maybe you just want to tell them how much you love their laugh.

But rituals of connection are not just for couples. If you have kids, these ideas can also work within the entire family. Traditions like breakfast with the whole family on Saturday morning, or going to the library once a week to find new books, bedtime stories, a kiss good morning or good night, or even just having a great conversation in the car, will help you stay connected. These moments not only strengthen family bonds, but will help your children feel happier and more secure.

And since it’s the holiday season, plan event-type rituals that you can enjoy year after year. Maybe it’s making home ornaments, or cooking a special family recipe together, or making hand-drawn cards. If you got engaged around the holidays, as many couples do, maybe have a special date to revisit the exact place where the proposal happened. These traditions are powerful ways to create shared meaning between you and your partner — and your entire family.

Remember: Almost anything can be made into a ritual of connection. It’s a way of regularly turning towards those you love — so they know that you are there for them — and they can count on you.

Today’s small thing: This holiday season, think of new ways to create rituals of connection. It’s one of the greatest gifts you could ever give your partner and your family.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about giving gifts from the heart.

This might sound wild, but you don’t actually have to spend money to give your partner an amazing gift. You can bring them joy with simple gestures that will truly show how much you care.

So instead of withdrawing from your financial bank account, make a deposit into your partner’s emotional bank account. You’ll be doing that each and every time you and your partner turn towards each other. Ask them how their day was and truly listen to their answer. Find out what’s been stressing them out lately and don’t immediately try to problem-solve. Or just be affectionate and playful — and have some fun together. This will fund both of your emotional bank accounts and you’ll create a cushion for when things get stressful or there’s a conflict.

Or give your partner the gift of wonder! As an adult, it’s easy to lose sight of the things that can be pretty magical. Like making a snow angel or taking a tour of the lights in your neighborhood. Share your favorite movie from your childhood and watch it together! Or hide something for your partner to find on a treasure hunt. 

If you’re not feeling creative, just pucker up… but make it more than a little peck on the lips. Give your partner a six-second kiss — that’s a kiss with potential. Letting a kiss linger can heat up your relationship! 

You could also give the gift of affection by hugging your partner. Do you know their favorite way to be hugged? What’s yours? Take some time to think about what feels good. Maybe it’s a side hug as a way to say hello or goodbye or a hug that lasts a long time. Talking about what you like is a key component in enjoying physical intimacy.

Another great gift is the ability to take care of yourself and self-soothe when you’re feeling flooded. Practice self-soothing in moments when you’re not distressed so you can draw from that skill when you become overwhelmed. Begin by taking deep breaths and focusing on the air going in and out. Then, do a scan of your whole body. Pay attention to where you feel tension and breathe into those places to relax them. Being aware of the tension in your brow, jaw, and shoulders might be a good place to start. And then imagine somewhere where you feel at ease. What do you hear, smell, and feel in that happy place? Being able to self-soothe will allow you to talk to your partner with less tension and stress weighing you down so you can have better and more productive conversations.

Want a gift to set the mood? Create a soundtrack to your love story and give it to your partner! Put songs on a playlist that make you think of them — maybe a song that played on your first date or the first song that you danced to. It could even be some songs that express how you feel. As you listen to the playlist together, share with your partner why you picked each song.

Whatever you decide… just know that anything you give your partner that comes from your heart will mean way more than any fancy present you could buy.

So here’s today’s small thing: The next time you and your partner want to exchange gifts, make a deal to come up with one that won’t cost a dime, but still set the bar high. Take your time and come up with something that lets your partner know how much you love and treasure them

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about handling conflict.

Holiday stress can make this time of year challenging for couples and families. Figuring out things like whose family you’ll celebrate with can be difficult. Maybe your partner is an only child and can’t even imagine spending Christmas without their parents. And your parents are divorced and you feel a responsibility to spend Christmas with your mom. So what do you do when hours of freeway separates your families?

There’s some useful tools to handle these types of conflicts and keep your holidays happy. Like accepting your partner’s influence — so conflicts don’t escalate. Things will be much more peaceful if you listen to each other and take into account each other’s wishes and feelings when making decisions. Look for the parts of your partner’s point of view that makes sense to you, even if you disagree. Consider each option from their perspective and validate their emotions.

And keep in mind that there’s two different types of problems. Solvable and unsolvable problems. A solvable problem would be like if you got an invitation to an event that conflicts with other plans. There’s five steps that you can take to solve a solvable problem. First, soften your startup — that means leading with kindness and understanding. And then, learn to make and receive repair attempts. Be open to making things better! The third step is to soothe yourself and each other. The fourth is to compromise — and then finally, process any grievances so that they don’t linger. Give yourself and your partner the time that you need to work through any feelings.

It’s important to solve the problems that you can because some issues are just plain unsolvable. But here’s the thing — it’s okay to have perpetual problems. Every relationship has them and they can easily surface around the holidays. Let’s say your partner is a vegetarian, but you’re not. A conflict may happen over whether to serve meat. When you can’t find a way to accommodate the differences that come up over a perpetual problem, gridlock can happen. Picture a gridlocked interstate during rush hour. It’s that feeling of being stuck — and dread, frustration, anger, and panic can bubble up. But by discovering each other’s dreams within conflict and making compromises, you can get rid of that gridlock. Talk about how you can make your holiday dreams come true together — whether that’s a shared family tradition or giving your kid an experience that one of you had in your own childhood.

At the end of the day, it’s all about compromising. By working through holiday conflicts together, you can sit back and celebrate, give thanks, and enjoy being together.

So here’s today’s small thing: Put these tips into practice the next time a conflict arises. Start by seeing the problem from each other’s perspective and accepting each other’s influence to come up with a compromise that works for both of you.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about celebrating the holidays with your partner when you come from different backgrounds.

Navigating different religious beliefs or ethnic cultures can sometimes be tricky — but it’s absolutely possible to have different perspectives and still create a fulfilling life together. And that includes celebrating together.

How can you do that? First, acknowledge the differences and what they mean for your life together. Admitting that you have different beliefs makes it real — and that can be scary, especially if you’re nervous about conflict. But it’s never too soon or too late to talk about your beliefs or culture! Ask each other questions like, “What do the holidays mean to you? What were holidays like growing up?” Avoidance isn’t really an option here because that’s not sustainable.

Instead, the idea is to share your experiences with them! Sharing stories is the best way for your partner to get to know this part of you and understand how meaningful different traditions are to you. It also takes the pressure off the conversation and can keep you both from shutting down.

Also don’t knock it before you try it… or commit to anything before you experience it first. It’s important that you show genuine interest and curiosity in your partner’s beliefs and practices. Go with them to their religious services and observe them as they practice rituals. You aren’t making any promises to leave behind… let’s say your Judaism to celebrate Christmas. You’re just simply communicating that you value your relationship and you’re embracing who your partner is entirely.

And don’t forget about therapy — it can be a really great tool in general, but it can also be a big help if some differences seem impossible to figure out. You don’t have to do it alone! Remember that therapy is a preventive tool for couples at any stage of their relationship.

It can start with just a small conversation as you and your partner discuss the ways that you’d like to celebrate the holidays together. Create your own religious or spiritual identity as a couple! Make it a blend that works for the two of you that you can both cherish and protect.

So here’s today’s small thing: Talk to your partner about any beliefs or cultures that differ between the two of you. How can you celebrate holidays that matter to both of you in a way that honors each of your backgrounds? Practice celebrating your differences!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about staying connected through the holidays.

While you’re busy getting ready for whatever you celebrate, it can be easy to let your relationship take a back seat. All of the excitement, food, and presents can leave you feeling stressed out and exhausted. And maybe that means you’re not as easy going and kind as you usually are.

So how do you get back in sync with your partner? Make time for them — and that can start with one magical word: NO! Say no to party invitations and to doing more than a single string of lights outside your house. Say no to perfectly wrapped teacher gifts and to attempting that elaborate recipe that has ingredients you’ve never heard of. Sometimes saying “no” can be tough… but it can also be liberating and empowering! It might even feel really, really good. Like let’s say your friend invited you to a party and as soon as they said the words “cookie exchange,” you immediately start stressing. You have so much to do already and can’t possibly add one more thing onto your plate — let alone making cookies from scratch. And while it’s okay if you feel a little guilty, it still might be the right move to say, “No, I’m so sorry! But I won’t be able to make it!” Saying “no” can be good for you and your relationship.

You know what else helps? Creating white space — those are the moments of not accomplishing anything or checking things off a list. Be intentional about blocking out white space on your calendar and give yourself time to slow down and be with your partner. Even just a few hours can make a huge difference. It might be weird to not fill every hour of your day… especially around the holidays… but when life gets hectic, it’s important to schedule some nothing time.

The key is to have something left in your batteries for your partner and not using every bit of energy you have for holiday perfectionism! Instead, take a moment to turn towards each other and connect. For example, maybe you have a family function to go to together. On the drive there and back, use that time to tune in and get to know each other on a deeper level. Ask open-ended questions and really listen to each other. The same can go for bedtime — find a few quiet moments before drifting off to sleep to connect with your partner.

If all else fails and you find yourself buzzing around your house like a tornado trying to get everything done, literally slow down everything. Your breathing, your body, your motions. You’ll feel like you’re slowing down time and it can give you some perspective of what really matters. You might find yourself speaking more kindly instead of harshly barking orders.

It can be easy to overlook what the holidays are actually supposed to be about: connection, togetherness, gratitude, and giving. So take care of yourself and tune into your partner for a joyful, connected holiday season.

Here’s today’s small thing: Schedule time to do nothing. Create white space and use it to slow down, recharge, and connect with your partner. 

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about telling your partner three things you love about them.

 Have you ever had those moments, when your partner does something that totally makes you go “Whoa! This person is amazing! I’m so in love with them!” And although you’re filled with so much warmth and love, you just keep it inside? Don’t say a word? Well, we’re willing to bet that your partner would love to hear what you’re thinking. So why not write it down and share it? Make a list of things you love about them. It doesn’t have to be long. Three things will do. Here’s some hints about what to write about.

Maybe the list will include qualities they’ve had for as long as you’ve known them. Like their fantastic sense of humor that made you double over with laughter on your first date — and still does today. Or their love of animals — the way they are so sweet and loving to your family dog — and any other animal — just warms your heart. Or the way they strike up conversations with total strangers. Their curiosity about everyone and everything blows you away.

 The list can also include things you observe in small moments. Like sitting on the couch, and looking over at your partner engrossed in a book, and in that quiet moment, feeling such love for them, you think your heart will burst.  Or how when they see something around the house that needs to be done, they just do it without being asked. Or maybe you love their playfulness — like when they grabbed you in the kitchen and just started dancing to an old song on the radio that made you feel like you did when the two of you had just met.

 You can also write about something they did in the last 24 hours that you appreciated or melted your heart. Maybe it was the quick kiss they gave you as they walked past you in the kitchen. Or the great advice they offered about a problem you’re having at work. Or, knowing you had such a stressful day, the way they held you so close as you fell asleep.

 If you want to go the extra mile, make a new list every day for a week and leave it in notes around the house. Put one in their pocket before they leave for work — tape another one on the bathroom mirror — and leave another one by their coffee cup. Let your partner know how very much you love them — how awesome they are — and how much you treasure their love, their friendship, and all the wonderful things that make them who they are.

Today’s small thing: Think about all the things you truly love and admire about your partner, write it down, and share it with them. No matter how long you’ve been together, you’ll see your relationship move to a whole new level.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about showing your gratitude by writing a thank you note. 

If you’re a person who keeps a gratitude journal — bravo. It’s an amazing tool to help you pay attention to the things in life that are so easily taken for granted. And writing down these moments of gratitude can have an incredibly positive impact on your life.

Well, here’s a way to take your practice to a whole new level — and positively impact your relationship to boot. Instead of keeping those feelings of gratitude to yourself, closed up into journals, why not share those feelings of gratitude with your partner in a thank you note?

Here’s how it works. At the end of the day, or early in the morning, scan through your memory and focus on one thing that your partner did that you’re grateful for. Maybe they offered to take your mom to her doctor’s appointment. Or maybe they gave you a quick shoulder massage as you were sitting at your computer. Or maybe they asked for your opinion about something that was important to them. Whatever it was — share it with them in writing. And we’re not talking through an email or text. We’re talking an actual handwritten note to say thank you. The act of writing is slower, more thoughtful and more heartfelt than doing it electronically. And as you write, really take the time to be specific in the description of what they did that day that made you so grateful.

Then leave the thank you note on their place at the breakfast table the next morning. Or on their pillow that night. The thing is: saying thank you is one of the best ways to show how grateful you are for your partner. And expressing your thanks will not just make your partner feel loved and appreciated — it will also cause you to be more mindful of the caring things they do every day — and will ultimately help strengthen your relationship.

You can even take this to another level — and expand this practice to people outside your family who have touched your life in a positive way. Maybe it was the receptionist at your dentist’s office who was so kind to you. Or the plumber who came on a moment’s notice to fix your sink. Whoever it was, send them a handwritten thank you note. No act is too small to be acknowledged. In fact you can even thank your partner — or someone close to you — for simply being in your life.

By adding this ritual to your daily routine, you’ll find your relationship will grow and flourish. And you’ll never again underestimate the power of thank you.

 Today’s small thing: Make it a daily practice to find one thing your partner did that day that you’re grateful for — thank them in a handwritten note — and watch how it positively impacts your relationship.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about showing your partner that your relationship is a priority.

Have you ever heard the expression “Actions speak louder than words”? Well, it’s true. Of course the words you say to your partner matter — but your actions can matter even more.  Because when you actually show your partner that the relationship is a priority, you build trust and loyalty far beyond anything you could actually say with words.

Case in point: Let’s say you and your partner have been together for a while now, and you’ve noticed the passion between you has started to fade. Your life is filled with chores, and bills and work — and sometimes it feels like you’re just going through the motions with them. Sure, you may tell your partner that you love them — but do you show it, too? That’s the key to getting back on track. Here’s some suggestions…

Schedule a date night — but keep the plans a surprise. It could be dinner out — or something as simple as walking by a river holding hands and getting ice cream. The anticipation of what the night will hold will spark a whole new sense of fun between the two of you.

Or maybe surprise your partner by waking them up in the morning with a fresh cup of coffee in bed — or cooking their favorite dinner. Or if they really dislike some chore they always do, like folding the laundry or mopping the kitchen floor, surprise them by doing it for them. Small acts of kindness go a long way to showing your partner that you care.

If you’ve stopped dreaming together, spend an evening building a dream board, where you both jot down your goals and dreams and anything you want to do together in the future — and then make a plan to get there. You might be surprised to hear what your partner has been dreaming about on their own — and they might be surprised at yours, too!

This may sound like a no-brainer, but turn off your phones and TV when you’re having dinner or having any kind of discussion. Focus entirely on your partner with no distractions. Let them know they have your complete attention — and they are the most important thing in the room.  

And don’t forget to always be on the look-out for bids of connection — whether verbal like “How was your day” or non-verbal like a pat on the shoulder. In those moments, turn towards your partner and acknowledge them, even if at the moment you’re exhausted or don’t feel like it. The simple act of turning towards instead of away is the basis of trust and emotional connection.

 Today’s small thing: Discover your own ways to express your love for your partner by showing them instead of telling them that your relationship is a priority — and watch how they respond!

 Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less. 

Today’s tip is about the conversations that matter most in relationships.

 So you and your partner both love animals, baseball, and long walks at sunset. That’s great! But if you think that having things in common is the key to a happy relationship, think again. Because, actually, the best relationships happen when both partners know how to address their differences in a way that supports each other’s needs and dreams. How do you do that? By talking about it. 

 So whether you’re newly in love and just getting to really know each other — or you’ve been together for years and want to reinvigorate your connection, here’s some essential conversations you need to have that can bring you and your partner a lifetime of love.

 First, what does trust and commitment mean to each of you? Think about it. Trust is not only cherishing each other — but showing your partner that you can be counted on. Commitment, on the other hand, means accepting your partner exactly as they are, despite their flaws. So have a conversation about how you can make each other feel safe and accepted. What are your thoughts on the subject? What do you agree on?

 Next, it’s a total myth to believe that happy couples get along all the time. Conflict happens in every single relationship, there’s no escaping it. And we each deal with conflict differently. So share your thoughts on how you each handle conflict — and then decide how you want to approach it as a couple when arguments happen.

 Money is another crucial subject. And although you might think money issues are about money, they’re not. They’re about our dreams, fears and inadequacies. So sitting down and talking in detail about what money means to each of you will help the other understand where you’re coming from — and will go a long way in resolving money conflicts down the road.

 Okay, you know we’d get to this sooner or later: Intimacy and sex. Many couples find this difficult to talk about. But the truth is, it gets easier and more comfortable the more you do it. And here’s a bonus: couples who talk about sex have more sex! So talk about what turns you on in detail with each other. If you’re not comfortable saying it out loud, write it down and let your partner read it.

 Do you have children, or are you planning to have a family? It’s an important discussion because approximately two-thirds of couples have a drop in relationship satisfaction after a child is born. So talk about how you’ll handle this — by keeping the conflict between you low — and maintaining your sexual relationship.

 And don’t forget to discuss fun and adventure! What brings each of you joy? It’s fine if you both have different thoughts on the subject — the key is for you to respect each other’s ideas and choices. And maybe even try something new together that you’ve never done before!

 As your relationship grows, so will each of you as individuals. Change is inevitable. And so have a discussion on how each of you will support the growth of the other as time goes by. And this includes honoring each other’s dreams. It’s the secret ingredient to creating love for a lifetime. Because when dreams are honored, everything else in the relationship gets easier.

 Today’s small thing: Put aside some time each week for a date night with your partner — to discuss one of these important topics. Remember it’s never too soon or too late to start a conversation.

 Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about having a positive perspective.

When you think about your partner, do you think about how they don’t help out around the house or about a fight you recently had? Or do you fondly think about a special day or how much they mean to you? The difference is how positively or negatively you view your partner.

Positive Sentiment Override or the Positive Perspective is something that you can work on every day. Having a Positive Perspective of your partner and your relationship can help you problem solve during conflicts and you’ll likely make more repair attempts like doing or saying something to deescalate a conflict. And in general, you’ll see your partner in a more positive light.

On the flip side, Negative Sentiment Override or the Negative Perspective can distort your view of your partner to the point where positive or neutral experiences are perceived as negative. Couples in the Negative Perspective don’t give each other the benefit of the doubt.

So how can you maintain a Positive Perspective of your partner and your relationship? You can start by letting your partner influence you… and here’s what we mean by that. When you have irresolvable problems in your relationship — which everyone does — you can either hold that against your partner or accept what you can’t change. When you accept your partner, you also accept their influence when talking about problems. That means being interested in their opinions when it comes to issues in your relationship. You don’t try to convince your partner to see things your way all the time!

You can also increase your fondness and admiration. An easy way to do this is by letting your partner know at least one thing each day that you appreciate about them. What are they adding to your life? Whatever it is, let them know!

A third way to keep your relationship in the Positive Perspective is to turn towards your partner’s bids for emotional connection. That means engaging with your partner and letting them know that you value their presence and what they have to say. You can turn towards them by smiling, responding with validation, and asking open-ended questions. Ask your partner something like, “What are you excited about right now?” and listen to their response with interest.

When you accept influence, have fondness and admiration, and turn towards your partner, it helps you maintain a Positive Perspective of your partner and your relationship. Start seeing your partner through rose-colored glasses!

So here’s today’s small thing: Take a look at how positively you and your partner view each other. Is your partner getting the benefit of the doubt? Are you? Talk about ways that you can both keep a Positive Perspective.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about showing fondness and admiration.

Showing your partner how much you love, care, and value them can sometimes get drowned out by everyday life and just being absent-minded. But sharing fondness and admiration is crucial in a relationship and it needs to be a priority. Thinking and saying positive thoughts about your partner can invoke positive feelings! Meaning, it’ll make you feel good… and it’ll make your partner feel good too. The goal is to turn these thoughts and feelings into positive actions that can keep companionship in your relationship or bring it back!

You can show your partner that you appreciate them by doing little things throughout the day. It doesn’t have to be some big, grand gesture. Just something to show that you care and that they matter. Let’s say your partner is stressed about a work project or something they’re doing around the house. You can ask them how it’s going and listen to their feelings about it. Say you’re proud of them for working so hard!

Okay and you know that awesome recipe you have? Like maybe your famous chicken salad? It’s always a crowd favorite… except, well… your partner hates it. Their favorite chicken salad is a recipe from their mom. Surprise them with chicken salad using their mom’s recipe! Make them something special that they love… just for them. It’ll make them feel special!

Or maybe you see your partner on the scale and you know they’ve been unhappy with their weight. Wrap your arms around them and say, “I love you just the way you are.” As their partner, you’re probably well aware of their insecurities. Make them feel good and confident about themselves! Show your partner that you love them inside and out.

Let them know that you’re on their side. Use what you know about your partner to let them truly understand how much you love and respect them. By doing that, you’ll be sharing fondness and admiration.

So here’s today’s small thing: Say words of affirmation out loud to your partner! You could say what they’ve done that impressed you or what you love about them. Get specific and say how you really feel.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about being polite.

You’d think that being polite to your partner goes without saying when you’re in a relationship. But when you’ve been together a long time that sometimes can go out the window. Of course, it’s nice to be relaxed and comfortable with your partner. But even if you feel like you can say whatever you want to them, manners are still important.

Politeness is a way that we can show respect. It helps our intentions sound pleasant and considerate to another person. So when you think about it like that, manners can look a lot like love. Do you remember to say thank you to your partner when they do something for you? Like let’s say they opened a door for you. A quick “thanks” can show that you appreciate the gesture… even if it’s something they always do or are expected to do, like if your partner pays a bill for you.

Even saying “please” can go a long way! If you have kids, you probably remind them to say please when they ask for something… and it’s important to take your own advice. Saying to your partner, “Please do me a favor and grab the clothes out of the dryer” sounds a lot nicer than starting the sentence with “Do me a favor.” Right? Saying please and thank you is an easy way to show gratitude and to show your partner that they’re loved and valued.

Here’s another way to practice politeness! Acknowledge your partner by greeting them as they come home or when they’ve been in another room for a long time. It’s a simple gesture that says, “I notice when you’re not around, and I like it when you are.”

So mind your manners because when you do, it’s hard to go wrong. Think about it. Have you heard anyone say, “Please don’t thank me. It makes me feel terrible.” Being appreciated always feels great. It increases our sense of worth and it’s contagious — your partner will likely reciprocate!

Here’s today’s small thing: Make an effort to be polite to your partner. Remember to say please and thank you in everyday moments!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about discovering the areas that make you a #1 couple.

Have you ever thought about it? Different couples have different strengths — what are yours? Think of it this way: if you were in a competition with every couple you know, what award would you win? What makes you the #1 couple? Here’s some ideas…

Maybe you’re a champion couple in the “fondness and admiration” category. You’re not only in love — but you’re also deeply in “like.” You treat each other with kindness and respect and show it regularly in small ways that add up. You value each other not only for the things that you do — but who you are. And your partner knows you care about them, because you don’t just think it — you say it out loud: I’m proud of you, I’m impressed by you, I’m so thankful for you.

Or maybe you and your partner are fantastic at repairing after an argument — and quickly getting back on track. You both know how to diffuse negativity and keep a conflict from escalating out of control. Plus, you know how to soothe each other during an argument, with a touch of humor, or a reminder of how much you love them, or a gentle hug. Both of you work towards dissolving negativity and resolving conflict — so you can quickly get back to being connected. ”

Or maybe you both are number one in keeping the romance going. You have a date night every week — which doesn’t necessarily mean you go out to dinner. Sometimes it’s just a movie, a bowl of popcorn, and cuddling on the couch. You say “I love you” every single day and mean it. Maybe you even leave love notes to each other on the fridge or the bathroom mirror. Plus, you’re always carving out time in your busy schedules to do things together— like taking a walk holding hands, planning time for intimacy — and working every day to keep romance alive — even in the smallest ways.

There’s plenty of other areas where you can be #1, too. So sit down with your partner and really think about what aspect of your life together makes you want to brag. You can even come up with a name for your award! Like “Best Couple in a Romantic Relationship” — or “Best Repair Team” — or “Fondness and Admiration Champs of All Time.”

It’s time to celebrate your relationship with a pat on the back. Do it today!

Today’s small thing: Enjoy the #1 couple exercise! Not only is it fun, but it will reveal a lot about your relationship!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about the magic ratio.

Have you ever kept track to see how many positive or negative interactions you’ve had with your partner? That may sound strange, but it’s actually a big part of having a happy, stable relationship. Couples need five positive interactions for every negative one aka the magic ratio of five to one.

A negative interaction could be anything from using one of the four horsemen — defensiveness, criticism, contempt, or stonewalling — to lashing out at your partner or forgetting to do something that you told your partner you would do. Basically anything that would result in a difficult emotional state. For each one, you need five or more positive interactions to even out the ratio.

That might seem like a lot… but really, it can be five little things that’ll make a big difference in your relationship. Like telling your partner that you appreciate them or showing them affection. And remember that affection can be both physical and verbal like holding hands or saying, “I love you.”

Or do something for your partner like a chore or some kind of task that they’re normally responsible for. Take out the garbage, put the laundry away, or run some of their errands!

It can be as simple as showing your partner that you’re thinking of them. Buy or make their favorite treat — throw together that amazing dessert that they’re always drooling over. Or just ask them about something important that they told you about. Maybe your partner has been stressing about a big meeting. Follow up afterwards and ask how it went!

Validating their feelings is another positive interaction — even if you don’t agree. Saying things like, “That makes sense” or “I can understand why you feel that way” could mean a lot and make them feel heard. 

Keep the positivity flowing by having some fun together. Make time for date nights every week or create a ritual of connection on a daily basis. Have coffee together or take a walk!

As you make efforts to connect, keep an eye out for when your partner reciprocates. If your partner asks you how your day was, say more than “Fine.” Give them a detailed response and really fill them in — and then ask about their day too.

These are all small things that you can do often — hence the name of this podcast, Small Things Often. Listening right now with your partner can count as a positive interaction! Doing a little bit every day can get you closer to the magic five to one ratio.

So here’s today’s small thing: Track your interactions with your partner and tally up what your ratio looks like. If you feel like you fell short of the magic ratio, make an effort to have more positive interactions.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less. 

Today’s tip is about inspiring your partner to attend couples therapy.

So say you and your partner have been managing your relationship issues on your own and doing pretty well with it.  But then, lately, you hit a rough patch. Maybe you’re feeling emotionally disconnected — or there’s an issue that you just haven’t been able to solve. You feel the two of you might benefit from professional help — but you don’t know if your partner will agree. The thing is: the way which you approach your partner with the idea of couples therapy makes all the difference in how they might respond. Here’s a few pointers to follow when you decide it’s time for this important conversation.

First: If you say something like “We need professional help” during a fight with your partner, you can bet they won’t be motivated to go. And any manipulation will lead to resentment and withdrawal. Instead, be mindful of how and when you bring up the idea. Never do it in the heat of conflict. It’s important to broach the subject during a neutral, calm time.

Then, propose a conversation. You might say something like, “Honey, I want to talk about what you want for our relationship. Can we have a quick conversation about it?” Speak in a gentle voice that focuses on sharing your experience. If you know your partner doesn’t like to talk about your relationship, write a letter instead. Although be sure that the letter doesn’t replace the conversation — it’s just an invitation to start one.

It’ll be difficult to have your partner say “yes” to couples therapy if they can’t see how it will help your relationship. So now that you’re sitting down to talk, focus on learning about your partner’s view of the relationship. You might ask, “If our relationship was better, what might it feel like for you?” After they answer, follow up with “What do you think is stopping us from resolving our issues?” Be sure to listen non-defensively about what they believe is in the way.

Now you’re ready to talk about the benefits of going to couples therapy. Say something like “I want us to go so we can communicate better. And I’m excited because I think it’ll help me understand more about you and how I can be a better partner. If we do it, I think we’ll have fewer fights, more sex, and feel happier.” Focus the conversation on wanting to improve your relationship, not on changing your partner. No one likes to feel like they need to be “fixed.”

Then ask them to attend therapy with you in an open way that does not pressure them. You might say, “I love you — and our relationship is very important to me. I think couples therapy could stop the fighting and help us grow closer and feel happier. But it’s up to you.”

If your partner says no, make it clear to them that you respect their decision and want to understand why. Then do your best to clear up any of their concerns. Then ask, “Now that we’ve talked about the things you were concerned about, would you be willing to reconsider?” If they say no again, then let the conversation end by telling them that you respect their choice and love them. Your partner will likely think about the idea for a few days. Be patient. They may eventually change their mind if you honor their choice.

Today’s small thing: If you’re thinking about approaching your partner with the idea of couples therapy, be kind, gentle, and remember that they need to feel as if they are part of the decision.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about open-ended questions to ask on a date.

Okay, so you’re on a date and just getting to know each other. And you’ve gone through all the superficial things people on dates talk about: your hobbies, your incredibly adorable dog, and their equally beautiful cat, what kinds of food you like, movies you love, and vacations you’ve gone on. But really getting to know a person goes much deeper than where they grew up and their favorite band. What about their inner world? What do they want out of their life? What are their goals and dreams?

The thing is, you don’t have to wait for a commitment to ask these questions. Meaningful conversations can start as soon as your very next date. And it’s these conversations that can set the foundation for a love that can last a lifetime. But remember, the questions must be open-ended, which means they can’t be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” They need to be worded in a way so that your date gives a more detailed answer. Also remember that certain questions may not be appropriate for the first time you meet. Here’s a few subjects to consider to be used at different times throughout the dating process. 

Trust is a huge issue in any relationship. But how we each define it can be totally different. So you might ask your date “What does trust mean to you?” Maybe they’ll say it means loyalty. Or having each other’s back. Or that you feel safe both physically and emotionally. This conversation can open up a meaningful discussion about how you each would navigate through trust in a relationship when there were misunderstandings or expectations weren’t met.

Another important issue that can majorly impact a relationship is how each person handles conflict. And much of that is learned in childhood. So maybe ask, “How was conflict handled in your family growing up?” Maybe their family dealt with conflict quickly — discussing any issues before they got out of hand — while your family pushed conflict down, and avoided it at all costs. Whatever the backgrounds of you both, this question can open a conversation about how you both would handle conflict in your relationship.

Another subject that’s crucial in a relationship… is money. Because finances are a sticky subject to discuss, this might be best asked once you are in a solid relationship. Then, when you feel it’s the appropriate time, ask, “What are your hopes and dreams when it comes to money?” You might be surprised to hear that they’re looking to buy a house — or they’re saving to open their own small business — or that they’d rather spend their money on travelling. This question will help you learn a lot about whether your money goals are compatible.

“What does family mean to you?” is another question you may want to ask. Maybe they’re close to their family and keep in touch every day. Or maybe they have no close connection to them at all. This may lead to a discussion about their thoughts on eventually having children and a family of their own — which is also important to know in case you’re not on the same page about this subject.

Another probing question: “How do you feel you have grown the most? In what areas?” This will open the door to learning more about their past — and the obstacles they’ve overcome to get to where they are today. This thought-provoking question — and the conversation that follows — can tighten your bond even further.

These are just a few questions to help you understand each other better as you move through the first months of your relationship. So give it a try. By asking the right questions, you can open the door for deeper connectedness — and more meaningful conversation.

Today’s small thing: Use these questions as a jumping off point to come up with questions of your own! But don’t forget to use your judgement on when a question is appropriate in the dating process. Wherever you are in your relationship, we bet date night will be a lot more interesting!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about ways to make your relationship thrive.

Do you remember the early days of your relationship with your partner? You were so madly in love, you couldn’t stand to be away from each other for even an hour. It was passionate, and overwhelming, and exhilarating all at the same time. But now that you’ve been together for a while, things might not feel quite the same. Maybe you feel like you and your partner are in a rut. Or maybe things are fine, but you’re wondering how to keep the relationship on a positive path. Whatever your situation, here’s five tips you can put in practice today to help your relationship thrive.

First, treat your partner with appreciation and respect. If you’re noticing their flaws lately, and not their positive qualities, it’s time to change your thinking. Be on the lookout for things they’re doing right every day — and when you see it, say it! Thank them for walking the dog. Or tell them you love their sense of humor and how they make you laugh. Or maybe how incredibly proud you are of them for getting a promotion. By expressing appreciation for the small things, you’ll find that as time goes by, your relationship will greatly improve.

Next, build trust. How? Well, it’s not with a grand gesture like the gorgeous watch you bought them for their birthday. Nope. Trust is built in the small everyday moments of attunement: Being aware of your partner’s emotions — and then turning towards them with understanding and empathy. Say, for instance, you’re watching a movie on TV that you’ve wanted to see for a long time, but you suddenly notice that your partner is looking distracted and sad. Do you ignore them, and keep watching the movie — or do you stop and ask your partner what’s wrong? If you turn towards them, you’ve just created a moment of trust. These moments add up.

Another way to help your relationship thrive has to do with how you handle conflict. Every couple has arguments — but how they repair the conflict is the crucial part. Do you both hold in your emotions and withdraw? Or do you discuss the conflict as soon as possible, with a “we’re in this together” attitude? Couples who repair quickly don’t let anger destroy the loving feelings that brought them together in the first place. And during the discussion, they don’t blame or criticize each other — but instead, admit responsibility for their part in the argument. They discuss the situation calmly to understand what went wrong — and realize their relationship is more important than the problem.

It’s also important to develop rituals of connection. Doing fun things together can reignite passion and keep you connected. For instance, plan a date night every week. You don’t have to go out — it could just be listening to your favorite music, having a special dinner, and dancing in the kitchen! Or maybe exercise together — go biking or running — or even just take a walk around the block. And don’t forget to hold hands, hug and kiss! It’ll help reduce stress — and bring you closer together. 

And finally: Forgive. Couples who practice forgiveness can get rid of any hurt or shame that holds them back from feeling connected to each other. Practicing forgiveness will allow you both to let go — heal — and move on with your lives together.

Today’s small thing: Get out of your rut! Start using these tips today — and watch your relationship thrive and flourish!  

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about how to find a therapist.

Have you ever thought about seeing one? Because there comes a time in many people’s lives when they find themselves struggling more than usual. Maybe they’re trying to reconnect with their partner or cope with a loss. Or maybe they’re stuck in the past or worrying about the future — which is making them feel overwhelmed and anxious. If this is you, and you’re currently dealing with an issue that is affecting your life, then we’re here to tell you that therapy can really help. Because the thing is – if you don’t understand your emotions, you’re at risk for living reactively. And that not only impacts you — but all your relationships with loved ones — including your partner. Yes, therapy can help. But finding the right therapist is crucial.

Don’t know where to start? Here’s some tips to find a therapist who can help you gain perspective, cope with your issues — and move forward with your life.

First let’s talk about cost. The price of therapy varies, depending upon the level of training and experience of the therapist. Many of them take insurance, which can be a big help, so be sure to check this out. But a warning: It’s very important that you don’t let the cost of therapy add to your stress level! So before you even start your search for a therapist, figure out how much of a financial investment works for you.

Not only should your therapist fit your budget, but they also need to be licensed in your state. So don’t start treatment until you check their license number with your state’s licensing board.

Next, it’s really important that you make sure your therapist has been trained in whatever issue you need help with. Many therapists can help you through depression and anxiety, but you may want to seek someone who specifically treats couples in conflict  — or individuals experiencing addiction or eating disorders. This info should be on their website. If not, be sure to ask before you schedule a session.

Okay, here’s something that is really crucial — especially for people of color or other identities, like LGBTQ+. One of the most important factors for therapy is that you feel a sense of safety with your therapist. So it’s really important that you find a therapist who is aware of cultural nuances — and has examined their own internal biases that might impact therapy. So how do you find out? By simply asking them. Set up a phone call and ask the therapist questions like: “Have you ever had a client who was an LGBTQ+ or a person of color?” Or “What type of work have you done to understand your own internal biases?” Their answers will help you decide whether you want to make an appointment with them or move on in your search.

One more thing to be aware of: Some therapists who seem to be a perfect fit may not be at all.  This is because every therapist has a different style and approach to therapy. So if you begin therapy and find after a few sessions that you’re uncomfortable or feel unheard, do not hesitate to change therapists. How you feel when you are with them is extremely important to your growth and healing. Trust your gut.

Bottom line: Therapy is about being in a relationship with a trained person who is nonjudgmental, empathic, and is willing to walk with you through all your ups and downs. The right one can help you make positive changes — and live a more productive and happier life.

Today’s small thing: If you think you need to talk to someone, follow these tips to find the right therapist for you. Then do the work necessary with them to understand your emotions — and heal them.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about talking to your partner about finances.

It can be a touchy subject for some couples. Especially when unexpected things come up like losing your job. Or if you’re suddenly hit with a big pile of medical bills. Or maybe you’re coming into a relationship with a ton of debt. No matter what the situation is, there’s no right or wrong way to navigate how this could make you and your partner feel. They’re just real emotions that sometimes defy logic and need to be identified, processed, and shared without blaming your partner.

So before you point fingers, keep in mind that arguments about money aren’t really about money. They’re about your dreams, fears, and insecurities — and that means money has a deeper meaning than any dollar value. It all goes back to your childhood and your family background and the role it all plays in your happiness. 

The first step in talking about finances as a couple is understanding and communicating your different perspectives. Then take a look at how your emotions affect your discussions and ways of dealing with financial decisions. It’s important to be transparent about money and your history with it. Even though it might be hard, share the complete picture. Talk about purchases, assets, and debts. And ask tough questions like, “How much student loan or credit card debt are you carrying and at what interest rate?” “Do you have any retirement accounts? How much are you contributing?” And ask about any plans to make a big purchase… like maybe a new car!

After you bare it all, work together to create a shared financial vision! Talking about and writing down your financial goals will build trust between you and your partner if you do it thoughtfully and respectfully. Taking time to process your financial dreams… of maybe buying a house or setting up a college fund for your kid… can bring you closer!

How can you make it easier to talk about finances? Set some ground rules! Have these discussions only when you won’t be distracted by TV, chores, or other situations. Make sure these are productive, loving talks. Remember conversations about money are sensitive and can trigger strong feelings. So avoid critical or judgmental statements like, “Whoa, how did you rack up all that debt?” or “You were so irresponsible.” This is a time for sharing and problem-solving, not blame.

Truly listen to what your partner is saying and try to understand the feelings behind the words. Validate their feelings and respond by saying things like, “That must have been hard for you” or “I can understand why you felt that way.”

There’s also tools to help along the way! Set up a money management system or make an appointment with a financial advisor. It doesn’t matter how you create a shared vision, as long as you and your partner put in the effort to accomplish your financial goals together.

So here’s today’s small thing: Have an open and honest conversation with your partner about finances. Create a safe space where you both can share your hopes and dreams and make a plan together to make it happen!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about being more attentive.

Distractions are a part of life, right? There’s probably distractions all around you right now at this very second while you’re listening to this podcast. Are you staring at a pile of laundry? Or is someone texting you? Whatever it is, distractions will always be there and could creep into your relationships, but there are ways to manage these distractions so you can be more present.

Whether it’s your partner or your child… they probably know when you’re distracted — just like it’s usually so easy to spot. Like you know when someone is nodding and smiling, but you can tell something else is on their mind? They don’t ask follow up questions and they end the conversation with something generic to make it seem like they’re paying attention… when they’re absolutely not.

But you’re probably extra aware when the important people in your life aren’t paying attention to your physical or emotional needs… and vice versa. Let’s say your partner just had a really amazing chat with their boss and couldn’t wait to tell you about it. And while they’re talking and looking for some kind of reaction from you, you’re just on your phone… nodding along as you hear words coming out of their mouth, but you’re too preoccupied with something else to completely understand your partner’s story. They don’t feel heard and your ears only perk up as they say, “Did you hear a word that I just said?”

So how do you change this? Make an effort to be intentionally attentive! Focus on creating time where you’re 100% undistracted so you can fully engage with those that you love. Try setting aside an hour at home, with your kids or with your partner — or both, where no phones or screens are allowed, and do something fun! 

And remember to pay attention to their bids — that could be any kind of request to connect like an expression, or a question, or something physical. Like if your partner says, “Do you want to talk about our plans this weekend?” Or it could be a loving squeeze or a teasing wink. Acknowledge your partner’s bids and turn towards them! They’ll notice when you make the effort to give them your attention on a regular basis.

Here’s today’s small thing: Talk to your partner about ways that both of you can be more attentive in your relationship. Discuss what makes each of you feel heard!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about falling in love with your partner again.

When you first fell in love, you probably asked your partner a bunch of questions to get to know them and connect with them. It was fun and exciting, but over time maybe you forgot to keep learning. Maybe you think you already know everything about them. But actually, some couples have little knowledge of their partner’s inner world. And that can be a problem because getting curious about your partner isn’t just an important part of falling in love, it also helps you stay in love.

So what kind of questions should you be asking your partner to relight that fire? Try quizzing each other with a Love Map exercise. It’s where you ask each other a wide range of questions that’ll develop a greater personal insight and a more detailed “map” of each other’s lives and worlds. You can ask questions that are probably super easy like, “Where was I born?” “Who are my two closest friends?” And other questions that are more difficult like, “Do I have a secret ambition? What is it?” As simple as this sounds, if you or your partner has a reaction like, “You don’t know where I was born? After all these years?”, it could go from fun and playful to hurtful and disappointing… and could lead to criticism. So set some ground rules before you start. 

One, it’s okay not to know all the answers. It’s even good if you don’t because you can learn something new about each other. Maybe you had no idea that your partner has big dreams of traveling the world one day! Or ambitions to be a volunteer and help other people! Asking each other questions is an opportunity to reconnect and update each other. If you don’t know something, make that a topic of conversation… even for just a minute or two.

The second ground rule is to understand that it’s not necessarily the fault of the partner who doesn’t know the answer. So don’t play the blame game! Remember that communication is a two-way street and maybe there have been times where your partner was reaching out to connect with you, but you turned away from their bid. Like let’s say you had a long day and really just wanted to watch tv. So when your partner sits down next to you on the couch and says, “What’s my favorite way to spend an evening?” — you just loudly sigh and don’t bother entertaining the question. Here’s the thing. If both of you aren’t continuously trying to get to know each other, then it’s probably time to make your partner a bigger priority.

And finally, take your time with these questions. Don’t set an expectation to have a night where you talk through every burning question that you have for each other. Space it out and don’t make it a chore because it should be something that you both look forward to! Make it fun and use it as a special time to connect with each other.

So here’s today’s small thing: Get curious about your partner! Make it a priority to continuously ask them questions and fall in love all over again!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about relationship myths.

Some myths are not only false, they’re potentially destructive. They can lead couples down the wrong path, or even worse, convince them that their relationship is a lost cause. There’s actually a bunch of relationship myths so we’re debunking some of them.

Like the myth that conflict is a sign that you’re in a bad relationship. Sorry to break it to you, but conflict is inevitable in all relationships. And there’s actually a good reason for it even though conflicts can sometimes be uncomfortable and it may not feel good at the time. Conflicts can help you understand your partner. They usually happen after missed attempts to communicate especially if one person is trying to get emotionally closer to the other. Conflicts also come up when partners have different expectations. For example, what if you expect your partner to initiate intimacy? But your partner has no idea that you’re waiting on them to make a move. What could turn into an argument could possibly be solved with a clearer understanding of each other’s expectations.

Oh and while we’re at it, not all relationship conflicts can be solved. A lot of conflicts are the same ones over and over again. Sound familiar? All that really matters is that you’re accepting each other’s differences and able to have a conversation about it to avoid gridlock and resentment. The goal is to manage these perpetual problems — don’t worry about a resolution.

There’s also a myth that love is enough. Just loving someone is definitely not enough because relationships are hard work! It’s super common for people to stop courting each other and stop making romance, great sex, fun, and adventure a priority. Relationships can become endless to-do lists where your conversations are just about errands and surface level things. Like, “Glad you’re home! Did you remember to grab milk at the store?” Life and relationships can get monotonous. If you really want your relationship to work, ya gotta put in the work and make an effort to connect with each other.

And if you need help working on it, don’t believe the myth that if you and your partner need therapy, it’s already too late. Because that’s completely wrong — it’s actually never too late for therapy. Did you know that most people who split up or divorce never even tried talking to a professional? Couples therapy can be super effective and a lot of couples could have made it work if they had some help.

And finally, don’t fall for the myth that compatibility is what makes relationships work. That might sound wild, but listen. You’re not looking for your clone, right? How boring would it be if you and your partner agreed on everything and always felt the same way? Some diversity in your relationship can make things interesting. Focus on your ability to look outside of your own perspective and be open to your partner’s thoughts. It could allow you to look at things in a new way or experience things you wouldn’t have tried on your own. Like with their influence, facing some kind of fear or trying a new food!

So here’s today’s small thing: Make a mental note to recognize and ignore these myths when you hear them! Instead, focus on strengthening your connection with your partner. Prioritize your relationship and turn towards each other — each and every day.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about building emotional intelligence.

Do you know what that is? Emotional intelligence is the ability to accurately perceive your own and others’ emotions. To understand the signals that emotions send about relationships and to  handle your own and others’ emotions. That sounds like a lot, right?

So think about it like this. It’s understanding and working through each other’s emotions and getting how that can affect your relationship. Emotional intelligence can determine how successful you’ll be in life. And this might sound wild, but it’s even more important than your IQ. The ability to understand other people and work with them is crucial. So that’s a big deal for kids to learn as they grow up… but it’s also important in friendships and romantic relationships.

How do you build emotional intelligence? It starts with YOU because you have to understand and recognize your own feelings first. Get emotional and dig deep… and remember to get emotional with your child or partner too. You can be angry, hurt, disappointed, tense, frustrated, or whatever… and so can they! Let them know that their emotions are okay with you too and vocalize that you understand how they feel. 

Let’s say you and your partner are arguing because they left the front door unlocked all night. It’s always been their responsibility to lock up before bed because they stay up later. And when you woke up in the morning and saw the front door was unlocked, you immediately told your partner that you’re upset that they forgot. You explain how it made you feel unsafe… and in fact, you’re angry. You’re building emotional intelligence in that moment by expressing your feelings. Your partner can reciprocate by saying something like, “I get where you’re coming from. I’m sad that I made you feel that way. I’m so sorry… it won’t happen again.”

Or maybe you made a mistake. Maybe you had a stressful, busy day and were super late picking up your kid. Admitting to your child that you made a mistake, and apologizing and asking for forgiveness teaches them that it’s okay to make a mistake and correct it. You’re again building emotional intelligence. Your child will feel like their emotions are respected and it shows them that you’re just as capable of expressing your emotions. They’ll learn to repair negative interactions.

It’s never too late to learn emotional intelligence. Being aware of emotions and having the ability to manage feelings will be a big benefit to you and anyone you interact with.

So here’s today’s small thing: Work on building your own emotional intelligence. Practice understanding your own feelings, recognizing your partner’s feelings, and seeing how it can impact your relationship.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about Emotion Coaching.

Coach the emotions? That’s a “thing” you can really do? Yep. And if you’re a parent, guardian, or a caregiver, you may already know that. Because the way you help a child through difficult emotions — to really understand their feelings and where they’re coming from — can have a huge impact on their life and future.

But here’s something we’ve learned. You don’t have to be a kid to need some Emotion Coaching. AND you don’t need to be a parent to emotion coach. It doesn’t matter if you’re 6 or 60 — the same principles for coaching kids apply to adults. It’s all wrapped in the concept of emotional intelligence — becoming fully aware of your emotions — and then knowing how to manage and control them. How does this work?

Say your child throws a temper tantrum when they can’t get what they want, or they become really sad when they feel rejected by a classmate. This is the absolutely perfect moment for Emotion Coaching. Sit down and talk to them with empathy. Validate their feelings, and help them label their emotions with words. Then help them figure out exactly why they’re reacting that way. And through it all, show them that you totally respect that they’re working to solve the problem.

Can you see how this is great advice for coaching your partner, too?

Case in point: Say your partner didn’t get the promotion they were absolutely positively sure they were going to get — and they’ve been angry ever since. Anything sets them off. The dog barking. The wet towels left on the bathroom floor. And now, an overcooked chicken dinner has pushed them over the edge. So what do you do?

First, in the very moment your partner is so angry, show your respect and understanding for what they’re experiencing. Talk through their feelings with them — and then help them dig deeper to understand what’s underneath the cause of their anger. You might say, “I understand how upset you are about not getting the promotion. What emotions are under that?”

Maybe they’ll tell you that it’s a feeling of inadequacy or embarrassment of not getting the job. Maybe it relates to an experience they had way back in high school that they perceived as failure, and it’s bringing up old feelings from the past. Whatever it is, listen to them. Be there for them. Give them your undivided attention. And all the while, make sure they feel your empathy by validating their feelings, with words like, “I understand,” and “That makes sense.” And as they get to the root of their anger, don’t forget to tell them how much you respect them for working through their emotions.

The thing is: Emotional intelligence can be learned, no matter how old you are. So in those moments of intense emotions, be your partner’s Emotion Coach, and watch them bounce back from difficult feelings — and then keep on moving forward — together.

Today’s small thing: The next time your partner is having a difficult emotion, coach them through it. By being mindful of each other’s feelings, and using Emotion Coaching in your relationship, you and your partner can become even closer.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about ways to keep your relationship healthy and strong as new parents or caregivers.

Whether you and your partner are thrilled to have just welcomed a gorgeous new baby into the world — or you’ve just begun to take care of someone, like a parent or sibling who needs your help — be aware that your life has just changed bigtime. And so did the dynamics of how you interact with each other. The thing is, even the best relationships will experience extra stress during these times, so how you maneuver through the “new normal” together will make all the difference in the world in keeping your relationship strong and healthy.

 So let’s get right to it. Here’s four ways to keep your relationship on track when you become a new parent — or a caregiver.

 First, watch your words. With so many changes in the household, your stress level is probably totally off the charts. Plus, the exhaustion of staying up with a new baby, or continually trying to ease the anxiety of an elderly person, can sometimes make you incredibly irritable — with a very short fuse. So be mindful of speaking gently to your partner so they don’t feel attacked or go on the defensive. For instance, if they forget to empty the baby’s diaper bin, try not to snap at them with “Do I have to do everything around here?!” Instead, speak calmly and gently and say, “Honey, when you have a minute, could you help me out and empty the diaper bin?” Remember you’re both adjusting to the new normal. And a gentle approach will help you turn toward each other instead of away.

 Also, with so much on your plates each day, don’t hesitate to give your partner a pat on the back for anything they do that’s helpful. If you notice they’ve done something kind, don’t just think it — say it out loud! Like “Thanks so much for going grocery shopping” or “You have no idea how much you helped by taking my mom to her doctor’s appointment today.” Be each other’s cheerleaders, no matter how small the task. Express your fondness and admiration — and watch how your partner responds.

 Next: Listen to your partner’s suggestions. As with any other issue, you’ll each have your own ideas about parenting or caregiving. Don’t make the mistake of feeling one of you is better at it than the other. Listen to each other. And if one thing isn’t working — like trying to get your baby to sleep through the night — try something that your partner suggested. Accept their influence and know that you’re both on the same team with one goal. And you’re in this together.

 And finally:  If you’re having an argument, and suddenly your heart is beating out of your chest, your blood pressure feels like it’s soaring — and you can barely focus on what your partner is saying, be careful because you’re in “fight or flight” mode — and you are totally “flooded.” That means your emotions have hit your max, and you need to take a time out. But also be aware of what flooding looks like in your partner. Maybe their face flushes, their voice gets loud and angry — and they begin to pace. Either way — whether it’s you or your partner whose emotions have gone over the top — it’s time to take a break and come back to the discussion when you’re both calmer.

Though the changes in your household will no doubt impact your daily lives — keep turning towards each other, keep expressing love and admiration and being gentle with each other — and never, ever forget, through it all, that your partner is still the person you fell in love with.

Today’s small thing: As you take care of other people, be sure to take care of your relationship. Be gentle with yourself and with your partner.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

It’s a brand new season! And if you’re new here, it’ll be easy to jump right in because it doesn’t matter where you are, who you are, who your partner is, or what your home life is like — you have the power to transform your relationships. You just need to be intentional and think small with your words and actions. It adds up and makes a big difference when you do it often. Hence the name of this podcast, Small Things Often.

You can think small in any situation. This season, you’ll hear all different scenarios play out — like how you can turn towards your partner as caregivers… whether you’re a new parent or taking care of someone you love. Or how you can create a shared vision about money and talk through touchy subjects. Because conflicts about money and who left what dirty dish in the sink are usually about something totally different than what you think you’re disagreeing about.

But it’s not all about problem solving. A small thing can be how intentional you are about making time for your relationship and your efforts to make it better so your connection to your partner becomes or stays strong. Like taking time to listen to this podcast! Or maybe you and your partner are intentional about sincerely listening to each other. That means no phones, no distractions — just truly listening without forming responses in your head while they’re still talking. You ask followup questions and hear each other out… but also know when to call a time out and walk away.

Or maybe you make date nights a priority. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy — it could mean a pizza and your favorite movie. Or make the date cost zero dollars and go on a long walk together holding hands. Or start a ritual of connecting at the start or end of your day. A kiss to say goodbye or how about a 5 minute chat at the kitchen table after dinner? You could even go the extra mile and leave a post-it note with encouraging words on the bathroom mirror for your partner to see or send a random text just to say, “I love you!”

It truly doesn’t matter what you do… as long as you’re making each other a priority.

So here’s today’s small thing: Be intentional about your time with your partner. Go out of your way to show them that you care and that you’re thinking about them!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about conversations that matter most in relationships.

Think about it. You connect and fall in love by talking. But what should you and your partner be talking about to know if your love will last? And what do you need to talk about to reignite the connection and passion that first brought you together?

There’s 8 conversations that you and your partner should have… regardless of where you are in your relationship.

The first is about trust and commitment. Talk about ways that you can cherish each other and show your partner that they can count on you. Ask questions like, “Do you act differently in social settings… like at a party… because we’re in a relationship?” Or talk about a time where you really feel like your partner showed up for you.

Another conversation is about conflict. This doesn’t mean starting a conflict. This means talking about styles of conflict that both of you are comfortable with. It’s easier to talk about these things when you’re both calm. You could say, “What would make you more receptive to hearing each other out?” And go back to their childhood… it could be a big indicator of how your partner communicates. Ask, “What were conflicts like growing up?”

And then there’s sex and intimacy. Couples who talk about sex… have more sex. But talking about sex is difficult for a lot of couples. Sure, it might be awkward at first… but talking about it gets easier and more comfortable the more you do it. So ask for what you want and need. And ask your partner to do the same.

This next conversation might change the mood… but talking about work and money is important. And get this. Money issues aren’t about money. They’re about what money means to each partner in a relationship. Discovering what money means to both of you will go a long way in resolving the conflicts you may have around money. You could ask your partner, “What are your financial goals right now? How do you want to get there?” 

It’s also important to talk about family. Discuss how you both would handle taking care of relatives. What if you had to care for an aging parent? Or a sibling with a disability? And of course, taking care of kids. Some couples aren’t satisfied with their relationship after having kids. Sounds harsh, right? But it’s no secret that kids can take a toll on your relationship. Talk about ways to keep your love alive, despite the demands of children.

Take a cue from kids and plan ways to still play together! Discuss how you can add some fun and adventure to your relationship. It’s okay if you have different ideas about what’s fun. Talk about your bucket lists! How can you cross adventures off each other’s lists? Doesn’t a trip to Bora Bora sound like a good compromise for bungee jumping?

Then, jump into a conversation about growth and spirituality. The only constant in a relationship is change. How do you want to grow together? And beyond that, how have you transformed individually? What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? If faith is important to you, how do you want to grow in your faith?

And finally, honoring each other’s dreams can be a secret ingredient to creating love for a lifetime. Talk about your hopes and goals for the future. Ask, “What’s your biggest dream and why is it important to you?” When dreams are honored, everything else in the relationship can get easier.

Many strong relationships are a result of never-ending conversations between partners. So keep the communication going — and stay curious about each other!

Here’s today’s small thing: Prioritize one of these conversations when you have some quiet time with your partner. Dive deep into one of these 8 topics to learn and connect with them!

Thanks for listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships. This is the last episode of season three, but we’ll be back very soon with brand new content after a short break. In the meantime, please let us know what you think of this series in reviews on Spotify and iTunes. Tell us what resonated with you, what topics you’d like for us to cover, and what you want more of!

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about creating a shared financial vision with your partner.

We get it. Money can be a very touchy topic to talk about with your partner. But it needs to be done. Because in order to build trust— it’s important to openly discuss your financial future — especially before setting up a household together.

Why is money such a difficult subject? History. Each person’s relationship with money started in childhood, influenced by their own unique family background. If you think about it, arguments about money aren’t usually about money at all. They’re about old feelings that have to do with security, freedom, power, and achieving our dreams. So it’s important to realize right upfront that your perspectives about money may be very different from your partner’s. It’s an important discussion to have so you can understand where each other’s attitudes about money were born.

But remember, feelings about money are not “good” or “bad.” They are just real emotions that need to be identified, processed and shared, without blame or anger or judgement.

Whatever your financial situation is today, now is the time to have an honest discussion, and then, together, start prioritizing your goals for tomorrow. Whether you’re struggling to get out of debt, or you’re saving for a new home — discuss and write down your financial goals together — and then go for it.

Here’s some tips to make your money talks easier.

Before you even begin, set some ground rules. Plan your talks around times when you won’t be distracted by work, chores or any situations that may interrupt your conversation. Don’t forget that discussions around money can trigger strong feelings and insecurities, so be prepared. Create an atmosphere that allows you both to talk honestly and openly.

Listen intentionally to your partner. Try to understand the feelings behind their words — and then validate those feelings. For instance, if they express regret about their high credit card bills, instead of judging or reacting critically, say, “I can understand how you feel that way,” or “That must be so hard for you.”

As difficult as it may feel, share the complete picture of your finances with each other, including financial history, assets and debts. Ask each other questions, like, “Do you have a retirement account? How much are you contributing” or “How much debt are you carrying, and what is the interest rate?” It’s important to be transparent with all your answers. Being vulnerable and sharing all your financial information with your partner is crucial to ultimately creating a financial vision as a couple.

And finally: Really talk about what you’ve learned about each other — and work to solve the differences. Don’t debate about who is right or who is wrong. Shift your focus to keeping your eye on the big picture and your future together. And if you both agree, make an appointment with a financial adviser or set up a money management system.

Although conversations revolving around finances can be difficult — they can ultimately bring you closer — and put you on the road to accomplishing your financial vision — together.

Today’s small thing:  Think about where your thoughts and attitudes about money came from. Discuss this with your partner — then make time to have an open, honest conversation about your current financial reality — and together set a shared financial vision for your future.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about apologizing.

You know that quote, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry”? You probably also know that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, love means saying “I’m sorry” a lot. And while it’s a good start, sometimes saying “sorry” isn’t enough.

Look at it like this. Say you accidentally spilled a pitcher of lemonade all over the kitchen table and splashed your partner. Not only that, there’s a pool of lemonade on the floor that you both now have to walk through. You say, “I’m so sorry!” But are you done? Do you just say “sorry” and walk away? Of course not! You’ll clean up the mess — and your partner will probably help you.

So imagine applying this to arguments, harsh words, or thoughtless actions. What if you and your partner make an agreement to clean up your relationship messes together, regardless of who spilled the lemonade? It’s part of a mindful apology.

Think of a mindful apology as a 3-step process. The first step is apologizing. Let’s say your partner is upset because you haven’t talked to them since this morning. You’ve been slammed at work. And now, it’s 5 p.m. and you haven’t checked in at all today like you usually do… which caused your partner some alarm… on top of feeling ignored. When you finally talk to your partner, apologize with compassion and own your part. Acknowledge what you’ve done wrong, offer an apology, and then vow to do better. You could say something like, “It was wrong of me to leave you hanging like that today. I’m sorry I did that. I promise I’ll do a better job of communicating.”

The next step — forgiveness — is in your partner’s hands. It’s up to them to receive and acknowledge your apology. And ultimately accept your apology. Your partner could say, “Thank you for apologizing. I appreciate it. I forgive you and feel a lot better.”

The third step is beginning again — together. That means letting things go. Otherwise, unfinished business accumulates. Consider starting a “begin again” ritual. After forgiveness happens, you could hug, kiss, or maybe high-five each other.

Ultimately, remember that repairing is a two-person job. It’s more than just saying, “I’m sorry.” Both you and your partner are responsible for bringing together what was torn apart. But also keep in mind… every couple falls off the rails sometimes. It’s what you do to get back on track that matters.

So here’s today’s small thing: Practice a mindful apology the next time you need to say “I’m sorry” to your partner. Go through the 3 steps — apologizing, forgiving, and then beginning again.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about assuming positive intent.

What exactly does that mean? Picture this. It’s right before dinner, and you’ve told your partner that you’re going to walk the dog. But suddenly your phone dings with an email from your boss, which you decide to take care of first. So you go to your computer, deal with the work issue, but when you come back to the kitchen, you find that your partner is out walking the dog. How do you react? Do you immediately conclude that your partner is annoyed, and thinks you avoided walking the dog so they would have to do it instead? Or maybe you think it’s their way of saying, “You never follow through on what you say” — which makes you feel defensive and angry.

Now think of the scenario again, but this time, assume your partner’s positive intent. In this case, you might assume your partner thought, “Oh, they got caught up in work. No problem, I’ll walk the dog.” So instead of getting defensive, you thanked them for their understanding and kindness — and then moved on with your evening together.  

The thing is: In healthy relationships, partners are not out to “get” each other. But if negative intent creeps in, their actions can be interpreted that way. One partner may get offended, angry or defensive with no basis at all — except for their own interpretation of their partner’s actions — causing unnecessary arguments and tension within the relationship. On the flip side, assuming positive intent will not only improve your relationship — but can create more harmony in your household — and more trust and communication between you both.

Here’s a couple of things to keep in mind while working on a positive intent mindset.

Don’t jump to conclusions. For instance, say you texted your partner during the day, and they didn’t call you back. After a while, you called them. Still no response. At this point, you have a choice to make. Do you let your imagination run away with you and think, “They must be angry with me or avoiding me for some reason” — or do you assume the positive intent and think “Maybe they’re in a meeting or on another call, and they’ll get in touch when they can.” Choose the positive.

Also, in healthy relationships, remember to give your partner the benefit of the doubt. If your partner is quiet, instead of assuming they’re angry with you, communicate! Simply ask them if they’re okay — rather than immediately taking it personally. 

So assume the best in your partner — and view them as an ally rather than an adversary. Be extra generous with each other through positive intent — and see the difference it can make.  

Today’s small thing: The next time your partner ruffles your feathers, instead of immediately interpreting their action as negative — stop — think — and view their action through the lens of positive intent.  

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about the three boxes of relationships.

There are boxes of relationships? That’s right. In fact, think of them as the three N’s: Nice, Neutral, and Nasty. So let’s go through them, one a time — and see in which box your relationship lives.

First, welcome to the NICE box. Whenever a conflict arises, this couple tries to treat each other with trust, respect and friendship — and to quickly repair the issue before it escalates out of control. Some repairs are verbal like, “Honey, you know I love you.” Or physical, like a touch or a hug — or a word of humor that softens the conflict to make their partner laugh. But for this to work, both partners must accept the repair attempt for it to resolve the issue. That said, it’s not easy to consistently stay in this box. But being there is a positive sign for a couple’s future.

On the other end of the spectrum is the NASTY box. Although all couples can get testy with each other sometimes, unhappy couples spend most of their time here— critical and defensive. What keeps them in this box is a lack of trust and connection. Many arguments end with screaming or angry silences — which makes the conflict even worse. Stonewalling is common — with one partner wallowing in their angry thoughts for hours or even days. No matter how hard this couple tries, they have a very difficult time repairing any conflict.

And finally, we move on to the NEUTRAL box: And surprise! This is where the majority of successful relationships live. Yes, they argue, and even sometimes jump into the nasty box for a bit — but not for long. And, as opposed to the NICE box, they don’t spend a lot of time soothing and repairing. In fact, if you watched them argue, you would think they were unemotional — because they stay so calm and don’t get overwhelmed. Some are not even overly affectionate. Instead, they come up with solutions — and get on with their lives together.

So which box do you and your partner reside in? If it’s the NICE or NEUTRAL box — you’re in a good place. Keep connecting emotionally and lovingly managing your differences. If it’s the NASTY box, take a breath, and do the work with your partner to understand each other and your inner worlds — so you can heal your relationship, rebuild trust — and deepen your love and friendship.

Today’s small thing: Reflect upon the three relationship boxes to understand where you and your partner reside. If improvements need to be made, start today to heal your connection. 

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about sliding door moments.

It’s in reference to the 1998 film “Sliding Doors”, where a woman lives two alternative lives after missing a train. With your partner, “sliding door” moments can mean the seemingly inconsequential everyday incidents or decisions that affect your relationship negatively or positively.

Bids for attention and emotional connection can create these sliding door moments. When you say, “I love you!” or, “Ugh! My boss is the WORST!” — you probably want a response from your partner that acknowledges and/or validates your bid. How your partner responds can set your relationship on a few different trajectories. 

Let’s say after you told your partner that you love them, they didn’t respond. It was an “I love you” text that you sent in the middle of the work day. Sure, maybe they were busy and either didn’t see it or just forgot to say it back. But it also might make you wonder, “Is it weird that they didn’t look at their phone all day to check and see how I’m doing?” Even if your mind doesn’t go down a rabbit hole, when your partner turns away from a bid, you might naturally lose trust in them. The reasons for failed connection are often the result of mindlessness, not malice. But regardless, failed connections add up over time.

So how do you build trust in these sliding door moments? By turning towards your partner. For example, let’s say all day long, you’ve been looking forward to finishing your book. You walk into the bathroom to brush your teeth before climbing into bed to read, and notice your partner in the bathroom too… with a sad look on their face. In that moment, you have a choice. Do you ask what’s wrong? Or do you ignore their sadness so you can dive into the book that you’ve been looking forward to? By choosing to turn towards your partner and say, “What’s wrong?” — you’re building trust. And when you make that choice over and over again, trust and the connection with your partner will grow stronger and stronger over time.

Be aware of these sliding door moments so you can respond positively to them. Open the door to turning towards your partner and strengthening your relationship.

So here’s today’s small thing: Make an effort to be more receptive to sliding door moments in your relationship. Are you missing bids for connection? Think about what you can do to turn towards your partner in everyday moments.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about bringing heartfulness into your relationship.

If you’ve never heard of heartfulness, don’t worry. It’s the melding of mindfulness and compassion. Applying heartfulness in your relationship can help you soften your startup as you begin conversations. It allows you to be present and aware of what you communicate and how it impacts your partner when you’re talking to them. Practicing this on a daily basis helps you see things clearer. It helps you view interactions through a lens of kindness rather than judgment, and act calmly instead of reacting. Integrating heartfulness can bring stability and happiness to your relationship.

So how do you begin? The key is to actively listen to your partner with an open heart. Instead of thinking of the next thing you’re going to say, be present and compassionate. Listen to what your partner is going through and what they’re trying to communicate. The only way to really do this is to step out of your own story. Let’s say your partner is coming to you with a problem. While they’re talking, don’t start racking your brain for a time when you ran into this problem too. Keep your wheels from turning and just listen — otherwise, you might miss something really important that your partner is trying to tell you.

Part of bringing heartfulness into your relationship, is also channeling heartfulness inward. That means… stop being so hard on yourself! Changing your attitude towards yourself will help you be a better partner. So the next time your buttons get pushed, or you start to blame your partner for something, pause the conversation and walk away for a little pep talk. That’s when you can say to yourself, “I will get through this.” Or maybe something like, “I accept myself just the way I am.” The point is to express compassion through short and thoughtful affirmations. Give yourself some grace. Then, after you feel calm, make the space and effort to refocus some of that good energy on your partner.

That means saying affirmations to them too! Speak from the heart and find affirmations that really resonate. You could say to your partner, “I hope you accept yourself just as you are — because I love you for you!” Being kind and caring will help you feel more connected. It could even trigger a significant shift in your relationship that allows you both to understand and appreciate each other in new ways.

Even though you may not always agree with or understand what your partner is saying all the time, integrating heartfulness into your relationship will help you be mindful and compassionate with each other — especially in times of struggle. You’ll learn to embrace the imperfections!

So here’s today’s small thing: Talk to your partner about ways that you both can bring heartfulness into your relationship. How can you be more mindful and compassionate towards each other? 

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about ways to protect your relationship in times of conflict.

The fact is that no matter how happy you and your partner may be, conflict will arise. It’s inevitable. But if your relationship is built on a foundation of fondness and admiration — you’ll more easily be able to make repairs quickly — or take timeouts to self-soothe and then get the conversation back on track.

Case in point: Say you’re having a discussion with your partner about household chores. They want you to take on more — but you feel like you’re too busy since you just started a new job. At one point in the conversation, things become heated — you feel you’re being criticized — and you become defensive and angry. Suddenly you feel so flooded with emotion, that you raise your voice, say things you don’t mean, or totally shut down and withdraw. In this state of mind, there is no way your conflict can be resolved. 

But there are two powerful practices you can learn that can help you build the foundation of love and admiration you need to help you when conflicts like this arise. They are mindfulness and self-compassion.

What is mindfulness? It’s being fully present — totally aware of your thoughts and feelings— without getting overwhelmed by anything that’s going on around you. It’s purposely paying attention without judgement. By consistently practicing mindful meditation — repeating a single word and gently bringing the mind back to the present moment when it wanders, you’ll be able to more easily recognize your triggers and physical responses that happen during a conflict. You’ll also now be fully aware when it’s time to take a time-out if a discussion gets heated — and then return to the conversation when you are both calmer.

Over time, mindfulness will help you turn towards your partner with gratitude — and a genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings, even in the midst of a disagreement. Your relationship will improve — and you’ll be able to repair more quickly and easily.

The second practice is self-compassion. Every single person on this earth makes mistakes. The point is to be gentle with yourself when they occur. Self-criticism can lead to shame and defensiveness — which can escalate a conflict even further. On the other hand, being kind, encouraging and understanding of yourself— as you would be to a friend, helps you become kinder to yourself — as well as more self-aware. Ask yourself questions about your triggers, like “When have I felt this way before?” or “What am I afraid of?” With a new perspective— you’ll be able to acknowledge your part in how the argument unfolded — and make the repairs needed.

Use these two practices to increase the foundation of fondness and admiration for you and your partner. Then, when a conflict happens — you’ll be able to have a conversation that’s filled with curiosity and respect instead of defensiveness and anger — and you both may find that the conflict brings you even closer together.

Today’s small thing: Take time out from your schedule to spend a few minutes practicing mindfulness. And if self-critical thoughts appear, be kind and compassionate to yourself.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about how to start and end your day with your partner.

So your alarm goes off in the morning. You wake up, open your eyes, look over to your partner, who is now waking up, too — and what do you say to them? Do you start the day with criticism like “You left your clothes on the floor again last night! Could you pick them up, please?!” Or maybe you wake up with your to-do list on your mind — and immediately say to your partner: “Before I forget, I need you to take the car in for inspection, and then pick up the dog from the groomer this afternoon, okay?” Or perhaps you had an argument the evening before, went to bed angry, and you start your day without a word at all — and give your partner the silent treatment.  

Any one of these scenarios will put a strain on your connection, and start your day on the wrong foot. Because the fact is that the first words you say to your partner in the morning can set the entire tone for the day ahead.

So instead, think about beginning the day with fondness and admiration. Give your partner a kiss, or maybe snuggle in bed for a few minutes. Look them in the eyes, smile, and say, “Good morning.” Ask them how they slept last night. Have coffee together — and if you have time, share some breakfast. And don’t forget to tell them you love them.

But don’t stop there. How you end the day with your partner is just as important. Do you mumble “good night”— then roll over to fall asleep? Or do you lie in bed checking emails or posting on social media? In order to end your day as lovingly as you began it, turn off all electronics, and allow the time and space for a quiet, intimate conversation. Maybe ask your partner about their day — and really listen to their answer. But remember! This isn’t a time to problem-solve. It’s the time to unwind, relax and connect. Leave your issues and problems outside the bedroom door — and enjoy each other’s company on both an emotional and physical level. Let your partner know they are loved and appreciated before you both drift off to sleep.

Some couples may find it difficult to connect in this way if they have schedules that conflict — like one works the night shift and one works in the daytime. If this is the case, whatever time of the day or night you’re able to be in the same room, be intentional about finding moments to express your love and affection.

So seize the moment! By bookending your day with love and affection and support, these positive, warm, feelings will linger throughout the day, and help build intimacy between you both.

Today’s small thing: Think of ways you can speak to your partner with fondness and admiration before you go to sleep tonight — and, again, when you wake up tomorrow morning.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about stopping your world for your partner.

Stopping your world means temporarily cutting off all of the outside noise that would keep you from truly listening to your partner. If you do this for each other, your relationship can become even stronger.

You can stop the world together in big and small ways.

Let’s say your partner comes to you and says something like, “I had a really hard day. Can we talk?” In that moment, you can put down your phone, turn off the tv, and give them your undivided attention. Make them feel seen and heard. Practice active listening and ask follow up questions. And make sure you validate their feelings… even if you don’t agree! Let them know that you understand and that you’re on their side. You could say something like, “I get why you feel that way! I see where you’re coming from.”

On a larger scale, stop your world by factoring your partner’s needs into your everyday schedule. You probably have a lot of responsibilities and things to do. Don’t we all? But if you’re too busy for a daily stress-reducing conversation and regular date nights, you’re too busy. Make connecting with your partner part of your day… and be consistent! Have regular check-ins — don’t just wait until something is wrong. That could mean a 5 minute chat when you reunite everyday — or some one-on-one time after dinner. It doesn’t matter when it happens as long as you stop the chaos from your day to connect. 

And make date nights a priority. Take a calendar and schedule date nights in advance. Schedule everything else in your world around it so you can do your best to make sure these date nights happen. And maybe take it a step further and make dates a no-phone zone. Make it all about drowning out the noise of the world… and listening to each other.

What it really comes down to is putting everything aside and turning towards your partner. Showing up for them when they need you — and in everyday moments. Because your friend who just sent a hilarious picture can wait for a text back sometimes. And that to-do list? Your date with the vacuum can happen tomorrow.

So here’s today’s small thing: Make an effort everyday to pause the world for your partner. In those moments… eliminate all distractions and take the time to focus on what they’re saying, how they’re feeling, and how you can be supportive.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about supporting your partner when you’re hurting too.

Under average circumstances when life is throwing curve-balls, supporting your partner when you’re also hurting can be hard. But considering life lately has been anything but average — right now, this could be extra overwhelming.

So how can you help your partner when you’re struggling with your own feelings? You can start by setting aside time every day to listen to each other. When we feel heard and like someone truly cares, those hurt feelings can become more manageable. When couples practice sharing and listening, they can grow closer over time, deepen trust, and feel supported in their pain.

Remember to ask for what you need. There might be times when you’re beyond the point of being able to listen… and maybe you just need a hug. Or maybe you just need to talk — get it all out of your system. Don’t assume that your partner knows what you need… say it! Part of supporting your partner is being present… and it might be hard to do that if your needs aren’t met too.

When you get to a point where you’re able to listen, practice stress-reducing conversations. Take about 30 minutes. Spend half the time listening to your partner’s feelings and half sharing your own. This isn’t the time to talk about what’s happening within your relationship. Talk about outside stressors, but avoid problem-solving. Instead, offer empathy and understanding. Ask questions that show you care, like “What’s the worst part of this for you?” It can be really nice to know that your partner is on your side, no matter what.

While you’re talking, avoid one-upping each other. Even if it’s done with good intentions, everyone has their own experience of stress and hurt. So focus on your role as a listener when your partner is sharing. Comments like, “You think that’s bad, listen to this!” will only get in the way.

Also listen for triggers. Current problems can bring up feelings from past experiences which can add to the hurt. Try to be aware of those moments when it happens to you and your partner. Saying something like, “I know you’re really worried about money right now, and I remember that was so hard for you when you were a kid” can help your partner feel understood and cared for.

But don’t spend all your time talking about problems and hurt feelings. Remember that you are friends and lovers. The more you are able to find moments of happiness, laughter, intimacy, and warmth, the better you will be able to manage the struggles. Plan some dates — even if it’s just a movie and takeout.

So here’s today’s small thing: The next time you and your partner are both hurting, make an effort to show your partner that you care… and give them the chance to care for you.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about how to stay connected during life’s transitions.

No matter how solid and healthy your relationship is, there are inevitably going to come times in your life together when there are changes — or transitions.

Some are positive — like the long-awaited birth of a baby, a great, new job, or a move to your dream home. Or they can be difficult — like the death or illness of someone close to you, the loss of a job, or a sudden financial crisis. But no matter the situation, all life transitions, whether welcomed or not, have one thing in common: They can be overwhelming and test your relationship. UNLESS, you mindfully recognize all that’s going on around you — and make an intentional effort to stay connected to your partner.

So here’s some ideas on how to navigate your way through a transition — to keep your relationship on track during the most stressful of times.

First, schedule time together. Life transitions can turn your life upside down and totally disrupt your routines — especially your time together as a couple. So plan a date night once a week. Just the two of you. It could be dinner out — or something else you both enjoy — like a bike ride around the neighborhood, or playing a board game you both love — or just sitting on the couch, watching a movie or listening to music. The point is: Make time for it, schedule it — and spend time connecting with each other.

Take turns giving and receiving love. Everyone reacts to stress differently, so it’s important to understand your partner’s needs — and then attend to them. Maybe one of you needs to talk — and needs verbal encouragement or support. While the other is comforted by a home-cooked meal — or maybe the space for quiet time with a good book. Whatever their needs, be there for them — and show that you love them and care.

Also: Create small rituals to keep you connected throughout the transition. Like: Never leave the house without a quick kiss. Or send supportive text messages to each other during the day. Or maybe take an evening walk once a week just to look at the stars. Make up your own rituals that work for you and your partner — and watch them add up and make a positive impact in your lives.

And finally, forgive quickly. Stress can cause people to overreact and become irritable over the smallest issues. If you snap at your partner for forgetting to take out the trash on garbage night, or say something hurtful to them for leaving the bathroom towels on the floor, an apology will go a long way to repairing the conflict quickly — and putting you back on track.

Life transitions can overwhelm even the strongest relationships — but by intentionally being there for each other, and caring for each other during these stressful times, you can make it to the other side of the transition — still whole and happy.

Today’s small thing: If you’re going through a life-transition, recognize it, and then start taking the steps to stay connected to your partner.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about accepting your partner’s influence.

This doesn’t mean that you’ll automatically say, “Yes, dear” to everything they say. Because it’s okay to have differing views — you are not a clone of each other. Accepting influence is simply being open to the ideas and opinions of your partner… not agreeing or complying or giving in. By accepting influence, you’re acknowledging that your partner has a valid point of view. You welcome it, are willing to be influenced, and it’s possible to change your perspective. Accepting influence is saying, “You are important and your opinions matter to me even if I don’t agree with you.”

Problems with resisting influence can show up in your relationship in many ways. Some problems are clearly about one partner rejecting the other or needing to always have their way. Other problems are more subtle… like one partner who seems to be seeking input on something, but actually already has their mind made up. And some people say “no” like a reflex — as a way to maintain control over a conversation or decision even if they actually agree with their partner.

So how can you avoid the tug-of-war and accept influence? First, check yourself… because self-awareness is key. You’re probably not trying to shut your partner down, but you could be inadvertently. Like when you’re in an argument with your partner and say, “I’m just expressing my opinion!” They could be thinking, “Yeah… and that’s the only opinion that matters.” It’s important to ask yourself, “Am I really staying open to their perspective?”

Remember to listen to their point of view with curiosity. Check to see if you’re understanding correctly! This may be hard to do when you’re disagreeing… but the solution you ultimately come to will feel a lot better if you both feel understood and respected.

Also keep in mind that influence goes both ways. The more influence you accept, the more influential you will be. Accepting influence is an equal opportunity concept! In fact, it’s an indicator of a successful relationship. Your relationship will work better if both partners have and accept influence. When there’s a pattern of respectful influence going back and forth, you’ll likely both feel that things are fair.

So here’s today’s small thing: Look for ways in your relationship that you can say “yes” or “I see your point” — and accept your partner’s influence. Try not to be defensive and be open to seeing that your partner has a valid perspective.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about looking at your partner through rose-colored glasses.

So here’s a question for you. How do you view your partner? I mean, when you really think about them, what part of them do you focus on? What pops into your mind? Do you automatically think of the positive parts? Like, how supportive they’ve always been? How compassionate and loyal they are? Or do you think about their issues and the things that irritate you — like they hardly ever help around the house or they spend too much time on work.

If that’s the case —  and you’re in a healthy, secure relationship, free of any emotional or physical abuse issues —  it may be time to put on some rose-colored glasses. Because the way you perceive your partner — the lens you view them through — can be the difference between a successful relationship and a relationship at risk.

Here’s the thing: The more you see your partner and your relationship’s history as positive, the more likely you are to have a happy future together. For couples in healthy relationships, we call this the Positive Perspective. If you see your partner through this positive lens, then when challenges arise, you’re more likely to give them the benefit of the doubt — and can more easily problem-solve through any conflict.

On the flip side, if you generally focus on your partner’s flaws or issues, you may be seeing them through a distorted lens. And during difficult times, this may cause you to take even harmless or neutral comments as negative — which can lead to defensiveness — and even more conflict over the smallest things.

Bottom line: Your perspective can change your relationship.

So how do you keep yourself in a Positive Perspective — and view your partner as an ally — someone who is always on your side?  Here’s some tips…

First, if a problem comes up in your relationship, don’t hold it against your partner — instead accept their “influence” when discussing it. What does that mean? Say you’re having an argument, and your partner begins to tell you their opinion or ideas on the subject. Instead of trying to convince them to see it YOUR way, listen to them and value what they have to share! Always realize that you are partners with equal say in your relationship.

Next, increase your fondness and admiration. Think about the things that you love about your partner — and tell them! Maybe you’re proud of them for how they handled something at work. Or you’re attracted to them because of their kindness and generosity. And don’t forget to tell them each day something that you appreciate about them. Maybe they did an errand for you unexpectedly, or cleaned the kitchen. Whatever it was, don’t just think “Thank you” — say it out loud. By committing to expressing your fondness and admiration, you’ll find so many reasons to cherish each other — and strengthen your positive perspective.

And finally, remember to always turn towards your partner when they make a bid for connection. This can be anything from a question, like “how was your day?” — to a smile or hug — or a meaningful glance. Whatever the bid, notice it, and then reach back to them either physically or verbally in a loving, positive way.

So, if you’re in a healthy relationship, work on your Positive Perspective daily! Handle conflict and issues more easily — and see your partner and your relationship through a whole new lens.

Today’s small thing: Be on the lookout for opportunities throughout the day to strengthen your Positive Perspective to draw you and your partner closer together.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about investing in your relationship.

The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. When it comes to relationships, the grass is greener where you water it… meaning, happiness isn’t a result of getting something you don’t have… it’s recognizing and appreciating what you do have.

You can do that by investing in your partner — and choosing them every day. Start by turning towards bids for connection. Bids are the building blocks of lasting love. Bids can be verbal like saying to your partner, “Do you want to have breakfast together?” Or nonverbal, like smiling at your partner or giving them a kiss. 

You know what causes a lot of missed bids? Negative thoughts — which makes it difficult to build trust. Try flipping your internal script! Learn to separate specific relationship problems from your overall view of your partner. Replace negative thoughts with compassion and empathy.

The best way to keep yourself from making negative comparisons is to make an effort to cherish your partner. And do it often! Get in the habit of thinking positive thoughts about each other rather than thoughts about someone else. Think about the things you appreciate about your partner and tell them. Say, “Thanks for going along with my wild ideas!” Or, “I appreciate you being so patient with me.” Whatever you appreciate about them, it’ll mean a lot to hear it.

But not everything is sunshine and rainbows. So how can you still invest in your relationship in the middle of an argument? Complain without blame by talking about what you feel and what you need, not what you don’t need. Be gentle and give your partner a recipe for success. It could be something like, “I feel lonely. I need more quality time with you.” Lay it all out there!

And finally, dedicate time to your relationship. There will always be excuses. “We’re too busy.” “We work a lot.” “We’re always with the kids.” Throw those excuses away and find time to go on dates. It can even be a date where you stay at home and watch movies and order takeout. Just remember to ask each other open-ended questions and continue to connect emotionally. It’s the best investment.

So here’s today’s small thing: Invest in your relationship by doing things like turning towards bids for connection, cherishing your partner, and making time for them.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about going on the perfect playdate.

Playdate!? Yep! You heard us right. And no, not for your kids. And no, not for your dog, either. We’re talking a playdate just for you and your partner — a time to reconnect, have fun, let go — and maybe indulge in a bit of adventure.

Why a playdate? Because making intentional plans to share fun times together is yet another ritual to keep you connected and your relationship happy and growing. Not to mention — and you’ll love this — playfulness is very attractive!

So here’s six playdate ideas to get you started.

First: Teach each other about something you love. For instance, maybe you love modern art, and your partner is totally perplexed by it. Give them a “class” on what you find so beautiful and moving about the art form. On the other hand, perhaps your partner has always loved gardening. Put aside an afternoon when they can tell you all about their favorite plants, and why working with the earth makes them so happy.

Or maybe attend a virtual concert together. But do it in style. Get dressed up in your best evening clothes, as if you were actually going to a concert hall. Dim the lights, munch on fancy hors d’oeuvres, drink something special, and enjoy the high life in your own living room.

Like to play games? Playing a board game that interests you both encourages conversation and friendly competition. Or maybe act out words and phrases with Charades! And, of course, there’s always strip poker.

Do you have lots of memorabilia and photos laying around in boxes or stuck in drawers? If so, start a joint project of putting them in scrapbooks. Not only will you enjoy doing it as a couple, but you’ll be able to reminisce and relive favorite memories of your life together.

If you both like nature, get outside, and have a nature scavenger hunt. As you explore, you’ll be able to enjoy the great outdoors as well as each other. If this isn’t your style, create a scavenger hunt in your own home. Remember the winner gets a prize!

And finally: Write each other a love letter. Pour out your heart. Tell your partner all the things you love about them and how they make you feel. It doesn’t have to be pages long. It just needs to be from the heart. It’s something you each will treasure forever.

The truth is that couples who play together, most likely will stay together. So have fun with each other, feel the connection, laugh till your stomach hurts, and bring some excitement back into your relationship!

Today’s small thing: Sit down with your partner and plan a playdate together! Or surprise your partner with an adventure you’ve come up with on your own — and have fun!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about rituals to reconnect in your relationship.

So how much time have you actually spent with your partner lately? Have your lives become so hectic and busy that you’ve begun to take each other for granted? Or maybe you feel as if you’re drifting apart — almost as if you’re living parallel lives. If so, it’s time to explore some rituals of connection to keep your relationship strong, healthy and get it back on track.

Why are rituals so important? Well, if you think about it, daily rituals shape our lives in all kinds of positive ways. Maybe you have a ritual of getting up early to meditate or work on an important project before the sun comes up. Or maybe you take a quick jog before dinner — or write in your journal every evening. These daily rituals can make you more productive, happier and healthier. And the very same is true of creating rituals with your partner. Because by intentionally turning towards each other daily, your relationship will thrive.

Need some ideas? Here’s five rituals to get you started.

As often as possible, have dinner together without the roar of the TV in the background, or cell phones dinging and ringing with email or work-related calls. Instead, turn off all electronics, and really focus on one another. Sharing a meal together daily will help you re-connect. So as you fill up on dinner, you’ll also fill up on each other.

Another idea: Have a regular stress-reducing conversation. Take 30 minutes out of your day to sit down and ask each other, “How are you? How was your day?” Then really listen. Remember that the point of the conversation is to talk about any stress OUTSIDE your relationship. Take turns sharing and showing compassion — and watch the rewards you’ll reap.

How about exercising together? Start a ritual of taking a walk after dinner — or maybe go biking on weekends. If your partner loves working out with weights, but you’ve never tried it — grab those hand-weights, join in, and take the opportunity to learn. Whatever the activity, together you can improve your overall fitness, spend some real quality time together, and decrease your stress to boot!

Next: Share a six-second kiss every day. That’s right. Not a quick peck on the cheek. A six-second kiss. According to research, physical contact can help you stay calm, improve your mood, and stay connected. And if a six-second kiss feels too much for you or your partner, try a six-second hug! That works, too!

And finally, keep dating! Being in a long-term relationship, doesn’t mean date night is a thing of the past! This could be anything from watching a much-loved movie on your couch and holding hands — to going out to dinner at a local restaurant. It doesn’t need to be fancy. Make date night a regular ritual — and keep your love alive!

These ideas are just a start. Discover what rituals work best for you as a couple. As you do, you’ll build a stronger bond — and deepen your emotional connection. You’ll find that the rewards are enormous.

So here’s today’s small thing: Talk to your partner about what daily rituals you can add to your relationship to bring you closer. Be creative! You’ll love the results.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about avoiding the trap of taking each other for granted.

Romance, affection, appreciation, and communication can decline over time in a relationship. That’s natural, right? It’s not because couples start to dislike each other — but because they become too comfortable together. Sound familiar?

You and your partner need a strategy to stay happy. It all comes down to being intentional. You need to be aware of what you’re doing and you need to have a plan to nurture all of the positives in your relationship.

You can do that with daily rituals that’ll keep you and your partner from taking each other for granted and drifting apart.

Start by creating a habit of reunion. Think about it. If you consistently greet each other in a positive way, you’ll look forward to seeing each other. If you’re inconsistent about how you greet each other, you can lose that sense of excitement. And if you criticize each other when you reunite, you can even become fearful of seeing each other. Make reuniting, the best part of the day. Have some fun with it! Give them a big hug and kiss… maybe even get a running start. Or get a little wild and spin them around for a quick dance. Whatever your style, make sure that you and your partner are always excited to see each other.

Another crucial ritual is setting aside two minutes of undistracted communication. It can be more important than spending a whole unfocused week together. But this means, completely undistracted. As in… you shouldn’t even be eating. This is one on one time. No phones, no one else, just two solid minutes of both of you talking and listening. You could even do this during or after your reunion. Dance for two minutes in your kitchen… or take a seat at the table… and talk about your day.

And finally, practice an appreciation ritual. It can be easy to focus on the petty things that annoy you both, but instead shift your focus on all the good things that each of you are doing. Say thank you throughout the day! Thanks for making coffee. For sending that sweet text when you knew I was having a rough day. For starting the laundry. For doing what I forgot to do. It can literally be anything… big or small… all that matters is you’re showing that you appreciate your partner. A thank you ritual can help you become more tolerant of each other’s shortcomings… because let’s face it, no one is perfect.

So here’s today’s small thing: Incorporate at least one of these daily rituals into your relationship! Create a habit of reunion, set aside two minutes of undistracted communication, or practice an appreciation ritual.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about mindful listening.

When you’re in a disagreement with your partner, you might think, “If only they would listen to what I’m really saying.” Or, “I wish they would see things from my point of view.” While, of course, we all want to be (and should be) heard and understood, try flipping the lens. Instead of going down a rabbit hole of thinking about what they should be doing… while they’re still talking… think about how you can listen more closely and start to understand your partner’s point of view in a new way.

Mindful listening is about listening in ways that help your relationship effectively move through whatever conflict or challenge it’s facing. Start by approaching the conversation with curiosity. Don’t just assume that you already know exactly what your partner is thinking and feeling. Why? You’ll close yourself off from discovering something new about their perspective. So be open and willing to learn! You can practice this by asking for more details, seeking clarification when it’s needed, and mindfully noting your assumptions or judgments.

Also try to tune into your inner silence. That means setting your own views aside to better understand your partner’s experience. If your mind is racing while your partner is speaking, you can come back to your inner silence by taking a moment to focus on your breathing. Then go back to giving your partner your full attention… while staying open to their views.

While you’re listening, are you being mindful about your intentions? Are you listening to understand or to respond? It’s pretty common when someone is speaking to formulate a counter argument. However, true listening requires you to be present and a yearning to understand. But understanding doesn’t mean condoning a particular behavior or agreeing with a certain belief. It just means that you’re open to seeing where another person is coming from. It’s possible to understand and to validate your partner without agreeing.

Another important practice for mindful listening is cultivating heart-centeredness. It’s about approaching an argument or discussion with care and compassion. In the heat of the moment, that can be difficult. But the more you practice, the easier it becomes. When you disagree, you can do things like… take a pause and invite your partner to do the same. Close your eyes and take a long, deep breath. Tap into your love and care for your partner and recommit to finding a way for both sides to be seen and heard. After this mindful pause, go back to the conversation feeling calm, patient, and present.

When both sides are open to mindful listening, conflict loses its charge. Instead, it becomes an opportunity for both of you to grow together!

So here’s today’s small thing: The next time you and your partner face a conflict, practice mindful listening. Remember to approach with curiosity, tune into your inner silence, listen to understand rather than to respond, and cultivate heart-centeredness.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about becoming a great listener.

So how’s the quality of your conversation? When you sit down to talk, are you really listening to your partner? Or are you just “hearing” them? There’s a big difference. When you’re just hearing, you may be aware of the words your partner is saying, but not their message. On the other hand, really listening —actively listening — requires a conscious effort. It takes practice — but it’s so worth it. Because by the end of the conversation, your partner will feel heard, valued, and appreciated.

Here’s how to become a great active listener.  

First, turn off your phone, your tablet, your laptop — stop folding the laundry, or cleaning the kitchen, or anything else that may distract you. Active listening requires you to put your full attention on your partner.

Then, take the focus off yourself! Sometimes we get so caught up in talking and expressing our own points of view, that we miss what the other person is actually saying. And don’t make the mistake of silently planning what you’re going to say next while your partner is speaking. Listen to understand rather than respond.

Don’t interrupt! But DO let your partner know you are actively listening by occasionally nodding or saying “yeah” or “mm-hmm”. Don’t overdo it! Mindless reactions can have the opposite effect, and your partner may think you’re not listening at all.

Also, at the right time in the conversation, ask open-ended questions. If you don’t understand something, ask for more details. Also, at times, you may want to paraphrase what your partner has just said to clarify — and to let them know you’re truly listening and want to learn more. You might say something like, “You said your boss seems to be dissatisfied with your work? What makes you think that?”

And don’t forget to maintain the right amount of eye contact. Too little can seem like you’re disinterested. Too much, like staring, can come across as hostile. Good eye contact shows you are focused and paying attention — and it will put your partner at ease.  

And finally, let go of your own agenda. Don’t try to give advice or solve your partner’s problems. Just be there for them. Listen with an open mind and heart. Your presence and attention and willingness to listen will go far to improve your relationship. It takes practice — but it’s one of the greatest gifts you can give your partner.

Today’s small thing: The next time your partner has something on their mind, sit down and practice your active listening skills. The more you do, the more it will become second nature to you in all your communications.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about investing in your Emotional Bank Account.

What does that mean? Think about it. You make regular deposits into your savings account to keep your financial life secure. Daily deposits in your Emotional Bank Account keeps your relationship secure.

But instead of making a deposit of cash, you make deposits of kindness and appreciation during the small, everyday moments of your life — to let your partner know they’re loved and valued.  Basic rule of thumb: When you turn towards your partner, you’re making a deposit. When you turn away from them, that’s a withdrawal.

For instance, say you’re in the middle of writing an email, and your partner begins to share a funny story that happened during their day — and you stop typing to listen and share a laugh. Ka-Ching! You just turned towards them — and made a deposit! On the flip side, if you say, “I don’t have time right now, I’m busy!” — you’ve turned away from them, and made a withdrawal. Too many withdrawals, and your account balance could eventually fall to zero. Or even worse — become overdrawn. And when your Emotional Bank Account is in the red — that’s when you start drifting apart — or having frequent arguments — and before you know it, you realize your relationship is in big trouble.

But little by little, day by day, if you and your partner make a commitment to consciously make more deposits than withdrawals, you’ll eventually find you have an abundance of love and understanding stored away. And the trust and respect you’ve accumulated can help carry you through any conflicts or difficulties that may pop up in the future.

Here’s some tips to make that happen!

First, pay attention. No matter how busy your day is, be mindful of any “bids” for connection your partner may make. A bid could be anything from a remark, a touch, a sigh, a wink — or simply asking, “How was your day?” You may miss some bids, but the more you recognize them and respond, the larger and more stable your emotional bank account will become.  

Also, make it a daily practice to thank your partner whenever they have turned towards YOUR bids. Be grateful for your partner’s love and support — and don’t hold back: tell them!

Another idea: Every week, take 20 or 30 minutes to have a stress reducing conversation. Take turns giving each other your undivided attention to talk about all the stressors in your life or job — with one rule: DO NOT discuss your relationship. Actively listen, let your partner know that you’ve heard them, then validate their feelings.

Also, be understanding! If your partner has a complaint, don’t get defensive, or try to solve their problem. Instead LISTEN, then express that you understand. And if they’re happy about something, get excited, too! Sharing joy is another huge deposit!

And finally, be physically affectionate. Kiss, hug, cuddle — hold hands while just sitting on the couch watching TV or taking a walk. These small deposits of affection add up and will strengthen your bond even further.

So start today to make your daily deposits into your Emotional Bank Account — and keep love and trust alive through your joint effort to stay connected.

Here’s today’s small thing: Be on the lookout today for any of your partner’s bids for connection— and make a big deposit!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

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Today’s tip is about core needs.

Some things are negotiable in a relationship… like whose family you visit on holidays or who does what around the house… but core needs? They’re not negotiable. If your partner isn’t willing to meet your needs, the relationship can’t thrive — and vice versa.

Core needs in a successful relationship come down to some basic questions. What do you need in a relationship to feel loved, happy, fulfilled, and secure? What does your partner need in a relationship to feel the same? Is your partner willing to meet your needs? Are you willing to meet theirs?

Let’s say after making plans with your friends… when regular hangouts were a thing… you called your partner to let them know you’d be out for a few hours. Your partner, whose core need is to connect regularly, asks, “When will I hear from you?” It rattled every independent bone in your body. You simply don’t understand the notion of checking in, keeping in touch, or staying emotionally connected while apart. Their need challenges your own… but what’s important is whether or not you’re willing to give them what they need.

How you give them what they need is negotiable though — and we have a recipe for success! First, communicate that you understand your partner’s need and why it’s important to them. Reiterate why tending to this is important to you. And then be clear on your own boundaries and limits in meeting that need. Communicate what your partner can expect from you going forward. Follow up by checking back with your partner to make sure they understand your limits and are okay with them.

Let’s say your partner’s need to connect regularly carries over to your very-busy, jam-packed work life. You could say, “You are important to me. I understand you hate feeling like my busy schedule keeps me from thinking of you. I don’t want you to feel that way. I am going to keep in touch and I need you to understand there’s no way I can promise when, for how long, or how often I’ll be able to do so. Does that make sense — and are you okay with that?”

Working together to meet each other’s needs is a dance that can create a meaningful and lasting relationship. It requires communication and compromise… but the payoff is trust and security! The key is to take your partner’s needs into account while also expressing your own.

So here’s today’s small thing: Talk to your partner about fulfilling each other’s core needs. What do each of you need to feel loved, happy, fulfilled, and secure?

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

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Today’s tip is about effective complaining.

Couples will always have complaints about each other. Are you annoyed that your partner puts their dirty plate on the kitchen counter… and doesn’t even attempt to put it in the dishwasher? Or that you can tell your partner something twelve times, but they still won’t remember because they’re not really listening? We all have complaints! But instead of expressing complaints, a lot of couples resort to criticizing each other. Unchecked criticism can lead to contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. 

So how do you discuss complaints effectively? There’s a simple, three-part formula.

First, express how you feel. Effective complaints begin with a soft startup and are best launched by communicating an emotion like anger or fear, or a physical state like tiredness or pain. This is in contrast to a harsh start-up that usually accompanies criticism and often begins with phrases like “you always” or “you never.” Instead, shift the focus to how you’re feeling and use an “I” statement like this… “I feel sad.”

The second part is talking about a very specific situation. After stating how you feel, describe the situation or behavior that caused that feeling. For example, “I feel sad that we don’t have time to talk with each other after dinner.”

And finally, ask your partner to take positive action to resolve the complaint. That could be something like, “Can we take a walk — and talk for a half hour?” Hear how much better that sounds than, “You never talk to me!”

Using this formula doesn’t guarantee that complaints will be resolved — but it does give you and your partner a tool. You can both use it to express complaints without the risk of requests being sidelined by feeling the need to defend yourself against criticism. 

So here’s today’s small thing: The next time you have a complaint, try running it through the three-part formula to make sure you’re complaining without criticizing. Express how you feel, talk about a specific situation, and request a positive action!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about how to turn towards your partner instead of away.

It’s the one thing you can do everyday — even right this minute — to help dramatically change the course of your relationship. And it starts with a “bid” of connection. Here’s an example:

Say you’re on the phone with a good friend, deep in conversation, and your partner walks in with the mail. As they start to open it, you see them shake their head, and let out a long sigh. You know something is bothering them. So what do you do? Do you turn away and stay on the phone? Or do you turn towards them by hanging up, and saying, “Hon, what’s wrong?” 

Think about it. Every single day is filled with small bids of connection just like this when you have the opportunity to turn towards or away from your partner. Bids can be verbal —like asking, “How was your day?”or “Want to go for a walk?” Or they can be non-verbal — like a sigh, a touch, a look, a wink, or a kiss. They can be funny or serious or sexual. In fact, some bids are so subtle that you might just miss them. The one thing they have in common? They need your attention.

The thing is: Research shows that relationships are not maintained by grand gestures, like a big night on the town, or an expensive gift, or an exotic vacation. Instead, they’re nurtured and built through these small every-day moments. And overtime, if bids are ignored, the rejections add up, creating frustration and resentment — which can lead to arguments — and, ultimately, a breakdown of your relationship. On the other hand, turning towards each other’s bids builds trust, connection, passion — and a strong, loving bond between you both. 

So imagine this, and think about how you would react.  

You’re listening to an audio book you’ve wanted to hear for days. And you’re just really getting into it, when your partner comes home, sits down next to you, and asks how your day has been. This is clearly a bid to connect. And there are three ways you might respond: You may turn AGAINST your partner and say, “Can’t I ever just relax? I’ve been looking forward to this all day!” You may turn AWAY from your partner, saying “My day was fine” and immediately returning to your audiobook. Or you may turn TOWARDS your partner by turning off the audio for a few minutes and telling them the details of your day. Hear the difference? So will your partner.

So be a detective. Watch out for bids both verbal and non-verbal. And when your partner reaches out to you — reach back, listen, connect, and show you care. Bid well and often. The power these small moments hold is enormous.

Today’s small thing: Watch out for your partner’s bids throughout the day — and turn towards them when they happen. Then see if the bids you make to your partner are accepted. If they’re not, talk about it, and share what you’ve learned about the importance of bids — and turning towards each other.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

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Today’s tip is about making your love last.

In the early days, a relationship can feel easy. You feel effortlessly connected, united, and so excited to be with your partner. But then the honeymoon phase sails off into the sunset. And suddenly it takes work to stay in love with your partner. 

Commit to the work to maintain and strengthen your emotional bond with your partner that will give your love longevity. You can do that by seeking help early. Let’s be real, going to therapy can be beneficial to your relationship when everything is going great. So by all means… when things get rocky, consider talking to a therapist — whether that’s separately or with your partner for couples counseling.

You can also make your love last by catching criticism before it comes out. You know when your partner walks in the door… shoes still on… covered in mud… oblivious to the fact that you just vacuumed the floor for what feels like the 20th time this week? And now those beautiful clean floors that you could eat off of have a trail to your partner’s shoes. As much as you might not want to, think before you speak. Resist saying any initial critical thoughts like, “Are you joking? I hope you plan on cleaning that up.” Express your needs and concerns respectfully without criticizing or blaming your partner. That could sound like, “I’m struggling to keep up with cleaning. Do you mind helping me?”

Softening your “startup” can help in these situations. Arguments often start because one partner escalates the conflict by making a critical remark. Bringing up problems gently… and again, without blame… works much better and will allow you and your partner to calmly engage in conflict.

But you should expect that type of respectful behavior from your partner. Part of making your love last is having high standards. That means refusing to accept hurtful behavior from one another from day one. Low levels of tolerance for bad behavior in the beginning of a relationship equals a happier couple down the road.

And remember to focus on the positives! For every negative interaction during conflict, a stable and happy relationship has five or more positive interactions. It’s about having a rich climate of positivity. It’s saying, “We laugh a lot” instead of “We never have any fun.”

So make your glass half-full and go the extra mile to make sure that you stay connected to your partner. When they see your effort and commitment, they’ll be likely to reciprocate.

Here’s today’s small thing: Talk with your partner about the ways you can make your love last. Is it a small act of kindness every day? A commitment to connect? Make a plan together to put in the work!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

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Today’s tip is about getting your relationship back on track.

So how’s that backhand on your tennis game? You know — the one you’ve been working on for the last year? Getting better, right? Or your progress in your online French class? Seeing some improvement? Excellent! Now, how’s your work on your relationship with your partner going? Work? Yes, work. See, the fact is that many of us are willing to spend hours on improving a skill, but expect a good relationship … to just happen.

But the simple truth is: a good relationship requires work.

Because no matter how much you love each other, the every-day stresses and challenges of life can sometimes cause good relationships to lose their way. Many couples, after a period of time, may feel as if they’re drifting apart — feeling almost like strangers to each other. If this is the case, what can you do to get back on track? 

Our answer — start by building Love Maps. It’s a simple exercise that will help you get to know your partner’s world. Not only will it bring you closer — but it’ll create a strong foundation of friendship and intimacy that will see you both through whatever challenges may lie ahead. Here’s how it works:

You and your partner sit down separately, and write down everything you think you know about each other’s inner world: Likes, dislikes, fears, dreams, worries — and anything else you can think of. For instance, who are their best friends? Who irritates them? What’s their biggest life dream? Biggest fear? Then go deeper. What’s their basic philosophy of life? What are the things that are causing them stress lately?

Then make a list of things that you DON’T know about your partner: Like…What is their happiest or saddest memory as a child? What was the most embarrassing moment of their life? What experiences in their past have made them into the person they are today?

After you both finish your lists, sit down together and talk about your answers. Were there any surprises? Are there things that you thought you knew about your partner that really weren’t the case at all? Discuss it. Listen to each other: But remember — there’s no judgement here! Don’t blame your partner for what they don’t know. The point of the exercise is to reconnect — by educating each other about your innermost feelings and thoughts — feeling heard, understood, and loved.

Update your Love Maps often! As time moves on, our likes, dislikes, dreams, fears and worries change. Stay in touch with each other’s inner worlds. Yes, a great relationship takes work — but almost anything is possible when both partners are committed to change. So learn a new skill — stretch those muscles — and get your relationship back on track.

Today’s small thing: Sit down with your partner and write your Love Maps. If you’ve already done this exercise in the past — update them!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

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Today’s tip is about supporting your partner’s dream.

Has your partner shared a specific goal or life dream with you that they’re passionate to achieve? Something life-changing like…opening their own small business. Or finally going back to school to finish their college degree. Or perhaps taking a hiatus from work to write the book they’ve always had inside them — just waiting to be born.

Once you’ve both agreed that now is the time for them to go full throttle into the future to achieve that dream, how do you help them? What can you do to let them know you’re honoring their dream, and pulling for them every step of the way?

It starts with a conversation. Sit down together and brainstorm different ways you can support their goal. Explore all your options. But remember: Whatever plan you come up with, make sure it works for both of you, and if not, find a compromise. You both need to be happy and satisfied with the outcome.

Here are some ideas to consider…

If your partner’s dream is something they need to accomplish on their own — like going back to school — you might consider helping to support them financially. If this is something you’d like to do, have a conversation about it. Ask questions like: How will this work? What will need to be sacrificed? You both need to be comfortable with this idea before you move forward.

If your partner’s dream is some sort of endeavor, like opening a small business — and it’s something you would enjoy being a part of — join them! It’s a wonderful opportunity to find shared meaning in your relationship, build trust and appreciation — and create something together, as a team.

Or maybe become their logistical support system! Some people can’t even imagine going after their dreams because they just don’t have enough time between all their daily responsibilities. So perhaps offer to take some of those commitments off their plate. Run errands, do household chores, go grocery shopping, pick the kids up from school. Any support you can offer will give them the time and space they need to pursue their dream.

And finally, just be there for them as a stable and loving presence in their life. Cheer on their successes and progress — and when they’ve hit a road bump, listen to them with understanding and compassion. Encourage them. Stand by them. Tell them how proud you are of them. Love them.

Honoring and supporting your partner’s dream, will not only bring you joy, but deepen the emotional connection between you.

Today’s small thing: Sit down with your partner and talk about ways you can support their dream — making sure the plan you come up with works for you both.  

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about dreaming with your partner.

So when was the last time you and your partner talked about your dreams for the future? Recently? Not since you first met? Or..uh…never? The fact is — many of us are so focused on day-to-day life, the stresses, the chores, the bills, our jobs, that we haven’t really thought about our dreams in a while, much less talked about them.

And if you’re thinking you already know your partner’s dreams, think again. Because dreams change as people grow. Maybe when you first got together, your partner mentioned that one day they’d like to get their MBA. That was a few years ago and you haven’t discussed it since. Do they still hold that dream? Or has that dream changed over the years and now they wish they had a job working with kids? How will you know — unless you ask?

The thing is — sharing your inner most dreams with your partner — and then supporting each other to accomplish them — creates connection, intimacy and passion —and is so important to any loving relationship.

So take some time and sit down with your partner to talk about your dreams and goals — both large and small — both individual dreams and shared dreams. Maybe start with questions about dreams that are easily reached. Like, what book do you want to read? Or what new kind of food would you like to try? Or what color would you like to paint the kitchen?

Then go wild! What has always been in the back of your mind to do that you never expressed? Ride a motorcycle? Skydive? Swim with the dolphins? Or what city or country do you want to visit once the world is safe again? Maybe you’ve always wanted to see the ancient ruins of Greece, or go on an African safari! Really think about it! Unleash your bucket list! The possibilities are endless!  

But dreams are not just about what you want to do. They’re also about who you want to become. Maybe you want to be more understanding. Or more confident — or more spiritual. Share that, too.

And then, of course, what do you want to accomplish as a couple? Do you both want to get your finances in order? Live in the city? Expand your family? Speak about whatever’s in your heart, listen to each other, and then work together to make those shared dreams come true. Your days and nights will be filled with enthusiasm and focus as you make plans for your future — together.

Whatever your dreams, cherish them, nurture them, honor them, and commit to supporting each other to make them a reality. You’ll discover it will bring you even closer together. And happier, to boot!

Today’s small thing: Dream together! Sit down with your partner and share all that’s in your heart — what you want to accomplish in the future. Take turns. You might be surprised at what you hear!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about building trust.

Trust begins and ends with emotional communication. The road to get there involves bridges of trust. If two people in a relationship build habits of turning towards each other in simple everyday moments, they build bridges marked with affection, fondness, and admiration for each other. A little bit every day goes a long way.

You can show your partner affection, fondness, and admiration in different ways — by doing things for your partner and doing things together. It’s all about building connections that’ll help build trust.

Start by doing things for your partner. That could be as simple as giving them a compliment. Maybe after they’ve worked all day, they still cook you dinner — that feta-tomato pasta dish you’ve been eyeing on social media — because they know it’ll make you smile. In that moment, you could say, “You’re an awesome chef! Thank you so much for cooking! I appreciate all that you do for me.” 

Doing something for your partner, could also mean doing something for your partner’s friends or family. You know how good it makes them feel when you spend quality time with their parents? Help their dad at home! Or run an errand for their mom. The kind deed will get back to your partner, whether you tell them or not — and there’s a good chance it’ll make them feel even closer to you.

Then there’s the things that you can do together. Hugging, kissing, holding hands, and cuddling — all create meaningful moments. You could also do an activity together… like go on a little adventure. Take a class together! You know that virtual yoga class you’ve been wanting to try? Do it with your partner and have fun laughing together at their downward dog. Or volunteer! It always feels good to help someone… so share that moment together! 

When activities aren’t feasible, make mundane moments special. Doing the dishes together might not light your fire, but look at it as an opportunity to have some fun. Make it a game! Whoever gets done drying the dishes the fastest gets a 5 minute massage. Or maybe the winner gets to pick what you watch on tv together!

It truly doesn’t matter what you’re doing… either for your partner or with your partner, as long as you’re turning towards each other and building a stronger connection that will inevitably build trust.

So here’s today’s small thing: Talk to your partner about things you can do separately for each other and things you can do together… every day. What would mean the most to each other? Be intentional about your efforts to connect and watch your trust grow.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about trust and commitment.

If trust is something that you feel, commitment is something that you do. So what does that look like in your relationship?

Trust can start with cherishing. Do you feel like your partner is irreplaceable? Can you not imagine your life without them? Even when times are tough? That’s a good inclination that you cherish your partner. You can show your partner that you cherish them by telling them how much you appreciate them — and say it often. Dig deep and say things like, “I appreciate that you really listen to me and care about how I feel.” Or get super specific and say, “I appreciate that you took out the trash!” Whether the act that you appreciate is big or small, communicating it to your partner can build trust in the relationship.

So what does commitment look like? It’s resisting temptation to betray your partner. It’s a conscious decision — a mindset — to not just choose your partner, but to choose the relationship — every day. That means putting your commitment into action. Taking them with you, subconsciously, wherever you go. Would you behave differently at a bar when you’re single versus being in a committed relationship? Or even just going to the grocery store. Do you consider your partner’s needs? Their likes and dislikes? If you think about it, commitment is really a verb because it’s the actions we take daily to let our partner know we are with them — and that we make decisions with them in mind. 

Commitment also means accepting your partner exactly as they are. Because we all have flaws and every relationship has flaws — and sometimes it can cause conflict. But you can create trust and safety by turning towards them to work out your differences.

So here’s today’s small thing: Talk to your partner about trust and commitment in your relationship. How can you make each other feel safe? What can you do every day to show each other you’re committed and trustworthy? 

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about building trust.

Maybe you’re the type of partner that isn’t automatically trusting. Or maybe you are, but that trust was broken. What do you do if you and your partner don’t trust each other? You both have to build it — proactively and intentionally.

Let’s say trust was broken after your partner racked up a $5,000 credit card bill. At times, they told you about purchases for their new business. Other times, they didn’t say a word because they were worried you’d think they were being too frivolous. They didn’t see it as being dishonest until you saw the bill and got upset. You think it’s shady and struggle to trust them — questioning their every move. 

So now what? Make an effort to build that trust back. Here’s a few ways to do it.

Acknowledge your feelings and practice being vulnerable in small steps. Build confidence in being more open with your partner. Don’t walk on eggshells! But remember, start small. Tackle minor issues first — like figuring out schedules or juggling household duties — before getting to the bigger issues.

Being honest and communicating can also help build trust. As you work through those bigger issues, be forthcoming about the fundamental things that truly matter and affect your relationship — that could be anything from your past to finances to family problems. Start to lay your cards on the table. Do you feel like your partner’s family doesn’t accept you? Your partner needs to know that and you should be able to trust that your partner will validate your feelings. Don’t sweep these issues under the rug. That can lead to resentment!

While you’re having these conversations, make sure to challenge any mistrustful thoughts that you have. Ask yourself, “Is my lack of trust due to my partner’s actions, my own insecurities, or both?” Be aware of any unresolved issues from your past relationships that may be triggering mistrust in your current relationship. 

While building trust, make an effort to assume that your partner has good intentions — but also trust your gut. You know that feeling when you know something’s wrong, but can’t put your finger on it? Have confidence in those instincts and pay attention to red flags. But again, communication is key here, so be vulnerable and ask for reassurance. Tell your partner if you feel like something’s off!

For a relationship to succeed in the long run, you must be able to trust each other. Building trust with a partner is really about the small moments of connection that allow you to feel safe and to truly believe that your partner will show up for you.

So here’s today’s small thing: Take one small step to build trust in your relationship. Start right now by initiating an intimate dialogue with an open-ended question like, “What are your 3 biggest needs and how can I fulfill them?” Building your connection will help build trust, one step at a time.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

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Today’s tip is about enriching your relationship by creating shared meaning.

Remember those early days when you first fell in love? The happiness you felt, as you began to experience life together as a couple? It was almost intoxicating, wasn’t it? But now, years later, you’ve found yourself feeling disconnected — as if something in your relationship is missing. Maybe, as life has gotten complicated, you hardly spend time together anymore. And when you do, you argue over small things, get irritated easily, and even question why you got together in the first place.

If this sounds familiar, you may be right: Something may definitely be missing. And that something…is a sense of shared meaning. Because long-lasting intimacy doesn’t just happen — it’s nurtured throughout your relationship. It’s a life-long process.

What does a sense of shared meaning actually mean? It starts with spending time together — and we’re not talking time paying the bills or doing the dishes — we’re talking QUALITY time. And not just sometimes, but regularly. It also means sharing dreams and creating daily rituals to stay deeply connected with each other. 

How do you do this?

First, sit down and really explore your dreams and goals as a couple. Maybe you both want to create a financially secure future. Or maybe you both love the beach, and eventually want to live by the ocean. Or perhaps you dream of opening your own business. Whatever you choose to accomplish together will help you keep your eyes on the big picture — instead of focusing on the small issues that pop up in your daily life. Dream big! And talk about your goal often!

Then create some daily or weekly rituals of connection. Some ideas? Find rituals that can both begin and end your day. Have breakfast together in the morning — and share your nightly meals with the TV off and your cell phones silenced — and really talk to each other about your day with no distractions. Or maybe go for a bike ride or a walk after dinner. Or have a date night once a week, where you sit on the couch, munch on some popcorn, hold hands, and watch a movie you both love. You can even create an annual ritual — like each year play a song that has meaning for you both on your anniversary, as you toast each other and your life together. Be creative! Rituals help your relationship thrive!

And also is there some activity you both love to do? Gardening? Roller-blading? Trivia? Whatever your common passion, find time to do it together and often. Spending intentional time with your partner, doing something you both love, can bring you pleasure, spark passion, and draw you closer together. 

Once you infuse your days and nights with purpose and meaning, you’ll see that something really WAS missing in your relationship — it was your connection to each other. So create a sense of shared meaning and watch your relationship grow deeper and stronger than ever before.

Today’s small thing: Sit down with your partner and begin to identify a dream or goal you both want for your future together. Then go for it!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

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Today’s tip is about strengthening your relationship with State of the Union Meetings.

State of the Union? Isn’t that the speech that the President gives to Congress once a year? Yep. But with your partner, it’s a once-a-week conversation to discuss the state of your relationship. Here’s how it can help.

Say you’ve been having a hard time at work lately —struggling with a new project that you find overwhelming. You’ve mentioned it to your partner several times, but they always brush you off with, “No worries. You’ll get through it” — which is no help to you at all. You find yourself getting angry that they’re not taking your anxiety seriously. And the underlying anger is now causing you to explode at any small thing they do that irritates you — like leaving the towels on the bathroom floor, or not helping with the dishes — and now you’re both angry. And the thing is: if you don’t repair the conflict as quickly as possible, your relationship can easily go off the tracks.

So here’s where the State of the Union meeting comes in. This once-a-week conversation is a time when you and your partner can both be heard and understood — resolve your conflicts, and enormously improve your relationship. How to begin?

First, pick a good time when the two of you can meet in a quiet, comfortable place without any distractions. Then before you even begin to talk about any conflict, focus on the positive. Each of you tell the other five things they did during the past week that you appreciate. Like, “I was so grateful you picked up the dry cleaning.” Or “I loved it when you held my hand while we were watching TV.” This will create a foundation of fondness and admiration before you delve into any conflict you’re feeling.

After that, take turns being the speaker and listener. When you speak, remember to only focus on one issue. If you try to fit too much into the meeting, the issue is less likely to get solved. The speaker can talk as long as they need to express their feelings. If you are the listener, give your partner your full focus, listening with empathy and understanding. When they’re finished, summarize what they said, so they know they’ve been heard and understood.  

During the conversation, make sure to choose your words carefully so your partner won’t feel defensive, or think they are under attack. To do this, choose “I” statements instead of “You” statements. For instance, instead of saying, “You totally brushed me off when I was expressing my anxiety about work!” Rather say, “I felt dismissed and alone while talking about my work stress.”

And finally, it’s only after you both feel understood, that you can begin to problem solve and compromise. For this, you both need to understand places you can be flexible, and places where you cannot. Compromise doesn’t work if one person influences the other to give up something that is essential to their happiness. For example, say you ask your partner to make dinner on Tuesdays, so you can join a zoom call with your friends — even though you know it will interrupt their late afternoon jog. Maybe the compromise would be to take their jog an hour or two earlier than their regular time. The point is to find a solution that satisfies both of you.

The State of the Union meeting is powerful stuff. And if you stick with it, and repair conflicts as they arise, it will strengthen your relationship and open doors to understanding and connection.  

Today’s small thing: Schedule a time with your partner for your first State of the Union! Bring notebooks to write down your thoughts and feelings as you talk through your conflict to reflect upon later.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

So you just had a fight. Now what? In the latest program in the Gottman Relationship Coach, Drs. John and Julie Gottman will guide you through the science behind conflict and what you can do to course-correct. You’ll learn how to stop conflict from spiraling by identifying the signs of Flooding, what repair attempts look like in your relationship, and what triggers you and your partner. Visit gottman.com/afterafight for more.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about using a repair remote control in your relationship.

Think about your tv remote. There’s buttons like rewind, fast forward, pause, stop, and record — all things that you can do during repair attempts. Mistakes, carelessness, and conflict are all inevitable in relationships, but having the right repairs at your fingertips can make all the difference. 

So envision the options on a remote when repairs are needed. Let’s say you and your partner have been arguing all day. They made a mess in the kitchen and left it because they know you’ll clean it up, they “accidentally” spilled coffee on your laptop, and then they forgot the one thing on the grocery list that was really needed — toilet paper. Altogether, it makes you want to scream. You shout, “Do you pay attention to anything but yourself?” Yikes, right? And “yikes” is what you might be thinking too as soon as those words leave your mouth.

How can you quickly repair the situation? Start with the “rewind” button on your repair remote — that means backing up, trying again, or simply apologizing. That can sound like, “I’m so sorry for reacting that way! Can I go back and reword how I was feeling?”

Or maybe you need a minute to self-soothe after the conversation gets heated. That’s when you’ll want to hit the “pause” button. Pausing means signaling to your partner that you need to take a break. You could say, “I’m starting to feel flooded. I need to walk away and calm down.”

Once you’ve taken the time to self-soothe, your partner might want to press “fast forward” on the repair remote. After explaining to your partner that you feel like they were being inconsiderate, your partner jumps ahead and tells you “yes” — they agree! But it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Maybe they want to compromise or meet you halfway. They say to you, “I agree with part of what you’re saying.”

If the conversation starts to derail, hit the “stop” button! When your partner goes off about the other part of the argument that they don’t agree with, they start rehashing past arguments that have nothing to do with the current one. At that moment, you can say, “We’re going off track!”

But always remember to use your record button! That’s showing your appreciation. Record your appreciation so you can share it often! Maybe give credit where it’s due and say, “That’s a good point.” Or if all else fails, just say, “I love you.”

Keep the conversation moving in a positive direction so you’re pressing the buttons on the repair remote… and not just pressing each other’s buttons.

So here’s today’s small thing: Make an effort to use and recognize repairs when conflicts arise. Use the repair remote so you can understand what went wrong, heal, and make the next conversation more constructive.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

So you just had a fight. Now what? In the latest program in the Gottman Relationship Coach, Drs. John and Julie Gottman will guide you through the science behind conflict and what you can do to course-correct. You’ll learn how to stop conflict from spiraling by identifying the signs of Flooding, what repair attempts look like in your relationship, and what triggers you and your partner. Visit gottman.com/afterafight for more.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about what to do when you disagree.

When you and your loved one have different opinions, it could feel like a red flag in the relationship. It might feel necessary that for the relationship to be ok, you have to be on the same page. About everything. But that doesn’t always create a healthy relationship — which requires the thoughts, feelings, and needs of both people to be expressed and to hold value. 

Some of the happiest couples disagree about important issues — maybe even core values like religion… or dare we say politics. You don’t have to agree on everything. Staying relationally connected is about being seen and heard, while also being accepted.

If you find yourself in a divisive disagreement, try using a “sandwich” approach for connecting around difficult topics. Sandwich your challenging message between two positive statements. 

Here’s what we mean. Start off the conversation with an “I see you” statement. That’s a statement that respectfully validates your loved one — creating a bridge of connection. But in that same sentence, also speak your truth. Connect your “I see you” statement to your “truth” statement using the word “AND.” Don’t use the word “BUT” — which can discount their point of view. Complete your sandwich message with a positive affirmation.

So this is how it would sound. Let’s say you and your partner are fighting because they think you’ve been working too much. You’re now working remote and trying to find a work-life balance. You think you’re doing your best, but your partner says they need more of your time. You’re going head to head and neither one of you wants to budge. You could start the conversation by saying, “I see why you think ‘abc,’ AND I actually think ‘xyz.’ Even though we disagree, there are valid points on both sides and I think we can accept each other, even if our views don’t line up.”

Repair can happen when you build bridges of validation that connect you and your partner, deepening your sense of belonging and security. It can help you let go of rigid stances, even if you have strong feelings and opinions. It’s important to remember, throughout these challenging conversations, that neither of you is defined entirely by your opposing values. For example, if one partner is a “dog person” and the other prefers cats, these preferences don’t override their other dimensions as a human being.

So here’s today’s small thing: Make an effort to hold respectful space for your loved ones whose views may differ from your own. If you enter the argument zone, use the “sandwich” approach to validate their views while still speaking your truth.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

So you just had a fight. Now what? In the latest program in the Gottman Relationship Coach, Drs. John and Julie Gottman will guide you through the science behind conflict and what you can do to course-correct. You’ll learn how to stop conflict from spiraling by identifying the signs of Flooding, what repair attempts look like in your relationship, and what triggers you and your partner. Visit gottman.com/afterafight for more.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about how to process an argument.

When you or your loved one feels hurt, frustrated, or angry after an argument… wouldn’t it be nice if you could just hit the restart button? Unfortunately, you can’t erase the argument from your memory, but you can process it and talk about what happened without jumping back into the argument. One of the most important tools for building a healthy relationship is knowing how to process it in a way that helps you learn from it so you can move forward together.

That can begin by going through three steps that will increase understanding between you and your loved one. It’ll help you focus on finding ways to understand why the conversation was so unproductive so you can make this type of interaction better in the future.

For the first step — both of you will take a turn talking about what you were feeling during the argument. Use an “I” statement and be specific about the emotion. Let’s say you and your partner were fighting about money. You could say, “I felt criticized while we were talking about the money I spent.” Take ownership of your feelings and be honest.

Step two is discussing and validating both subjective realities. In any given argument, there is no absolute “reality” as to what happened. There are always two “subjective realities” or perspectives. So take turns talking about how you each saw the situation while remembering that neither of your perspectives is “wrong.” Focus on each of your feelings and needs. It’s crucial that you validate your loved one’s experience and communicate that you understand at least some of their perspective. You could say, “I understand that you felt not listened to. I see where you’re coming from.”

The third step is to accept responsibility. What role did you play in this argument? What could you have done differently? Start by saying what set you up. Maybe you didn’t communicate this month about finances like you normally do. You and your partner set a tight budget, but you desperately needed a little pick-me-up. You’ve been working hard and you’re mentally, physically, and totally exhausted. So you went for it and treated yourself to the latest and greatest phone. But now you’re realizing that you didn’t let your partner know and the argument suddenly had nothing to do with your shopping. It spiraled out of control. To accept responsibility, you say “I haven’t asked for what I needed.”

While it’s important to recognize your part in the argument, also remember that no relationship is perfect. The goal shouldn’t be to keep yourself from making mistakes or saying the wrong thing. It’s all about your ability to go back and make attempts to repair the situation. 

So here’s today’s small thing: The next time you and your loved one have an argument, try to find ways to course-correct early. Work through the three steps so you can salvage the point of the conversation and create a more productive and positive outcome.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

So you just had a fight. Now what? In the latest program in the Gottman Relationship Coach, Drs. John and Julie Gottman will guide you through the science behind conflict and what you can do to course-correct. You’ll learn how to stop conflict from spiraling by identifying the signs of Flooding, what repair attempts look like in your relationship, and what triggers you and your partner. Visit gottman.com/afterafight for more.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about how to have a stress-reducing conversation.

Ever experience this? It’s the end of a stressful day, and you’re starting dinner, and your partner walks into the kitchen. You offhandedly ask, “How was your day?” — and it’s like that one small question opened the floodgates. Your partner goes off on a rant about their inconsiderate boss, their unending workload, their computer problems, and the dog’s incessant howling while they were on a zoom call.

You’ve had a hard day, too. You’re behind on a work project, the pipe under the sink is leaking, and your nosy neighbor complained about the placement of your trash cans on pickup day.

So now what? You have two choices. You can have a conversation that makes a difficult day even more stressful — or the conversation can provide a safe haven for you both to be heard, relax and unwind. Yeah, let’s go with the latter — which we call “the stress-reducing conversation.”

How does it start? Grab a pen and write down these rules. It will help strengthen your love and trust for each other, one conversation at a time. Ready?

First: Take turns! Each of you gets to complain all you want for a predetermined amount of time. Whatever stressed you out today, get it all out! Remember: it’s not a competition to see whose day was worse or more stressful.

Next, if you’re the listener in the conversation, give your partner your undivided attention. Make eye contact — and actively listen with genuine interest, concern and empathy. And don’t forget to silence your phone!

Also, don’t problem solve or give unsolicited advice! Even if you have a good idea to help your partner deal with their boss, keep it to yourself. It’s only after they feel understood that they might be open to suggestions.

Next, no matter if you think your partner’s perspective on their issue is wrong or unreasonable, always take their side. Never back the opposite viewpoint or play devil’s advocate. Your job is to express compassion and not cast judgement on what they’re feeling. Let your partner know that whatever the issue, you two are a united team — and that nothing can come between you.

And don’t forget to validate your partner’s emotions by TELLING them that their thoughts and feelings make sense to you. A simple phrase like “I understand why your feelings were hurt” or “That sounds terrible” will let your partner know that they have been heard.

And finally, express your affection. This may be a quick hug, a touch of the hand, or simply saying “I love you.” Let your partner know you are there for them.

The stress-reducing conversation will help you and your partner realize that neither of you ever have to deal with the day-to-day stresses and challenges of life alone. You are on the same team, side by side, and always ready to listen to each other, understand, and connect. 

Today’s small thing: After asking your partner “How was your day?” sit down with them using the rules you learned today — and have your first stress-reducing conversation!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

So you just had a fight. Now what? In the latest program in the Gottman Relationship Coach, Drs. John and Julie Gottman will guide you through the science behind conflict and what you can do to course-correct. You’ll learn how to stop conflict from spiraling by identifying the signs of Flooding, what repair attempts look like in your relationship, and what triggers you and your partner. Visit gottman.com/afterafight for more.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about rescuing your relationship from stress.

So how IS your stress level lately? And how are you managing it? Think about it.

Maybe you’re so stressed-out by the pressures of a new job, that by the end of the day, you’re too tired to have any kind of meaningful conversation with your partner. Or maybe you just bought a new home, and you’re so overwhelmed by all the new expenses, you find yourself getting angry and snapping at your partner over the smallest things. Or perhaps you’re so saddened and worried by the illness of a parent, you can’t think about anything else— and spend most of your time isolating, in silence.

It’s not intentional. You still love your partner deeply. You’re just trying to cope with your stress in the best way you can, right? But here’s the thing: when your coping method causes you to shut your partner out of your inner world, trouble follows. That is, IF you don’t first recognize it — and THEN find better ways to manage it.

So here’s some steps you can take right now, today, to grab hold of the way you manage stress —and get your relationship back on track. 

First, identify what exactly is stressing each of you. Is it a new job, loss of a job, trouble with in-laws, financial worries, health? Whatever it is, name it — and realize that your own individual stress from OUTSIDE your relationship can impact your ability to connect with your partner emotionally. 

Then once you’ve identified your stressors, sit down and share with your partner exactly what you’ve been going through. Take turns asking each other questions to get a true understanding, like “How has stress been affecting your emotions?” and “What have you been doing that helps you cope?” Then probe deeper: Ask “How do you think your way of coping has impacted our relationship?” Maybe the answer is “I’ve withdrawn from you” or “I’m always angry.” And then ask what more positive ways they could cope with their stress going forward. Whatever the answer, be sure to actively listen so they know they’re being heard.

And then together and individually, figure out ways to strengthen your resilience to stress. First and foremost: work on the connection with each other. Turn towards your partner instead of away. Share fondness and admiration to help restore your emotional closeness. And don’t forget to look outward, too. Stay connected to those people who you care for outside of your relationship who bring you a sense of joy and comfort. And if you and your partner are experiencing the same stressor, maybe join an online support group.

Here’s another idea: Rediscover your gifts and passions. Do you love to paint? Listen to music? Garden? Whether you pursue these activities together or separately, they can give you a sense of meaning and purpose and help alleviate stress.

And don’t forget to take care of your body as well as your mind. Stress can impact you physically as well as mentally, so exercise regularly, eat well, and get enough sleep.

And finally, set goals with your partner — both individually and together — on how you’ll manage your stress going forward. Work out a plan for each goal — and check in with each other often to make sure you’re both on track and making progress. And while you’re at it, practice gratitude. It’ll help remind you how much you have — and to appreciate each other.

Today’s small thing: Identify your current stressors, and ask yourself if they’ve been affecting your relationship. If the answer is yes, sit down with your partner and open up about it.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about managing physiological flooding.

Ever been in the middle of an argument with your partner, and suddenly you feel as if you’ve been caught in the eye of a hurricane? This is what we mean…

Say you and your partner are having a disagreement about finances. Maybe they don’t think your pricey massage every month is necessary — and no matter how many times you try to tell them that it helps with your back pain, they still think it’s too expensive. It’s a discussion you have every single month when the bill comes in, and now you’re exasperated, and the disagreement has turned into an argument —and before too long, it’s escalated to a fight. Adrenaline kicks in, voices are raised, harsh words are exchanged — and, suddenly, as you stand in a rage in the middle of your kitchen, you realize that your heart is beating out of your chest, your body is tense, you’re sweating and shaking, and you can’t hear a word of what your partner is saying.

What’s happening to you? You’re in the midst of physiological flooding. The magnitude of your emotions has taken over. The “thinking” part of your brain has shut down. Your nervous system is in overdrive — and you respond with the ancient “fight or flight” response — which will cause you to either furiously lash out even more — or shut down completely and leave the room in a rage. Either choice will result in making the situation even worse. So what to do? Stop. Hit the pause button — tell your partner you need to take a break and will come back to the conversation when you are calmer— and then turn inward to take care of yourself. How?

You may be surprised, but it starts with a simple action you do every day. Breathing. Because when you are flooded, your breathing becomes shallow, which increases blood pressure and heart rate. So stop and take a deep breath. Inhale slowly through your nose, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Do this for several minutes to help your nervous system calm down.

While you’re focusing on your breath, use positive self-talk to communicate with your inner self — assuring yourself that this moment will pass and you will be okay. And then, listen to music, read a magazine, whatever will help calm you down. But don’t dwell on the argument with your partner. Don’t think of what you might say next, how you feel mistreated, or how angry you are. Let it all go, and stay in the moment. Realize that your perception of your argument is unreliable during flooding. Don’t move into the blame game or catastrophize the episode.

After at least 20 minutes of self-soothing, you can then return to the conversation with your partner. Why this amount of time? Studies show that it takes 20 minutes, minimum, for your body to return to its normal state — when the flooding has finally dissipated — and then, hopefully, you can both discuss the issue calmly and quietly, with a productive outcome.  

It’s scary, we know. But once you are aware of what flooding can do to your mind and body, you’ll be able to recognize it when it begins — and then take steps to quickly deal with it whenever it occurs.

Today’s small thing: Have a conversation with your partner about flooding — tell them how it affects you, and what you need in order to feel safe during an argument. You may find out that they have had the same experience. If so, share what you have learned. 

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

So you just had a fight. Now what? In the latest program in the Gottman Relationship Coach, Drs. John and Julie Gottman will guide you through the science behind conflict and what you can do to course-correct. You’ll learn how to stop conflict from spiraling by identifying the signs of Flooding, what repair attempts look like in your relationship, and what triggers you and your partner. Visit gottman.com/afterafight for more.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about how to practice self-soothing.

The ability to self-soothe is one of the most important skills you can learn. Practicing it not only can help you in romantic relationships, but it can help you in other areas of your life too.

Let’s say you and your partner are in the middle of a heated discussion. They just accused you of ignoring them all day. But in fact, you’ve been slammed with work and you’re minutes away from exploding. They don’t seem to care that you’re drowning at work and now you feel like you’re drowning in this conversation. But instead of actually exploding or stonewalling, tell your partner that you’re feeling flooded and need a break. That time-out is what you need so you can self-soothe.

Many people find that the best approach to self-soothing is to focus on calming your body through a meditative technique. Once you’ve moved away from your partner to take your break, start by imagining a place that makes you feel calm and safe. A sacred space. It could be anywhere — like a warm sunny beach where your toes are in the sand or your childhood bedroom at your parent’s house. As you imagine yourself in this sanctuary, lose yourself in the peace of mind that it brings you.

While you’re there, focus on your breathing. It should be deep, regular, and even. Usually when you get flooded, you either hold your breath a lot or breathe shallowly. So intentionally inhale and exhale naturally.

Release any tension that you’re feeling and relax parts of your body that feel tight or uncomfortable. And then feel the warmth and heaviness flow out of your limbs.

Think of this exercise as your starting point when you need to find peace. Soothing yourself will make your relationship stronger with your partner — or friends and family — because you’ll be able to work on conflicts as a team rather than as adversaries… when you’re calm, cool, and collected.

So here’s today’s small thing: Think of a neutral sign that you and your partner can use in a conversation to let each other know when one of you feels flooded. It can be a word, like “time-out”, or a physical motion like raising both hands. You could even make it funny and have your code word be “banana.” You may find that using it can help diffuse tension and then your self-soothing can begin.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

So you just had a fight. Now what? In the latest program in the Gottman Relationship Coach, Drs. John and Julie Gottman will guide you through the science behind conflict and what you can do to course-correct. You’ll learn how to stop conflict from spiraling by identifying the signs of Flooding, what repair attempts look like in your relationship, and what triggers you and your partner. Visit gottman.com/afterafight for more.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about how to cope with overwhelm during stressful times.

So how’s your relationship going as we enter the second year of the pandemic? It hasn’t been easy, we know. With worry over health issues, financial pressures or job loss — not to mention watching your regular routines disappear — many of us are feeling major stress. Add to that the fact that you’re spending wayyy more time with your partner, and even the happiest couples may feel the crush of it all.

With these worries always lurking in the background, perhaps little things that never bothered you are setting you off. Maybe you got irritated with your partner because they expected you to walk the dog in a rainstorm. Or maybe you exchanged harsh words about something as mundane as to whether to order-in pizza or sushi for dinner. We totally get it. The day-to-day stresses of the pandemic can cause you to feel all sorts of difficult emotions — like anxiety, anger, fear, and irritability — which can completely overwhelm you — and then, by default, impact your relationship.

So what to do? First realize you are not alone. And then follow these simple tips, suggested by Dr. Ali Mattu, to help you cope with the overwhelming feelings caused by the pandemic — or any crisis you’re experiencing  — and, hopefully, bring a bit of peace back into your daily life.

First, be compassionate towards yourself AND your partner. Did you meet a work deadline today? Congratulate yourself. Did your partner make a wonderful dinner? Thank them. And if your day has been a little wacky, remember that sometimes just getting through the last 24-hours is an accomplishment in itself. In difficult times, it’s okay not to be okay.

Next, develop a routine instead of wandering aimlessly through your day. Have certain goals you want to reach in the morning, the afternoon, and the evening. Your pre-pandemic routine is a thing of the past — but by creating a new routine now, you’ll be able to get through the day without being overwhelmed or exhausted.

Here’s a great one: Take a break from whatever is overwhelming you. Is it the news? Turn off the TV! Is it a financial worry? Take a mini-vacation from your head! Maybe watch a movie or read a book about something that takes you away from reality for an hour or two so you can clear your mind.

Also: Are there some small problems that are bothering you in your day-to-day life? Fix them. Do you dislike the way your work-desk is crammed into the corner of the room? Move it to another space. Maybe you feel you can’t keep up with the laundry. Schedule one day a week to do it, and stick to the plan.

Very importantly, be grateful. Gratitude is powerful stuff. It can lift your spirits in a millisecond! And if you like to write, maybe start a gratitude journal to jot down your thoughts each day.

And finally, share your feelings with your partner. If you’re struggling, let them know. And if they’re struggling, too —  listen. It will help you both release pent-up emotions, and bring you closer together.

Today’s small thing: Pick one tip from our list of six, and start today to combat your overwhelming feelings. Share it with your partner so they’re aware of how you’re working to help yourself.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

So you just had a fight. Now what? In the latest program in the Gottman Relationship Coach, Drs. John and Julie Gottman will guide you through the science behind conflict and what you can do to course-correct. You’ll learn how to stop conflict from spiraling by identifying the signs of Flooding, what repair attempts look like in your relationship, and what triggers you and your partner. Visit gottman.com/afterafight for more.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute.

Today’s bonus episode will help you self-soothe with a guided relaxation exercise.

If you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, need to take a break or calm your mind after an argument with your partner, listen to this relaxation exercise guided by Dr. Julie Gottman. Research shows that taking effective breaks has been proven to lower the “temperature” of an argument significantly — so this meditation is not only good for you — but your relationship as well!

And if you’d like to learn more about flooding, self-soothing, and how to process an argument with your partner, check out “What to Do After a Fight,” from the new Gottman Relationship Coach series. Drs. John and Julie Gottman will walk you through what happens physiologically when you experience conflict. You’ll also learn how to notice and receive your partner’s repairs, and how to work through even the most challenging arguments to come out with a better understanding and respect for one another.

And now, find a comfortable place, close your eyes, and try to quiet your thoughts. All you have to do is listen to the voice of Dr. Julie Gottman.

Let’s begin the relaxation exercise. First, find a nice, comfortable place to sit with your feet resting flat on the floor and your back supported by a back-rest, either on a couch or chair. Turn off any noise or distractions in the room, such as a television, radio, or cell phone. Close your eyes, if it is comfortable for you. Now, the first thing you do is to focus on your breathing. Put your hand on your belly, and as you take a nice deep breath in, push your hand out with your belly as if your belly was a balloon, filling up with air. Then as you exhale, push your hand back down against your belly and feel your belly deflating. That’s it. Take another nice deep breath in and push your belly out against your hand.

Then as you exhale, push your hand back down against your belly. Every time you take a nice deep breath in, just feel your hand going out as your stomach expands. And then as you exhale, gently push against your stomach as the breath leaves your body. Take another nice deep breath in, that’s it, and exhale. Another breath in and exhale. Good, one more. Breathe in and exhale, that’s it. Now, as you continue to breathe normally, lift your left leg up straight in front of you, pull your toe up towards your knee, and tense all of the muscles in your left leg. Feel your thigh muscles get tense, your calf muscles tighten, that’s it. Now, hold it and release your leg and drop your leg back down. Good, take another nice deep breath in. That’s it, good.

Now do the same thing with your right leg. Raise your right leg straight ahead of you, pull your toe up towards your knee, flexing your foot, and tighten all the muscles in your right leg. Feel them being really tight in your thighs, in your calf muscles, hold it, and then release your leg back down. Good. Relax both legs and take another nice deep breath in. Notice how your legs may feel a little heavier now, a little warmer. Let’s move up the body. Move to your lower back. Arch your lower back by pushing your belly out towards the opposite wall and pulling your shoulders back. Create a nice arch in your back and feel the tension in your lower back, feel it tighten.

That’s it. Hold it, now release that tension and allow your back to rest comfortably against the back of your chair or sofa. That’s it, just let that furniture support you. The next step is to raise both arms straight ahead of you, straight ahead, and tense all the muscles in your arms by first clenching your fists really tightly, both fists. That’s it. Then, stretch your fingers out towards the opposite wall, reaching for that opposite wall with all your strength. That’s it, reach and good. Now, drop your arms back down to your lap. Take another nice deep breath in and slowly exhale. Now, raise your shoulders up, shrugging your shoulders way up towards your ears. Higher, higher, that’s it.

This is where you’re holding lots and lots of pressure and stress. Feel those shoulders lifting even one more step higher. Good, and now drop your shoulders and circle them first in one direction, good, and then circle them in the opposite direction. Good, and now relax them, letting all the stress out of your shoulders as you take another nice deep breath in. Good. Now, let’s move to the neck. Take your right hand, place it over your head, and on the left side of your head. That’s it. Now, gently pull your right ear down towards your right shoulder, that’s it, giving a nice stretch to the left side of your neck. Feels good. That’s it.

Now, put your hand on top of your head, the crown of your head and pull your chin down towards you chest. Good, that’s it. Now, switch hands. Take your left hand, place it on the right side of your head, over your head, that’s it. And pull your left ear down towards your left shoulder, giving a stretch to the right side of your neck now. Nice gentle stretch, not too hard. Good. And now, tip your head slowly back, letting your arm drop. That’s it. And now, return to your normal natural pose. Good. Take a nice deep breath in and release it. Let’s move to the lower jaw. Clench your teeth tightly together, very tight, that’s it. That’s where we all hold lots of frustration. Tight and now release your jaw, circling your lower jaw first one direction and then the other direction.

Good, now relax your jaw, very good, and take a nice deep breath in and release. Now, close your eyes this time, squeezing them tightly shut as if you’re shutting out the world and saying “No.” That’s it, tighter, tighter. Very good. Now, simply relax your eyes, but keep your eyes lightly closed. Good. Take another nice deep breath in and exhale. Now, as you continue to keep your eyes closed, breathe naturally. Imagine yourself under a warm waterfall. The water is pouring gently down over your head, over your shoulders, down your back, and rinsing away any remaining stress in any part of your body. The water is even going inside the trunk of your body, looking in every nook and cranny for stress, for tension, and releasing it. Rinsing it away, rinsing it down through your arms, your shoulders, down through the trunk of your body and your back, down through your legs, all the way down through your feet and down into the earth. The water is rinsing away any remaining tightness, stress, or tension, leaving you feeling very relaxed and comfortable, very pure, very deeply relaxed. And now, try imagining with your eyes closed, a place you could go, a place you could take yourself that feels very comforting to you, very relaxing. It could be a place outside like a beach or a forest, or perhaps a special room or sanctuary inside.

Look for that place, where is it? That’s it. Now, look at the colors in this place. Look at the shapes, look at the forms, and the textures of this place. Notice every nuance of what you see. What is it like? Listen for any sounds in this place. Do you hear anything special? What does it sound like? Good. Is there a fragrance to this place? See if you can smell anything in particular there that smells really lovely to you, really good. Feel the air on your skin. Is it warm or is it cool? What does the air feel like on your skin?

Use all of your senses to really immerse yourself in the beauty of this place, because this place is your refuge. It’s your own private sanctuary, a place where you’re completely safe, you’re at peace, you’re being nourished by everything around you. Let yourself really savor being in this place. Breathe in the air of this place, enjoy it. This is where you can always take yourself. If you need to calm down, it will always be there for you, inside. All you’ll have to do is take nice deep breaths in and exhale, bringing it into your mind, into your heart, there, just for you to help you feel at peace and to nourish you.

Find more ways to calm your mind by checking out the new Gottman Relationship Coach series “What to Do After a Fight” at Gottman.com/afterafight.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about recognizing your partner’s signs of flooding.

Maybe you know what you typically do when you’ve reached your max in an argument. Do you raise your voice? Do you completely shut down? While it’s important to know when you’re physiologically flooded during conflict, it’s equally important to know when your partner is too.

Their tell-tale sign might not be as obvious as yours. It could be a “blink and you’ll miss it” characteristic. Let’s say you and your partner are having an argument over their family. You don’t feel like their mom respects you as their partner. It’s a sensitive topic between the two of you and your partner tends to get defensive. But you bring it up because again, their mom made a condescending comment about how clean your house is. When you say that your feelings are hurt, your partner says, “You just don’t like my mom.” As you defend your position, your partner’s heart speeds up and their adrenaline starts pumping. There’s a slight twitch in their eye and they can’t focus on what the argument was originally about.

While you might not be able to tell that their heart is racing and their adrenaline is pumping, you might recognize the slight twitch or the suddenly disorganized argument as a sign that your partner is feeling flooded. You can help bring a fight back from the brink by acknowledging that they might be overwhelmed and initiating a time-out. You can literally say, “Okay, time-out. Things are getting heated and I can see it. Can we go cool off?” Or maybe, “Hey, honey, it seems like you’re getting upset. Let’s take a breather.”

If you don’t know your partner’s signs of flooding, ask them. Or really, ask them anyway. Even if you think you know, you could be missing other signs. Your partner can give you insight into the little things they do while feeling flooded that you can pick up on. Once you know the signs — for both you and your partner — you’re more likely to change course and head for calmer seas when the conversation gets to be too much for either one of you.

So here’s today’s small thing: Think back to your last argument with your partner. Make a list of physical traits, gestures, or movements that your partner did that might signal flooding. Ask your partner to make one for you too. Compare notes and then fill in the gaps for each other!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

So you just had a fight. Now what? In the latest program in the Gottman Relationship Coach, Drs. John and Julie Gottman will guide you through the science behind conflict and what you can do to course-correct. You’ll learn how to stop conflict from spiraling by identifying the signs of Flooding, what repair attempts look like in your relationship, and what triggers you and your partner. Visit gottman.com/afterafight for more.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about staying connected to your partner by asking the right questions.

And we’re not talking about questions like “What’s for dinner?” or “Could you clean the lint trap in the dryer?” Nope. We’re talking meaningful questions that can deepen your relationship. Because here’s the thing: Sure, you can show your love to your partner through large romantic gestures, like giving them a beautiful gift for their birthday, or maybe taking them on a great vacation — pre-pandemic, of course. But the happiest couples stay emotionally connected through the small moments in their lives. And one of those ways is to ask your partner open-ended questions, and then actively listen to how they respond.

Don’t know where to start? Try this. Put aside 20 minutes when you and your partner can be alone. Turn off the TV and cell phones. Then sit down together with a cup of coffee, a glass of wine, however you prefer to relax, and really spend time learning about each other. Remember to let yourself be vulnerable and be fully present to each other’s answers.

Here’s five questions to ask each other that will help you connect:

First: “What are your three biggest needs, and how I can fulfill them?” It’s a great question. Do they need you to be a better listener? Maybe they need to be told more often that they are loved. Or maybe they need some time alone every once in a while. You might be surprised by what you learn — and how you can be there for them.

Ask about their years as a kid. For instance: “What is your best and worst memory of your childhood?” Learning about your partner’s childhood experiences can really give you lots of insight into what shaped them into the adults they are today —and also help you to be sensitive to situations that may have impacted them — either positively or negatively — that still affect them today.

Here’s one that might bruise your ego for the moment — but is important to know. Ask: “What kinds of things do I do that annoy you — and what can I do to improve it?” Even if you’re momentarily hurt by the answer, know that every person in a relationship annoys their partner somehow. No one is exempt! The good news is that once you know, you can then modify your behavior to minimize any future issues that may cause frustration or resentment between the two of you.  

Here’s another great question: “Does anything keep you awake at night that you haven’t shared with me?” Maybe your partner has been keeping something inside — like a financial or health issue — that they don’t want to burden you with. Or maybe, for some reason, they’ve been afraid to share it. Once they open up, you can then be by their side to love and support them.

And finally, ask: “How can we make our sex life better?” I know, I know. It’s a hard question. But it’s an important one that can open up a dialogue between you both, and improve your intimate life enormously. Focus on the things you need and want — but be gentle, positive, and caring as you ask or answer this sensitive question.

Today’s small thing: Schedule a time with your partner this week to ask each other some of these meaningful questions. Also, make a list of your own to ask in the future. Focus on the things that ARE going well and those things that can be changed for the better — and watch your relationship soar.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about falling in love with your partner all over again.

So close your eyes, and let’s take a trip down memory lane — back to those first, lovely days of your relationship. Do you remember? You wanted to be with your partner every minute. The anticipation of seeing them at the end of the day was overwhelming. You melted when you heard their voice — or they looked into your eyes, or touched your hand. And the passion between you both was so great, you could barely keep your hands off each other. Can you feel it? Is your heart beating a little faster?

And now, open your eyes and come back to the present moment. It’s years later, and the sizzle seems to have fizzled. Maybe your everyday life has become so hectic, between kids and work and life in general, you’ve drifted apart. Perhaps your relationship has become monotonous — as you follow the same routines every day, having the same conversations, and the same disagreements. Or maybe, to tell the truth, you’re sometimes just too tired or annoyed or irritated to make the effort to connect.

So how do you get back to the early days? How do you ignite the spark to bring passion back to your life? How do you fall in love with your partner again? The answer is: By turning towards each other. The happiest couples make a consistent effort to positively connect. Not just sometimes. All the time. Even when they don’t feel like it. Here’s some simple but powerful ways to do just that…

Let’s start with this: Put down your phone! Turn off the TV, and step away from the computer! Make your partner a priority!

Next: Send flirty messages to each other. Whether your partner is sitting in the next room or on the other side of the couch, text something like: “Meet you in the bedroom in a half hour?”

Here’s another good one: Start a daily habit of a 60-second blessing. Spend one-minute affirming positive qualities you love about each other. Like “I love how you support me when I’ve had a difficult day.” Or “I love your infectious laugh.” You can start every day on the right foot by loving out loud!

And what about hobbies? What are some interests you both have in common? If you both love to read, start a book club for just the two of you! Or if art is your thing, buy a couple of easels and some art supplies, and try your hand at expressing yourselves on canvas.

Or maybe, take a leisurely walk around the neighborhood together holding hands. While you walk, reminisce about your life together, your first date, prior vacations, anything that makes you both fondly remember happy times in your relationship.

And here’s one you can start tonight! Remember your “make out” sessions of years gone by? Revive them! Make foreplay a priority before sex.

And don’t forget to show appreciation throughout the day. If your partner brings you coffee, say “Thank you”. If they take out the trash, say “I appreciate it.” These small moments add up.

And finally: Listen to Small Things Often!  Learn from our relationship tips…as a couple!

Today’s small thing: Choose at least one of our simple ideas — and begin to reignite that small spark between you — revive your connection, your friendship, your passion…and fall in love all over again.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about pursuing your partner at every stage.

There’s no final destination when it comes to your relationship. It’s a journey that will continually unfold. You are both active participants… shaping and molding your shared reality. Your work is never done. So whether you’ve been together for 2 months, 2 years, or 2 decades… you should never stop dating each other.

Dating isn’t just for the honeymoon phase of your relationship… when it’s filled with so much passion, excitement, and butterflies. We all want to feel loved and desired, regardless of what relationship stage we’re in, right? Otherwise, what has your relationship become? Your partner doesn’t have to become your roommate.

So find ways to court and pursue them every day… and love them out loud! Take time to remember how your partner likes to feel loved. Do fresh flowers make them smile? Surprise them with a bouquet! Or maybe it’s a hot cup of coffee on their nightstand before their feet touch the floor in the morning. It could even be a note on the bathroom mirror that says, “I can’t wait to see you later!” Take time to experiment and explore new ways you can flirt with them. Be creative and get out of your comfort zone!

And remember to schedule regular date nights… and make sure that time is sacred. It could be takeout from your favorite restaurant or a long walk at your favorite spot. The logistics are irrelevant — as long as you’re taking time to cherish each other. It’s in these small moments of connection that relationships flourish.

So don’t stop! It doesn’t matter how old you are or how long you’ve been together. It always feels good to have your partner pursue you… just make sure to reciprocate!

Here’s today’s small thing: Think about the ways you can pursue your partner on a daily basis. What would put a smile on their face? What would make them feel loved? Do your best to make it happen!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about two biases that may be hurting your relationship.

Both of these biases affect your ability to love your partner out loud because they could cause you to jump to conclusions. You could be judging situations or your partner in ways that negatively affect your relationship.

Let’s start with the first… confirmation bias is our tendency to pursue and believe facts that “prove” what we already suspect or believe to be true. Look at this example. You and your partner have arguments about spending. So when your partner takes you to a new fancy restaurant for your birthday… you think, “Did they not look at the menu? We can’t afford this!” You’re fuming. There’s not an ounce of you that feels like thanking your partner for a beautiful dinner. But your partner isn’t oblivious either. They say, “You seem upset. I thought you’d be happy to be here.” With rage in your eyes, you say, “You never look at how much things cost!”

Confirmation bias can be destructive, especially when paired with negativity bias… which is a tendency to give greater attention and weight to negative information. Maybe you’ve noticed that your partner has been different lately. Your partner just came back from a trip where they didn’t answer your texts right away. They also didn’t answer the phone one night when you called at the time you both agreed on. Since they’ve been home, they seem quiet and even went to bed early a few nights. You now believe that your partner is being distant.

After mulling it over, you confront your partner and say, “If you don’t love me anymore, why can’t you just tell me instead of shutting me out?” Your partner says, “What are you talking about?” As you explain, they respond with valid reasons. Their phone battery died a few times and they couldn’t get to their charger immediately. And the nights they went to bed early, they had to get up early the next day for work. It all totally checks out.

So how can you keep these biases out of your relationship? Here are some antidotes.

For starters… battle bias with fondness and admiration… which grows when couples intentionally put a positive spin on their relationship and on each other’s character. Instead of letting a confirmation bias consume you at a fancy birthday dinner that you think isn’t affordable, consider what your partner possibly had to go through to take you there and show your appreciation.

Also strengthen your Love Maps! Confirmation bias and negativity bias can make partners experts at pointing out each other’s failures and flaws. But that’s undermining the foundation for a happy relationship. Happy couples build their relationship on an ever-growing catalog of knowing each other’s likes, dislikes, desires, and dreams. If you know the path to your partner’s heart… their “Love Map”… use it to point out the good, not the bad.

You know what else will keep biases at bay? A spirit of we-ness. You and your partner… we… ness. It’s when you share a common purpose with similar beliefs, values, and goals. When biases invade your relationship, the focus often narrows to who’s right and who’s wrong. Remember what’s important to both of you… because you’re in this together.

So here’s today’s small thing: Recognize confirmation bias and negativity bias when you see it and use one of our antidotes so that you and your partner can stand together during hard times. Make an effort to turn towards them and to always see the good.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about surrounding yourself with healthy couples.

You are the company you keep, right? Surrounding yourself with people who are in positive, successful relationships could be a positive influence on yours. Let’s face it. Repairing and maintaining a relationship doesn’t just come naturally… but you can gain so much wisdom by observing great examples.

Let’s say you and your partner are friends with a couple that excels at expressing their opinions and navigating disagreements. Maybe it’s a disagreement over directions to a restaurant. With friendly voices, they both say what they think and their reasons for wanting to take different routes to the restaurant. After a few minutes of discussion, one of them agrees to the opposing route and a decision is made with no hurt feelings. There’s a lot to learn from seeing them accept each other’s influence and witnessing a disagreement being handled respectfully without criticism or defensiveness.

Or maybe you know another couple that still gets all lovey-dovey when they look at each other. They’ve been together for what feels like forever, but if you didn’t know any better… you’d think they’re newlyweds. Their eyes light up at the sight of their partner. They warmly greet each other. That kind of enduring fondness takes intentional effort… every day! It could be a great reminder of the power of expressing fondness and admiration for each other. That means being more proactive about complimenting each other, and expressing gratitude and love… out loud!

And remember that even a healthy relationship isn’t perfect (because a perfect relationship doesn’t exist) and we all have ups and downs. But there’s value in seeing how other couples navigate their struggles successfully by being intentional. Maybe you and your partner are friends with a couple that no matter what issues they face… they’ve remained committed to their relationship and each other. They read about relationships. They go to workshops to gather more tools to strengthen their relationship. They listen to Small Things Often together. They don’t go into cruise control. They know their relationship requires regular maintenance. Maybe by witnessing their work… you and your partner will realize that intentionality is key and sometimes it’s necessary to work for your relationship.

So surround yourself with healthy couples and learn from their success. But also keep an eye out for the opposite — couples who struggle… and then struggle to recover — so you can learn what not to do. The better you get at spotting and naming… contempt, defensiveness, and criticism… the better you’ll get at learning what to avoid or using an antidote to repair the situation.

Here’s today’s small thing: Talk to your partner about a healthy couple that you both could learn from. What is it about their relationship that sets such a good example? How could you implement their behavior into your relationship?

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about reconnecting and nurturing your relationship.

We know. It’s been an incredibly challenging time. Your stress level has been soaring, as you’ve done your best to make life for you and your family as normal as possible. But with a never-ending list of things to do — whether it be balancing work with kids, keeping up with the bills, or checking on relatives — something’s got to give. And, unfortunately, very often it’s the relationship with your partner.

Maybe you’re finding you’re arguing more over small things of no consequence, finding conflict where there really is none. Or perhaps, because your stress is at an all-time high, you’re blurting out things you don’t even mean. These small moments can add up, and over time can have a lasting impact on our closest relationships.

So what can you do? How do you maintain a loving relationship through really stressful times? The answer is: by sharing your fondness and admiration with your partner— showing and telling them how much you value them. So grab a pen, and jot down these simple tips that will help you get back on track — and let your partner know that they’re respected and loved. Ready? Here we go.

First, remember what your parents told you and mind your manners! Especially when you’re frustrated or overwhelmed. Don’t forget to use words like “please” and “thank you” and “have a good day”. Simple acts of kindness can help you reconnect.

Unlock your memory bank, and share a story or memory with your partner that illustrates a special quality or trait you love about them. Maybe it’s their quirky sense of humor, or their honesty, or their humility. Tell them in person — or surprise them with the story by text or email.

Here’s another one they’ll love: Jot down a short love note on a post-it, and leave it on their bathroom mirror, their laptop, their coffee cup — wherever you think they’ll be surprised and delighted. Maybe say, “I’ve been thinking about you all day” or “Did you know you’re the love of my life”? Be creative. The possibilities are endless.

Here’s something you can do as a couple: Take a few minutes to reminisce about your history together: Maybe talk about your first date, or a wonderful past vacation, or that joke they once told you that made you laugh till you couldn’t breathe. 

And here’s a tip you can do for yourself: Each time you have a critical thought about your partner, counteract it with a positive thought. So if you’re feeling annoyed and think, “Why do they never unload the dishwasher?” follow it up in your mind with a positive thought like, “I love the way they support me in my work.”

And finally: Share a gratitude journal. You and your partner can take a moment to write something in the journal that you appreciated — like, “I’m grateful that you went grocery shopping and bought my favorite dessert” or “I’m grateful that you listened to me rant about my difficult day.” Then you can pick a time to read the journal together. Or take a quick look at it on your own whenever you need a pick-me-up.

As you value your partner in these small moments — honoring each other, and sharing the fondness you feel for them — your appreciation for each other will grow — and help you to reconnect, no matter how stressful life becomes.

Today’s small thing: Take one or two of our suggested tips, and incorporate it into your day. Next week, add another. And then another — and learn how to treasure each other again. 

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about being “in like” with your partner.

“In like”!? Sound a bit strange? Here’s what we mean…

Let’s say you met your partner years ago, and immediately felt a connection to them. Maybe it was the way they were so kind to the waitress in the restaurant after she screwed up your order, or perhaps it was how they listened so closely to a story about your childhood, or maybe it was their wry sense of humor and their huge, warm laugh. Or maybe it’s something you can’t even put your finger on. But whatever drew you to them, you said to yourself, “I really, really like this person.” And from there, your attraction grew — and somewhere along the line, came the first “I love you.”

And now, years later, even with your ups and downs, and stresses, and arguments, you make it a point to say “I love you” frequently. That’s great. But when was the last time you told your partner that you “liked” them? Can’t remember? If so, it’s time to grab the very underrated “like” word out of your past — and bring it roaring back into the present. Because “loving” your partner is important, yes. But “liking” them…well, that’s at the very heart of your relationship — and should never be taken for granted. Falling “in like” is what drew you together. And that’s what will keep you together. Mutual respect. Sharing. Trust. Friendship.

Case in point: Ever see a couple that’s been together for many years, and they still love talking to each other, laughing with each other, and even enjoying the silences between them? That’s because they “like” each other. And they know it.

Need some suggestions on how to get there? Here’s a few:

First: Build Love Maps! Be aware and learn about your partner and their world. Pay attention! What do they like or dislike? Do they love old horror movies, and hate peanut butter? Know that. Listen to their stories about their high school years, no matter how many times they’ve told you about shooting the winning basket. Ask questions! Find out what they dream, what they fear. Dig deep. It can feel a little overwhelming to know where to start so we have some example questions to help you get started on Gottman.com, just search “love maps”.

Next: Share your fondness and admiration: Are you proud of your partner? Tell them! Do they look particularly fabulous one morning? Let them know! Say it out loud. And often. Whenever there is an opportunity, tell them in no uncertain terms how much you admire, respect, and appreciate them.

And finally: Turn toward your partner instead of away from them: Ask their opinion. Look into their eyes when they speak to you. Hold their hand at expected — and unexpected— moments. And don’t forget to laugh at their jokes.

Falling “in like” is powerful stuff. Let your partner know that they are your most favorite person to be around — and watch what happens.

Today’s small thing: The next time you say, “I love you” to your partner, follow it up with “and I like you.” Those three small words can mean so much — and transform your relationship.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about loving out loud.

As in, vocalizing your love for your partner to your partner. Verbalizing it strengthens your relationship… plus, it can also end up organically creating more moments of affection and respect…which are key in building a healthy, secure relationship.

It makes sense, right? Think of how good it feels to hear words of affirmation. Or just to hear someone say something nice about you. Something as simple as, “You are so good at that” can mean even more when it comes from your partner. That’s why it’s important to share fondness and admiration…in all your relationships — it’s a skill and an antidote for when contempt creeps in.

But don’t just stop at saying “I’m fond of you.” Tell your partner why. You could say something like, “I’m proud of the way you handled yourself when the basement flooded the other day.” Or, “I like how you make me laugh so hard my stomach hurts!” Tap into what made you fall in love with them in the first place and celebrate it!

Oh, and another piece of loving out loud… express your appreciation and gratitude. It’s not just about saying “thank you.” Your gratitude should extend beyond “what you do for me” and into “who they are.” Verbalize your appreciation for one of their characteristics and get specific about when you noticed it. Try saying something like,“I appreciate that you are patient. I noticed it yesterday when you were helping my mom.” Sharing the characteristics that you appreciate will help you articulate the big and little reasons you love your partner.

Maybe you think that your partner already knows all the ways that you love them… and maybe they do… but we promise it’ll mean more when you say it out loud. Say these things regularly — and try to make it a part of how you communicate every day! Your partner will likely pick up on this pattern and fall into the flow of loving out loud. Then both of you will continue to do the acts you received praise and admiration for… which can be a rewarding cycle to be in.

So here’s today’s small thing: Look for ways that you can express fondness and admiration to your partner. Do you admire their sense of humor? Do you love the way they’re always willing to help someone? Don’t just think it — say it and love them out loud!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about how to listen to Small Things Often with your partner.

Has this happened to you? You listen to an episode of Small Things Often, and totally recognize your partner in the tip. Maybe it was the episode about being a good listener — and you realized that your partner always interrupts and offers their own opinion instead of really listening to you, your thoughts, or your pain. Or perhaps it was the episode about handling difficult emotions— and you discover that your partner is a bottler who locks their emotions inside — until they explode.

If this is the case, how do you share what you’ve learned? Do you send them an email with the link to the episode and the email subject, in all caps: “THIS IS YOU! LISTEN AND LEARN!”…or maybe you just keep playing your favorite episode as loud as possible every time they come in the same room hoping something will sink in. Well, we have some other approaches to try. Because the point of Small Things Often is to improve your relationship together by asking for what you need and coming from a place of love – not judgment. If it comes across as a critique both of you could end up on the defense — and most likely lead to a fight that will not lead to positive growth in your life together. 

So how should you share the information you’ve learned with your partner? Be gentle and loving. Use words like “we” and “us” instead of “you.” Maybe say, “Take a look at this. Do you think it’s something we can work on together?” Or, “Let’s talk about this tonight.” Then set aside some time to share and discuss what you’ve discovered.

And, yes, it’s wonderful to share topics you find that you and your partner need to work on — but don’t forget to also share the ones you find that you’re already doing right. Maybe it was the episode on finding joy — and you suddenly realize that your partner is always discovering ways to bring fun and humor and excitement into your relationship. Tell them. Say: “You’re wonderful at this.” Or “Thank you so much for already doing this.” Let them know that their actions are appreciated and valued.

Today’s small thing: Set up time to listen to the Small Things Often episode that has resonated with you the most. Then take some time to discuss it with your partner — and share what you’ve learned — with love.

Thanks for listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships. Please let us know what you think of this series in reviews on Spotify and iTunes. Tell us what resonated with you, what topics you’d like for us to cover, and what you want more of!

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about how you view your relationship.

When you talk about your relationship, what do you say? Do you glorify the struggle by being proud of the good times and making light of the bad? Or do you focus on the disagreements and look back on them with resentment?

Not to freak you out… but when couples view their relationship’s history in a negative light, it’s one of our largest predictors of divorce. It’s a big factor in how happy and successful your relationship might be in the future.

So take a step in a positive direction and be proud when you share “The Story of Us” with other people. The story of your relationship is exactly what it sounds like. Did you meet your partner on a dating app and swiped right to your happily ever after? Did you stumble into each other at some place utterly ridiculous? Or were you high school sweethearts? Every couple has a story to tell — and where you met is just the icebreaker… kind of like that first date!

What are your favorite memories together? What are the difficulties that you’ve been through as a couple and how have you come out on top? How has your relationship changed over time? The answers tell the history and philosophy of your relationship!

Couples who have a positive “Story of Us” — even if you went through some hard times and even if you still have issues to sort out — are likely to succeed.

Here’s today’s small thing: Talk to your partner about the things that make you proud to be a couple! Reminisce about something positive that has happened in your relationship or something that you’ve conquered together.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about how to express feelings instead of judgements.

Yep. We’re talking about something that can be so subtle, so insidious, so very destructive to your relationship —and, yet, you might have no idea at all that you’re expressing it. What is it? Contempt. And if it’s been seeping into your conversations with your partner, they may be hearing judgements instead of your feelings.

What does contempt sound like? Here’s a couple of examples: “You went to the store and didn’t ask me if I needed anything? Don’t you ever think of anyone else but yourself?” OR “I can’t believe you’re late AGAIN! What’s the matter with you? I’m never late!”

Can you hear those negative judgements oozing into the conversation? THAT’s contempt. And although you may feel you’re just expressing your genuine feelings, this kind of lashing out with judgement can really hurt your partner and cause major lingering resentment.

But contempt doesn’t just come out in words. It can be your facial expressions, too — like rolling your eyes, sneering, shaking your head in disgust, or suddenly going totally silent and stonewalling.  But whichever way you express it, contempt says to your partner “I don’t respect you, I’m superior to you — and I want you to know it.” The repercussions of that can be completely destructive to your relationship.

So what’s the antidote to contempt? Expressing your feelings and longings — and doing it with compassion. And here’s 3 steps to do just that: First, make a clear statement of what you’re feeling. Next, state a request or longing of what you would like to happen — and then, offer an invitation to open a discussion.

So rather than saying: “You forgot to walk the dog again? What is wrong with you? I always remember!” Instead say: “I get nervous when the dog doesn’t get to go out for a long period of time because I’m afraid she’ll have an accident in the house. Is there a way we can figure this out together? What do you think?”

So first you’re giving a clear statement of what you’re feeling — which, in this example, is nervous and afraid. Then you’ve communicated a request or longing: such as “Since we use our calendars for who is cooking dinner that night, can we use it for reminders of when and who is walking the dog?” And finally, you’ve offered an invitation to open a discussion with the question “What do you think?”

So rid your conversations of contempt with your partner, shift your thinking, let go of the judgement — and show genuine compassion and empathy when airing your feelings. It’s one of the best things you can do for your relationship and your future happiness together.

Today’s small thing: The next time you have a grievance to air with your partner, think before you speak, get rid of any judgement, and use the 3 steps to a compassionate conversation.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about the importance of rest.

You probably realize that “recharging your batteries” is good for you, but did you know it’s good for your relationship? We’re not talking about just taking a nap. Resting can mean whatever refreshes your mind, body, and spirit!

Is it getting lost in a good book? Talking to your best friend for an hour? Working in the garden? Going online and adding things to your shopping cart, just to delete them later? While it’s not important what it is that you find relaxing, what’s important is that you take time to rest. If you don’t, you’ll limit your own capacity for empathy, positivity, creativity, and rationality — among other things! You can’t show up as your best self for your partner without first checking in and showing up for yourself.

So give yourself permission to rest. Don’t feel bad about it. Is your house a mess? Is your to-do list overflowing? We’re here to tell you — it can wait! Take the time and space you need to recharge. It’s okay if it means being less “productive” in that moment.

On the flipside, don’t expect your partner to be able to do it all either! Rest is an essential human need and you can support one another in making sure you both stop to rest, even if it’s just for a few moments.

So go take that nap if that’s what makes you feel better! Or take a bubble bath and blare your favorite music. Stop feeling guilty and start singing — we bet you and your relationship will be a whole lot better for it.

Here’s today’s small thing: Create a rest ritual together with your partner! Make it a dedicated time once a day — or even once a week — to drop everything and rest. You can even call it DEAR time. Get it? Drop everything and rest?

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about how to embrace ambiguity.

How much do you worry about tomorrow? In these unprecedented times, so many people are feeling stress and anxiety about the future. We know. It’s overwhelming. But the fact is, even before the pandemic swept the world, no one could be sure of the future with 100% certainty. It just isn’t possible.

So what do you do with this scary kind of limbo of “not knowing” what’s around the corner—this ambiguity about your life, your relationship — or your future? Do you consult an astrologer? A tarot card reader? Your friend’s cousin’s boyfriends’ psychic mom who your friend just swears will give you peace of mind? Nope. Save your money.

The key to dealing with the fear — the “scariness” of the future — is to embrace the feeling. Yep. Embrace ambiguity. What does that mean? Simply this: Don’t run from it — but instead lean into it. Don’t turn away from it — but instead turn towards it. Don’t keep those scary feelings inside — but instead share them.

Here’s some specific tips:

First: Realize and understand that what you’re feeling is uncertainty. Name it. Once it has a name, it’s easier to deal with. And then accept it — and begin to move forward.

Next: Realize that it’s totally okay to have these feelings. Everyone has them to some degree or another.

Now: Talk about it. Open up. Share your perspective with your partner. Take these thoughts and feelings out of the deep recesses of your mind — and air them out into the open.

Then: Reframe your fears. If you see change coming down the road — try seeing it as an opportunity for the future. Don’t hold tightly onto life, trying to keep it the way it’s always been. Instead, let go of what is no longer serving you or your partner.

And finally: Whatever the change in your life, find meaning in the outcome. Realize that you are not alone. Look around. Most of us are right there with you — feeling the same way, dealing with the same emotions — trying to make our way in an uncertain world. We’re all in this together.

Today’s small thing: If you’re holding in feelings of uncertainty and ambiguity, talk to your partner, openly and honestly. By sharing your deepest thoughts, you can transform your fear, become even closer — and gain love and support when you need it most.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about being a good teammate.

So what team are you on?

We’re not talking about your work-team on the job — or your weekend game with your pals on the Good-Volley-Ms-Molly Volleyball team. Nope. We’re talking about your relationship. Think about it. Are you on the same team as your partner? When you have a disagreement, or even just a discussion, who’s side are you really on? Are you adversaries, facing off across the kitchen table, both keeping score on what each of you said and how you said it? Do you constantly point out your partner’s mistakes, or what you perceive as their “wrong” perspectives, thinking you have all the answers?

Or…are you and your partner committed to always being there for each other, no matter what the issue or problem, supporting each other, gentle with each other’s thoughts and feelings, and working together, side by side, towards the same goal when the going gets tough. Well, if that’s the case, bravo. You’re probably playing on the same team.  

But let’s get specific. What does being on the same team look like in a relationship?

First of all, it means you show up. All of you — with an open heart and a listening ear — no matter what the challenge or issue.

It means respecting and supporting your partner’s decisions and perspectives, even if you have a different point-of-view. You let them know you’ll be there for them, standing by their side, no matter the outcome — positive or negative.

It means cheering them on when things go right — and never ever saying those four destructive words, “I told you so” if things go wrong, but instead working together to find a way to the other side of disappointment.

It means giving them, day by day, one of the greatest gifts of all — knowing they are never alone with you by their side.

So make a decision today — an actual conscious decision — that you and your partner will always be on the same team. In your mind, imagine wearing the same jersey — signifying your commitment to the “home” team! Just the thought of it, knowing that you walk hand-in-hand through this world together, with its unpredictable ups and downs and inside outs, will give you a sense of peace, and belonging — and draw you even closer together.

Today’s small thing: Think back on the last discussion you had with your partner when either of you had to make a big decision. Did you respect each other’s perspectives? Did either of you keep score? Did one partner think they had all the answers? If so, talk to your partner, and work together to come up with a plan to become better teammates.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about listening out loud.

That might sound strange, but really listening to someone doesn’t require dead silence. You need to engage. And we’re not talking about saying “mmhm” a few times or “uh huh.” That kind of listening could mean you actually have that person on speaker so you can read directions for homemade pizza.

Instead, practice engaged listening. Listening out loud — and doing so mindfully. It’s a skill built over time, so cut yourself some slack if this is a challenge especially in conflict or a tense conversation.

Here’s what you should do. Tune in to what the other person is saying. Stay curious and make understanding a goal. Confirm what you heard to see if you have it right! Repeat it back by saying something like, “So what you’re saying is…”. Ask clarifying questions! Also keep in mind that these are their thoughts. You’re the passenger on their train of thought. Follow their journey — at their pace.

The conversation might trigger some emotions for you personally… excitement, boredom, anger, confusion… and there’s a chance that you’ll unintentionally interrupt, get distracted, become defensive, or misunderstand. No one is perfect! But make sure you repair the situation. You could say something like, “I’m so sorry for interrupting. Please continue with what you were saying before I cut you off!” Remember though that your feelings and reactions are valid. It’s good to pay attention to what comes up for you.

Now that you’ve heard the “do’s” — here are some “don’ts.” While listening, don’t zone out to spend time planning what you’re going to say next or while you’re waiting for your turn to speak. And don’t try to finish their sentences! Let them talk without trying to finish or anticipate what they’re saying. Be careful not to try to “fix” things either or offer unsolicited advice. 

All of these things are easier to do… and not do… the more you practice engaged listening. While you should be aware of how much time you spend talking in the conversation, listening out loud and asking questions can help you intentionally be a better listener!

So here’s today’s small thing: The next time you have a conversation with a loved one, think about how much time you spend talking and sharing — and how much time you spend listening. What could you do to balance that better?

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about making time for date night.

Dates probably look a little different right now. 2020 has been a weird year and that means many of your routines, plans, and even your concept of time may have gone out the window. But it’s still important for you and your partner to make time for each other. To spend quality time together.

You have to be intentional about it — even if a “date” doesn’t look the way it used to. A date could be anything that helps you take a moment to connect: maybe you have a reading date on the couch, or spend an extra 20 minutes in bed together in the morning, or just go for a walk around the block and hold hands. With many of us working from home, it could be a breath of fresh air — literally for your relationship — to get outside, away from stressful distractions. So what if none of these are options? What if you’re in a long distance relationship and can’t get together frequently? Have a FaceTime or Zoom date! Make the most of it! Open a bottle of wine together or each order your favorite takeout — and pretend like you’re sitting across a table from each other… while you know, propping up a phone, tablet, or computer, so you can see their face.

Still set boundaries though — regardless of what you’re doing and wherever you are for date night. Make some agreements! For example, maybe you can agree to put your phones away — unless of course, you need your phone to see your date. Or establish ahead of time what conversations should be off limits — like work, the pandemic, or finances. 

Set the intention to invest your time in turning towards each other and enjoying each other’s presence! Plan for what that means to you, even if you can’t physically be together or go out to your favorite date spots right now. Because let’s face it, if you’re too busy for date night, you’re too busy. Date nights should be sacred times to honor your relationship!

So here’s today’s small thing: Schedule a weekly date with your partner. But not just any date night. This is a must-not-cancel, no excuses, scheduled on a calendar with a permanent marker date night. No matter how crazy life gets — make it happen! It doesn’t have to be fancy or elaborate. It just has to be meaningful. Prioritize each other.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about trust.

It’s no secret that trust is important in a relationship — it’s part of what forms stable relationships. But what does it mean to truly trust your partner? And what happens when that trust is broken?

To quote trust and technology expert Rachel Botsman, Trust is having a confident relationship to the unknown. It’s the bridge between the known and the unknown, over a river of uncertainty. And when it comes to your relationship… the known is how your partner shows up for you — their presence, the way they interact with you, the things they do and say. The unknown is the meaning or intention behind that — what they’re thinking, how they perceive things, their core feelings.

Trust is believing or being confident that your partner has your best interests at heart. It’s acting in good faith, giving them the benefit of the doubt, or holding the belief that they are doing their best.

Trust, like a bridge, is built. When you first enter into a relationship, you might think, “Of course I trust my partner!” But what’s the basis of that trust? Do you trust your partner because they haven’t let you down? Because trust hasn’t been tested yet? Or are you just a trusting person? Trust building happens as you move through life together. That doesn’t mean that initial trust isn’t real — there’s just room for that trust to grow even stronger. Trust is built as you express compassion and empathy for one another’s feelings. This foundation is essential when you face betrayal.

Don’t let this freak you out, but yes, betrayal happens in some form in every relationship. Like conflict, it’s inevitable. Betrayal isn’t always a full dramatic scene from a soap opera. It could be small, like your partner telling your mom something that you asked them specifically not to share. Or it could be something much bigger — like infidelity. While it can be difficult to work through, some of the strongest and most trusting relationships are based on repair after a betrayal. 

Talk to your partner about how you will navigate breaches of trust that may enter the relationship. How will you respond to things like misunderstandings, unmet expectations, and poor choices in ways that increase your trust metric?

Here’s today’s small thing: Build habits of turning towards your loved one. A little bit goes a long way when it comes to building trust! Do something kind for them or do something together! You can improve your belief in your partner, and your partner’s belief in you, over time through small, intentional acts… like listening to this podcast together!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Improve your relationship in 30 days with our 30 Days to a Better Relationship email challenge. Increase fondness and admiration for your partner gradually, with one email a day over a month. Learn more at gottman.com/30days

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about sharing to heal.

Are you keeping a thought or a feeling that’s bothering you deep inside? It could be something your partner said or did that’s been upsetting you for days.

Like maybe you spent the whole day cleaning the house, and when your partner came home, they made an offhand remark that there was still dust on the baseboards. Over the next few days, that one remark has bothered you so much that it’s built up in your mind to extreme levels — and you now feel totally unappreciated by your partner in every way. Or maybe it’s a shameful thought about yourself that you’ve kept buried deep inside, but never spoken about —and you’re reluctant or scared to share it with your partner for fear of being rejected or judged.

But the truth is, if you take that thought out of the darkness— place it out in the open — too shine a light on it, you might see that all the power you’ve given it will totally dissipate.

Another bonus: By sharing your thoughts, you’ll actually be giving your partner a gift — the opportunity to listen and understand —and deepen your relationship.

But remember — the feeling of safety is paramount! You both need to feel secure when sharing your thoughts and feelings. So sit down and talk about it and make a shared goal of truly being open to listening with understanding — with no judgement, no defensiveness, no reactivity — and no need to be “right.” Instead, just be focused on being there for each other, open, supportive and loving.

So share what’s on your mind with your partner — examine the thought, eliminate the power you’ve been giving it — and, finally, with the help of your partner’s open and loving heart, begin to heal.

Today’s small thing: If you’ve been holding onto some difficult thoughts lately, identify them and then think about how they’re affecting your life or your relationship. Then take a deep breath, make a time to sit down with your partner — open up, and share. 

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about friendship.

No, not friendship with your pals, which of course is important — but friendship with your partner. What’s the difference? Think about it. Say you have a best friend who’s fun, and smart and unpredictable. Every time you’ve planned a lunch —pre-pandemic— they were invariably late. But you always let it go, because that’s just one of their quirks. It’s never affected your friendship. You love your friend and accept them just the way they are — a loveable, quirky, imperfect person.

Now rewind that scenario, and replace your friend with your partner. If they were late for a dinner out, would you be so kind? Or would you be upset? Judgmental? Irritated? If so, you’re holding your partner to a whole different standard when it comes to friendship—and it’s something you need to explore. Why? Because friendship is truly the basis for every long-lasting relationship — and the key to what makes it work well. Being friends with your partner is the one of the greatest secrets to making love last.

If you feel like you could use some direction on how to create a stronger friendship with your partner — take a listen to these simple tips.

First, make your friendship with your partner unconditional — and accept the differences as you would with your friends. Remember that even though you may disagree, you still love each other —and so treat them with the same understanding and support that you would hope they would give to you.

Connect in the small moments! They’re so important! For instance, say your partner realizes the lightbulb is out in the hallway— and asks if there’s still some extra ones in the closet. You shrug and say, “I have no clue”. A better way of responding would be to say, “Let me check, and if we’re out of them, I’ll pick some up this afternoon.” Even though it’s a small, mundane exchange, your partner will feel they’ve been heard and acknowledged.

Open yourself up and express interest in the activities your partner loves! You may not enjoy tennis as much as they do, but maybe spending time watching the US Open on TV together can open up genuine moments of closeness and enjoyment.

And don’t forget to connect through everyday activities! Folding the laundry, doing the dishes, making the bed, cooking dinner are all opportunities to deepen your connection and check in on how your partner is feeling. Talk to each other! Share about your day, your thoughts, your hopes, and goals.

And finally: Always take your partner’s side. Stand up for them, help them when they doubt themselves, and never do anything that might make them feel unheard. In other words, be their friend.

Today’s small thing: How strong is your friendship with your partner? Assess it, and if you feel you both are coming up short, commit to daily actions that will put you on the path to make your relationship truly great!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about differentiation.

The more differentiated you are, the less likely you are to take things as personally when you’re in a conflict with a loved one. But what is differentiation? 

It’s an active process in which partners define themselves to each other. It’s acknowledging that you and your partner are two separate individuals with completely different identities. No matter how similar you and your partner may seem… you’re still different! And that’s a good thing! But it means you should expect different opinions from each other at times. Differentiation requires the risk of being open to growth and being honest!

Let’s say you’re in a conflict with your partner because you claim one of your partner’s friends isn’t a very good friend to them. Maybe this friend has been dropping the ball… totally leaving your partner in the dust… and yet your partner still sticks up for them. You think your partner should drop this friend like a bad habit, but they feel the need to keep this friend around. If you and your partner are differentiated… you can empathize with why your partner is willing to give this friend the benefit of the doubt. Maybe their friend is going through a hard time! And while you don’t agree, you don’t feel the burden of identifying with your partner’s feelings and can separate how you feel. You also don’t expect your partner to take ownership of your individual feelings.

In conflict, being a differentiated partner means you can give your loved one space while also remaining close enough to be caring and supportive, but not so close that you identify your partner’s feelings as your own and get lost in them. Instead of taking on your partner’s emotional state, you can express curiosity about it. You could ask things like, “Can you tell me more about what’s going on? Can you tell me about these feelings?”

Differentiation also allows you to soothe yourself or reach out to be soothed by your partner in a helpful way. Instead of saying, “You’re a complete jerk. You don’t care about me,” a differentiated partner would say, “I’m feeling really overwhelmed. Can I have a hug?” A differentiated partner doesn’t expect their loved one to feel their feelings. To differentiate is to develop a secure way of relating to your partner, but you have to be authentic with your feelings and needs.

So here’s today’s small thing: Talk to your partner about the ways that you both differentiate yourselves as individuals. How do you relate and support each other? 

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about how to react to a partner in pain.

You know how growing up you were told, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all”? Well when it comes to your partner, staying neutral can be invalidating. It can also break trust. We talked about how neutrality is invalidation in a previous episode and today, we’re taking a closer look at the real benefit to acknowledging where you stand! 

Let’s say your partner comes to you one day and says they just had this huge blowout argument with their mom. They’re so upset that when they start talking about it, their voice cracks and shakes, and tears start rolling down their face. The worst thing you can say in this situation is nothing. Neutrality, in response to a loved one expressing pain, is a form of turning away and can be even more devastating to the relationship than turning against your partner.

Turning against is at the very least being clear and offering an opportunity for continued engagement and repair. Turning away is silence.

Neutrality in the face of conflict sends the message that your comfort or your need to be right or “polite” is more important than an acknowledgement of the feelings being expressed. And that can be a betrayal.

So here’s what you can do instead of staying neutral. Try saying something like, “I am on your side.” Or, “I understand why you feel that way!” Show your support! Let them know that you’re there for them, fully present, and are supporting their expression of how they are feeling.

Here’s today’s small thing: The next time a loved one expresses pain to you, make an effort to turn towards them. Take a stance that isn’t neutral so that you can truly engage in the conversation.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Improve your relationship in 30 days with our 30 Days to a Better Relationship email challenge. Increase fondness and admiration for your partner gradually, with one email a day over a month. Learn more at gottman.com/30days

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about seasons of love.

Before you start singing that song from Rent, sorry if we made you start, it’s important to recognize that relationships have seasons. When hard times are hard, remember that it’ll pass. And when it’s good, hold onto it! Cherish it! Because that’ll pass too. But ultimately, there’s something to appreciate about each season. Lean into that appreciation. Hard days will return, but so will the good ones!

Think back to when you first entered your relationship with your partner. There was likely tons of passion, romance, a certain excitement where you couldn’t wait to see or talk to each other. You couldn’t get enough! And those butterflies were big enough to actually make you nauseous. This is called “limerence,” or, the honeymoon phase. And it’s called a phase for a reason. While some of those early feelings stick around in some relationships, the new-ness will wear off. It’s a season of love! So what happens when you and your partner go from hot and heavy to… early bird specials and ratty pajamas? It’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Shifts in the relationship’s dynamic can be unsettling at first, especially when they feel like they happen unexpectedly. But you’re growing and becoming comfortable with each other, and your relationship is getting stronger with each passing season! 

Everyone has a season they like best, or are most comfortable in, and it’s a good idea to talk about it! Be open with your partner! Ask them, “What season do you think our relationship is in right now?” “How does that make you feel?” Talk about what you can learn from the season that you’re currently in.

Here’s today’s small thing: Embrace the seasonal shifts in your relationship! Discuss the ways that you can support and connect with each other in the droughts of “winter” — when you feel like your relationship is just “meeh”… just okay — and when your relationship heats back up in the “summer.”

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about asking the question “Tell me something I don’t know about you.”

Has something like this ever happened to you? You’re having dinner with your partner and another couple. Suddenly the conversation turns to your childhoods, and one of your friends asks your partner what they wanted to be when they grew up. Your partner’s eyes suddenly light up and they talk about their dream to be in the space program. How they plastered their bedroom walls with pictures of moons and stars and famous astronauts. How they read every book on the subject. You turn to your partner and say, “I never knew that!” And your partner shrugs and says with a smile, “You never asked me.”   

Think about it. You may believe you know everything there is to know about your partner, that you’ve heard all their stories so well, that you could probably recite them by heart. But here’s the thing: You don’t know what you don’t know. And if you want to find out…you need to ask. So where do you begin?

Start out by asking “What’s something I don’t know about you?” This may open up a part of your partner’s life they’ve never shared, hopes or goals they’ve hidden away and kept deep within themselves, or emotional parts of themselves that will give you a better understanding about why they react the way they do to certain situations.

And don’t forget that sharing your inner selves with each other isn’t a one-time thing — it’s a lifelong process. If you ask your partner which country they most want to visit in the world, it might not be the same as it was a few years ago. The point is to keep asking each other questions throughout your relationship, remember the answers — and then ask some more.

The rewards of this one simple question, “Tell me something I don’t know about you,” can open up new levels of emotional connection and trust. Because the healthiest, happiest relationships are built not only on love — but on deep friendship and understanding.

Today’s small thing: Go on a date night with your partner, and ask them to tell you a story about themselves they’ve never told you before. Never stop asking questions — and learning about each other.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about how to process difficult emotions.

It’s not easy. Every relationship has moments that may irritate, anger, or frustrate us. Most people automatically default to one of two ways of dealing with these feelings: Bottling or brooding. Don’t know which you do? Take a listen to this scenario and think about how you would react.

Every week for the last month, you’ve asked your partner to sit down and go over the household finances. And they always say, “Sure, of course!” But then, at the designated time, they always have an excuse. The lawn needs to be mowed. Their dad needs their help. A work project needs to be finished. And, week after week, you’re stuck with figuring out all the bills yourself, and you’re completely frustrated and angry and hurt.

So how do you handle these emotions?

Maybe you bottle them up and push everything down, keeping your feelings “locked inside.”  If this is the case, you may rationalize to yourself, “I’m upset they keep avoiding this discussion, but really, in the scheme of things it’s no big deal. So I’ll just keep doing the bills myself till they have time to help. I’m fine.” But, really, you don’t feel fine at all.

Or maybe you go to the other extreme and brood about the situation. You become so consumed with anger and frustration, that it’s difficult to do or think about anything else but your partner’s disregard of your needs. You can’t let go of the anger. You obsess on your hurt. You dwell on their insensitivity.

Some people even go back and forth between the two. They bottle up the emotions till they can’t take it anymore, then start brooding about them — then feel bad about brooding — and start bottling again. And then — they explode. Not a good scenario for any relationship! 

But don’t beat yourself up! Your instinct to bottle or brood comes with some very good intentions — feeling that somehow, you’re handling your emotions effectively. But that’s actually not the case. Both bottling and brooding can have an enormous impact on your physical and emotional health, anxiety, levels of depression — and the quality of your relationship. Because even if you don’t say anything to your partner, on some level they sense something is going on with you.

So how do you stop the cycle?

First, Become more mindful and notice the difficult emotions as they come up-Awareness is huge.

Next: Try not to judge yourself for the emotions you’re feeling. Show yourself some compassion and kindness.  Talk to yourself as you would talk to a friend. 

Then, realize that bottling and brooding are signs that the situation is something you really care about. So be a detective: treat these difficult emotions as important information — and find the hidden meanings behind them. Why is this situation so important to you? Is it something you feel like you’re not getting enough of in your relationship?

And finally: Broaden your perspective. You know what you’re feeling. Now find out what your partner is feeling. Even in conflict, talk to your partner — explore, discuss and learn!

Today’s small thing: The next time you’re filled with difficult emotions, stop, think, and become aware of how you’re processing your feelings. Then take steps to figure out the hidden meanings behind your emotions — and explore those feelings with your partner.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Improve your relationship in 30 days with our 30 Days to a Better Relationship email challenge. Increase fondness and admiration for your partner gradually, with one email a day over a month. Learn more at gottman.com/30days

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about scheduling a fight with your partner. Whoa, what? Yep. you heard us right. And here’s the reason:

Maybe you’ve had some issues come up this week that are causing you to feel difficult emotions towards your partner. Like maybe you made dinner almost every night, and your partner never offered —not even once —to help or clean up afterwards, and you’ve been seething about it. Or maybe the credit card bill arrived, and your partner discovered that you blew most of the household budget on a new overpriced down comforter, and they’re feeling frustrated and angry. And you’ve both been holding those emotions and thoughts inside, ruminating about them, and watching them pop up at inappropriate moments, at the slightest provocation, even when there’s no reason for it. What to do?

Schedule a regular conflict meeting! And actually, we have a name for it: The State of the Union Meeting. But you can call it anything you like. Maybe “The Constructive Conflict Hour” or “Our Weekly Kitchen Check In.”

Whatever you name it, the point is to set aside a regularly scheduled time to talk about how the relationship is going in general, plus issues that have been bugging each of you, so those feelings don’t simmer and fester and explode into something larger. It’s a time to really discuss what’s going on in your head and your heart — and then problem solve together.

So how do you approach the check in?

First: Warm-up! Set a loving tone! Talk positively with your partner at the beginning of the conversation. Express your appreciation for each other. Talk about the things that are going well in your relationship and things you love about each other. This will remind you both that you’re fighting FOR each other, not against each other.

Secondly: Focus on understanding each other’s perspectives. Take turns as speaker and listener. This is so important because you need to identify the problem and understand each other’s point of view before you can even begin to think about solving it. A word of wisdom: Don’t try to persuade your partner to feel differently. Allow them to express themselves fully and feel understood.

And then: Compromise! Work on solving the problem together. If it’s an ongoing problem that feels unsolvable at the moment, find a temporary compromise and revisit it later.

And remember, if either one of you feels overwhelmed with the discussion, take a break! You can come back later and continue the discussion.

Your regular check-ins can be a powerful force in healing hurt feelings, misunderstandings, anger and any difficult emotions you may be holding inside. Think of it as preventative medicine to keep your relationship healthy and on track!

Today’s small thing: Schedule some time this week to talk to your partner about any issues that have been causing friction between you two. If this is your first check-in, don’t start with your most difficult issue. Instead, discuss a problem that is solvable for you both. After a while, you can build up to issues that are more complicated.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about practicing non-defensiveness.

It takes actual practice to respond and listen without getting defensive. It’s difficult! For a lot of people, it’s an automatic reaction. Maybe you respond that way because you feel a need to stick up for yourself. But you may not always need to! It’s important to practice taking a step back and making sure you understand the situation before jumping to your own defense.

Here’s an example. Let’s say your partner asks you, “Did you remember to confirm our reservations for this weekend?” Before you respond with one of the 3 forms of defensiveness… which are counterattack, righteous indignation, and innocent victimhood… take a minute to assess the situation.

You can say to yourself, “I feel defensive because I did not remember to confirm our reservations. Am I being criticized or am I perceiving this as an attack? My partner isn’t criticizing me, but I perceived this to be an attack because I’m sensitive to the implication that I’m forgetful or careless. Can I overlook that to keep this conversation on track?”

If you can’t overlook it, that’s fine. You could say to your partner, “I’m feeling defensive. I feel like you’re implying that I’m careless.” Then your partner can help clarify and together, you can get the conversation back on track and look forward to your weekend reservations.

Give yourself some grace and be patient as you practice non-defensiveness. If you slip up and get defensive, it’s okay! It’s catching yourself doing it that matters. If you realize it quickly, you could even ask your partner for a do-over.

Let’s use our earlier example. Your partner says, “Did you remember to confirm our reservations for this weekend?” You instantly snap back by saying, “Get off my back. Who are you, my mom? Actually, wait. Can I try that again? I’m sorry.” If your partner agrees, rewind your response! Say, “I forgot. But let me call right now!” Acknowledging and correcting yourself when you’ve responded defensively can go a long way!

So here’s today’s small thing: The next time you feel yourself getting defensive, assume positive intent! Take a step back to assess the conversation with your loved one and make an effort to respond non-defensively.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about identifying the forms of defensiveness.

Did you know there’s 3 different kinds? You’ve probably experienced them all in some shape or form… whether it was the way you responded to someone… or if you’ve been on the receiving end. The 3 kinds are: counterattack, righteous indignation, and innocent victimhood. These labels may not sound familiar, but we’re willing to bet you’ll be able to relate when we explain what each of them are. Identifying these 3 forms can help you realize how you may be responding defensively… totally unknowingly!

Let’s say you went grocery shopping and when you got home, your partner said, “Did you remember to get toilet paper?” A counterattack response would be something like, “No, but you didn’t remember to take the garbage out last night so I guess we’re even.” A counterattack response is an escalation of conflict through scorekeeping. Tit for tat. It’s saying, “well you did this so it’s fine that I did that.”

There’s also righteous indignation — an impulsive, offended response to a perceived attack. It’s saying, “I don’t see why I always have to be the one getting toilet paper. You use the bathroom just as much as I do.” It’s becoming instantly defensive while responding to what you believe is an attack.

And then there’s innocent victimhood — a 3rd form of defensiveness. It’s often disguised as whining, but it’s a rush to shame oneself and make the other person feel bad for the perceived attack. An example would be, “I have so much going on right now and going to the store stresses me out! How can you expect me to remember?”

The key to catching your own defensiveness is to pay attention to when you are potentially misinterpreting a statement or question as an attack. When you’re feeling defensive, it could be helpful to think about the intent of the conversation that’s making you feel defensive. 

What does a non-defensive response sound like? It can express acceptance of responsibility, admission of fault, and understanding of your partner’s perspective… something like, “Oops, I forgot the toilet paper! I should have asked you to go to the store today because I knew my day would be packed. That’s my fault. So sorry!” We’ll explore practicing non-defensiveness even further in our next episode!

Here’s today’s small thing: When faced with a conflict with a loved one, try to accept responsibility for your role in the issue instead of automatically becoming defensive.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about using the power of conflict to improve your relationship.

Yeah, we get it. Conflict is uncomfortable. And we usually avoid it at all costs. But, the fact is, conflict is inevitable. When you put two people together in a relationship, no matter how compatible they are, over a period of time, there will be problems, issues — and, oh yeah, friction.

But think about it this way: flint needs friction to start a fire! Becoming vulnerable and sharing your feelings is an act of intimacy, and if you manage it correctly, these conflicts can make you even closer. Yes, conflict has the power to transform your relationship — and help form an even stronger bond between you and your partner! Truly. We’re not kidding.

So was that “flint” just struck? If so, here’s some tips to navigate a conflict you might be currently going through. 

If you found the courage to talk to your partner, but now see the discussion is becoming too intense, take a 20-minute break. During that time, calm down by doing something that soothes or distracts you. When you come back to the discussion, let one person speak at a time, while the other listens. Do not interrupt your partner. You’ll also have the chance to say what’s on your mind when it’s your turn.

When you begin to speak, be gentle and use “I” statements to reflect your feelings, such as, “I felt so lonely this week when you worked late every night.” Don’t use the word “you” as in “You worked late every night this week and it upset me.” Hear the difference? Using the word “you” points the finger at your partner and may cause them to become guarded and defensive.

Next, create a safe space for your partner. Don’t judge or argue or give advice. Just listen and ask questions. Put yourself in their shoes, listen to what they need to say, and respond with empathy and understanding.

Make repairs while you discuss the conflict. While your partner is expressing their feelings, say “I understand,” or “I hear you,” or “I get it.” Also don’t forget that your body speaks as loud as your words! Make eye contact, nod your head, and if it feels right, reach out and offer a physical gesture of affection.

And finally, ask your partner what they need from you to resolve the conflict — and then find ways to create small compromises that you can both agree upon.

Forged in fire, you and your partner can emerge from the other end of a conflict even closer and more attuned to each than ever before. So don’t avoid conflict! Embrace it, confront it, and see how your relationship will grow and thrive because of it!

Today’s small thing: Next time a conflict appears with your partner, remember that confronting it and talking about it can create an even closer bond! So don’t avoid it or ignore it! Dive in and try to solve it!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about how to recognize gridlock and ways to overcome it.

So think about it. Do you have a perpetual problem that keeps coming up in your relationship? And have those conversations become totally stuck in conflict — like a traffic jam at rush hour, where no one is moving in any direction? Then you may be in total gridlock. Check out these 5 phases a conversation goes through before total gridlock occurs. 

First: Your dreams are in opposition. For example, maybe one of you loves to socialize and wants the other to go to parties, travel, and get out more, while the other is a homebody — whose idea of a good time is reading a book, watching a movie on the couch, and eating in every night. Opposing dreams, such as these, can create perpetual conflict.

Secondly, you both become entrenched in your positions. Neither one of you is willing to budge from your opinion.

In the third phase: You’re both fearful of accepting influence from the other. Neither one of you is willing to open your mind and really listen and care for the other’s thoughts and feelings.

Because you and your partner are so staunchly stuck in your own positions, in the 4th phase, bitterness and anger may cause you to vilify each other whenever the conflict arises — which works against the goal of compromise.

And the fifth phase? Sadly and painfully, the two of you become totally emotionally disengaged from each other — which can impact every single part of your relationship.

But here’s the good news! There are ways out of gridlock! And if you’re already deep within it, here are some ideas to break out of it!

Become a “dream detective”: Uncover and share the personal dreams you each have for your life with each other. Research has shown that “unrequited dreams are at the core of gridlocked conflict”! So dig deep, and understand where those dreams come from and what they mean to you personally. You may find that they’re profoundly different from your partner’s dreams, and need to be discussed.

But be sure that when you explain your feelings, you do it without criticism, blame or judgement! Then dig even deeper with questions like, “What do the two of us need or want in the area of the conflict?” Or, “What are our thoughts and feelings BENEATH the problem we’re discussing?” But remember, don’t attempt to solve the problem immediately! Give each other the time and space to digest and think about all you’ve discussed.

Also, don’t forget to soothe each other! If you or your partner are stressed by the discussion, take a break. Because if you’re flooded with emotion, you’re probably not ready for a productive conversation at that moment.

And finally: Accept that some problems are unsolvable — and will never completely go away. In this case, the goal is not to solve the problem, but instead to “declaw the issue” by removing the hurt. Try talking to your partner to define the core issues you cannot agree upon. Then define your areas of flexibility and, together, figure out a temporary compromise that works for you both — and honors both your dreams.

Today’s small thing: If you’re in a gridlock conflict with your partner, don’t despair! Identify the signs of gridlock, and with that awareness, know you have the tools to move forward.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about being aware of your own emotions.

What are you feeling right now? Right at this very second, what emotion are you experiencing?  If you’re wondering why we’re asking… it’s because the more you can name your own emotions, the less likely you are to become overwhelmed by them. How does that translate to your relationship? Your awareness can help your loved ones when they experience difficult emotions.

It’ll help you relate! You know that feeling of disappointment that you felt when your friend left you high and dry? Completely ditched you for something or someone else. If you recognize and acknowledge that disappointment, you’ll have compassion for your partner when they experience that same feeling. You’ll be able to see where they’re coming from and can provide words of encouragement for how to work through it.

So when you’re feeling a certain emotion, name or identify it whenever possible! Say exactly what you’re feeling. Or maybe what it feels similar to. Where in your body do you feel it? What response is it causing? Can you examine the feeling without judging it? That’s important too. Don’t judge your emotions. No emotion is inherently negative, sometimes it’s just difficult or uncomfortable. Be easy on yourself and be curious about your emotions — not critical. 

If you can’t pin down how you’re feeling, make up a name for it or assign it a color. It may sound a little strange, but hear us out! Talking yourself through it even when the emotion is unclear can help provide some clarity. You can say, “I’m feeling gray, which is when I feel some combination of dread, sadness, and guilt in the pit of my stomach. Gray makes me want to procrastinate or dull myself down. While it’s unpleasant, I have every right to feel gray and gray is not inherently bad.”

So here’s today’s small thing: Try to expand your emotional vocabulary! When you realize you’re feeling a certain way, identify and express that feeling.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about disagreements.

It can be hard to “agree to disagree” with your partner sometimes, right? Maybe you truly think that you have to agree on everything in order to have a good relationship. And when disagreements happen, you wonder if you have any shared values at all. But when you’re feeling this way, remember… this is your partner, not your clone. Wouldn’t it be a little strange… and maybe a little boring… if you agreed on everything?!

You’re both bound to see the world differently from time to time. And maybe you can learn from each other’s perspectives! What’s important here is that you’re able to separate your self from your views.

Here’s what we mean. Even if you don’t agree with their views… can you still see, value, understand, and accept your partner as a human being? What do you know about your partner that might inform these views?

Let’s say you’re cleaning up after dinner. You offer to do the dishes while your partner wipes down the counter. You start to load the bowls in the dishwasher when your partner says “wait…what are you doing with those?” and suddenly you find yourself in an intense debate about what does and does not belong in the top rack. Just because you believe bowls go up there and they think bottom rack or bust — doesn’t mean one of you is “wrong” or that you need to agree. 

Take a step back and look for ways to understand their perspective and why it’s important to them. Maybe they wanted to move the bowls to the bottom rack so they can fit all the dishes in this load so you don’t have to worry about it in the morning. 

You could say, “Oh, I see where you’re coming from. Thanks. I was worried about the bowls breaking so I usually put them in the top rack, but I get it.”

No matter how you end up loading the dishes, talking it through with the desire of understanding each other makes room for different perspectives in the relationship — which happens all the time! Since you are your own people with your own thoughts and styles!

So, change the goal from agreement to understanding!

Here’s today’s small thing: The next time you’re in a disagreement with a loved one, focus on understanding their point of view. You don’t have to agree with it, but try to see where they’re coming from and then express that understanding!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about embracing change in your relationship.

In relationships, the only constant is change. Don’t let it freak you out, but it is a fact that things won’t always stay the same. People evolve! We learn and grow from our experiences. Sometimes we change for the better… and sometimes we change for the worse. Or maybe it’s somewhere in between. But does your relationship have space to accommodate change? Be open to the ways that you’re both evolving — together and individually.

It doesn’t necessarily matter how long you’ve been in a relationship, from the time you started dating your partner up until today… whether it’s your feelings, your environment, the connection you have with your partner… things may have changed your relationship. Let’s say personally, you watched a family member’s destructive relationship unfold. Hearing them communicate makes you cringe because of their lack of respect for each other. It’s BRUTAL. It lit a fire in you, to never talk that way to your partner. And now you’re extra conscious of how hurtful words can be. It’s led to a big positive change in your relationship where respect for each other is of utmost importance.

Sometimes partners change together. Maybe when you first started dating, you loved the thrill of an exciting Saturday night out on the town. Dinner, drinks, dancing, neon bright lights, and a cab ride home. But now… years later? You both love and crave a relaxing night at home… talking and catching up… even before the pandemic. You’ve become homebodies and connect differently with each other. You’ve changed as a couple — and that’s totally okay!

You can embrace the change by being open about it. In what ways has your partner changed that you’re grateful for, beyond maybe a questionable hairstyle or two? Ask your partner how you’ve changed too! What changes have surprised you in your relationship? Talk about the ways that you’d like to change in the future! Make room in your relationship to evolve.

So here’s today’s small thing: Go back in time and talk to your partner about who you were 5 years ago. And even 10 years ago! How have you changed? How have they changed? 

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about building Love Maps.

You think you know your partner, but do you really? You probably know their basic likes and dislikes… what they want in a partner… what makes them happy… but do you know who your partner’s best friend was when they were 12? What about their first crush? How did your partner learn to ride a bike? Were they a natural or did they struggle with the whole “balance” part and have the battle scars to prove it?

Having these conversations and getting answers to these questions is a part of building Love Maps. Think of it this way. When you choose to spend your life with someone, you’re handing them a map to your inner world! Your inner world is, of course, complex. You have memories of your past, details of your present, and hopes for the future. It includes your deepest fears and your grandest dreams. All of these things are part of your Love Map. But remember, it’s a pencil sketch.

It’s your job to intentionally add details to it with your partner! The map needs scale, direction, landmarks, texture, color, and everything in between. A detailed Love Map brings perspective to the twists and turns that inevitably come up in a partnership.

A fun way to do this is to dig into your partner’s archives — to figure out who they were growing up and how it shaped them into the person they are today… and influenced what they want in the future! But don’t just stop there. It’s also equally important to keep your Love Maps active and up-to-date. Relationships and people evolve… and what you think you want, your likes and dislikes, your fears… may change!

Make adding new bits and pieces to your Love Maps a priority over the lifetime of your relationship. Rome wasn’t built in a day! But don’t be intimidated by this task. Have fun with it and remember that you can always get to know your partner better. Don’t ever stop asking questions — no matter how silly it may seem.

So here’s today’s small thing: Try picking an age and invite your partner to share a story about themselves at that age. For example, say, “Tell me a story from when you were 10,” or, “What were you like at 17?” Approach it like a journalist. Get details, ask follow up questions, and be curious! Take turns picking the age and telling stories. You might be surprised by what you learn about your partner.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about taking responsibility instead of becoming defensive.

When you’re dealing with a conflict in your relationship, it’s easy to get defensive — it’s easy to say things like, I’m acting this way because of what you’ve done. But what is that doing to your relationship?

The antidote to defensiveness is taking responsibility. Let’s say you’ve had a bad day. And maybe your partner just said something that made you nearly implode. They didn’t even say anything that would normally upset you, but today, it really rubbed you the wrong way. You’ve had a hard day at home with the kids, while trying to work remotely, and your partner walks in and says, “what’s for dinner?” It feels like they are totally disregarding the fact that you have a crying kid in your arms while ALSO trying to video chat with your boss. Your partner didn’t necessarily mean anything by the question of what’s for dinner, but that question basically made your eyeballs pop out of your head. All you can say is, “Are you kidding me right now?” followed by the nastiest look that you can muster.

So what happens when your partner confronts you later? They think that you blew up out of nowhere. It may be hard in this moment, but take a deep breath and choose to see where they’re coming from. Try to shake off the need to defend yourself at all costs and focus on the full situation! When you take a minute to consider the full picture you could avoid saying, “I responded that way because you were oblivious to the situation” — and instead say, “I’m sorry for how I reacted. I was feeling overwhelmed in that moment.”

When we take responsibility for words or actions that have caused distress, we’re opening the door to changes we need to make in order to have a healthy relationship. Defensiveness can keep the door slammed shut. So it’s important to acknowledge the pain that you may have caused! Remember that you love your partner and channel that love to form your response.

Taking responsibility can be a difficult skill to master, but the conversation that follows will be your reward.

So here’s today’s small thing: The next time you’re in a conflict with a loved one and you start to feel defensive, recognize it and call it out! Say to them, “I’m feeling defensive.” It’s a great place to start to take responsibility for your words or actions.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about how being neutral can be invalidating to your partner. 

What does that mean? Here’s an example…

Say your partner comes home from work, so upset, they can barely speak. You ask what’s wrong, and they tell you: Their boss took the credit for their legal brief. And all day long, their boss has been getting accolades for your partner’s 6 weeks of hard work! Your partner is inconsolable. So you say “Ah, don’t worry, you’re still getting a paycheck every week” or “They’re your boss. That’s what happens in business!” — or maybe even, “Why does this bother you so much? Just forget it. You’re overreacting! Let’s have dinner.”

And then, when your partner asks you why you’re not being supportive, and always taking the other person’s side, you say, “I’m not siding with anyone! I’m just neutral!”

Well, we’re here to tell you that “being neutral” to your partner at a time when they are hurting and desperately need you to hear them can be incredibly destructive. Your “neutrality” can cause them to feel invalidated — unheard, not respected, and not valued. And over time, that can cause a deep wound that can irrevocably erode the trust and relationship between the two of you. But a word of caution: Validation doesn’t necessarily mean you have to agree with your partner or their stance! It simply means that you recognize their feelings as real and valid for them.

If you’re consistently staying “neutral” when your partner comes to you with an emotional issue, it’s important to look inside yourself and figure out why you react that way. Are you uncomfortable when your partner expresses strong emotions? Do you feel you’re actually helping by making the event smaller than it is — or are trying to “fix” things by telling them they shouldn’t feel “that way”? Finding out why you respond the way you do can be the start of a powerful change. 

But take heart! If this has been a pattern between you and your partner, there are steps to healing.  

First, atone: Really take an action to right your past wrongs. And don’t just do it once. Stop the harmful behavior and continually work to repair it.

Then attune: Go to your partner and really listen to them — maybe for the very first time. Hear their story and their perspective — and help them heal.  

And finally, attach: Commit to your partner that this is now the “new normal”. You will be there consistently, on an on-going basis, to really hear them, validate their feelings — and, hopefully, trust will follow.

And these steps don’t just apply to personal relationships. On a broader level, the events of the past few months in our country and the world have weighed heavily on all our minds. What we’ve learned is that our own thoughts and actions do matter — because stepping back and becoming “neutral” in today’s environment is, in fact, a form of invalidation. So take these steps and use them in your personal life — as well as in the community at large.

Today’s small thing: The next time your partner expresses strong feelings, stop, listen — and remember that your focus and validation and understanding will go a long way to repairing and strengthening your relationship.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about building relationships brick by brick.

Relationships aren’t magically unveiled in a single romantic moment. Would you really want it to be? Building something can be the satisfying part! 

Think of it this way. Imagine buying an awesome, but intense Lego set for a 7-year-old. And as a grand gesture, you give them the Lego set fully assembled. You spend hours building it. You’re so excited to show them! And then when it’s time for the big reveal, you see a disappointed 7-year-old who is not excited. By creating this one-time grand gesture, you deprived them of the little moments that make Legos fun — building it brick by brick and making memories! This concept applies to your relationship.

Small, intentional moments hold more weight than isolated, extravagant gestures when it comes to building emotional longevity in your relationship. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take your partner out for a hot date or surprise them with a romantic weekend getaway. The big things matter too. But it’s important to appreciate the little things. The little things you do every day to connect with your partner. It’s the whole idea around Small Things Often!

You can help build your relationship… brick by brick… by creating moments of connection with emotional bids. A bid can be as simple as asking, “How are you doing today?” Or be more vulnerable by asking things like, “How can I make you feel loved today?” Check-in with each other on a daily basis and have these conversations. Bids are the building blocks of relationships — so remember to pay attention to your partner’s bids too! Accepting bids builds connection. Missing bids results in disconnection.

So here’s today’s small thing: Create a daily ritual of connection in whatever way works for you and your partner — just make a habit out of taking a little time every day to be present for each other. It could be a kiss before leaving the house, talking about your day over a glass of wine, or taking a walk together!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about good and evil.

Think we’re going to review an Avengers or Star Wars movie? Not a chance. Relationships aren’t like the movies where the hero battles against the villain. Movie characters like these are one dimensional and depicted as totally good or totally evil. In real life people have nuance — no one is “all good” or “all bad.” Here’s a news flash that we all have to keep in mind: The “perfect” person doesn’t exist.

So take a look at your own relationship. Have you been casting your partner in the role of hero or villain? Either way, you’re doing your relationship a great disservice. Take this example…

Say you’ve texted your partner in the middle of the day with some great news you want to share. You’ve sent the text and waited one minute….five minutes….ten minutes….and have gotten no response. Your anxiety starts to soar, and you begin to create stories in your head about why they’re not responding. You think, “Are they ignoring me?” or “Are they mad at me?” or maybe “Did they turn their phone off JUST so I couldn’t get through?” And then, your mind begins to race to all kinds of scenarios, and you become angry, fearful, and defensive, drawing all kinds of conclusions as to why your text wasn’t answered. And then, when they finally do respond, you’re so angry, you can barely speak. And they have absolutely no idea why. They are completely baffled and bewildered by your anger. And here comes the argument.

If you relate, this may be due to something called NSO — or Negative Sentiment Override. What does that mean? Very simply, it means that over time, for some reason, trust has been broken, and you find it very difficult to give your partner the benefit of the doubt — which leads to perceiving every action, even the neutral ones, as negative —which can drive the two of you apart. What’s the antidote? Embrace ambiguity! That’s right! Be open to another interpretation of your partner’s actions! Keep your eyes open to the grey areas! Otherwise, you may be labeling your partner’s actions and intentions before you get the full story.

Remember that seeing each other as good or evil, hero or villain, is not realistic. Because nobody in the universe is just one thing. So work to be open to seeing your partner in a positive light — and try to assume the best rather than the worst. Because really, when you think about it, we’re all flawed — but we are all, every single one of us, still worthy of love.

Today’s small thing: When interacting with your partner, be aware of your thoughts. Don’t let them take root and swirl into rigid black and white thinking! Catch them as soon as they enter your mind! Rethink your interpretation of your partner’s actions — and think about the grey area.  

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about preparing yourself for difficult conversations with your loved ones.

That doesn’t sound fun, does it? Difficult conversations aren’t fun to have with anyone, let alone someone that you love. But sometimes it’s necessary to have those conversations that begin with a pit in your stomach and sweaty palms. Preparation is the best way to make sure it goes as well as possible.

Why do you need to prepare? If it’s a difficult conversation, that means the conversation could carry some big and strong feelings for you, your loved one, or for both of you. Your words — and theirs — could come with some serious weight. You need to be mentally and physically prepared to talk about it and for the outcome — this could go good, bad, or somewhere in between. There are some questions that you can ask yourself… to make sure you’re ready… before the conversation begins.

Flat out ask yourself, “Am I ready to have this conversation?” You need to be able to talk about the specific conflict or incident without getting mired in the emotionality of it again.

Also ask yourself, “Am I calm enough to have this conversation?” Are you able to differentiate between your own emotions and the events that occurred? You might not be there yet! And that’s okay, but it’s important to recognize that before the difficult conversation begins because you might not be ready to talk about it.

Are you willing to seek to understand the experiences of this event outside of your own? You’ll need to be able to consider the other person’s viewpoint so if you’re still solely engrossed in your own, you may want to rethink the timing of this conversation.

Are you willing to speak from your experience without trying to persuade? Are you willing to attune to the feelings of others and what the event that you’re upset about meant to them? And are you in a position where you can be fully present for this conversation? Make sure you aren’t distracted and that your loved one has your full, undivided attention.

A majority of the time, the way a discussion starts determines the way it will end. Remember that as you mindfully begin the conversation once you’re ready. Set the tone! Be intentional with your words and be prepared for how both you and your loved one might feel during and after the conversation.

So here’s today’s small thing: The next time you want to have a difficult conversation with a loved one, take a few minutes and pause. Run through some questions to make sure you’re prepared and in the right frame of mind to clearly communicate with understanding and compassion.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about subjective realities.

Some things are just that — subjective. And when you’re in a conflict, it’s possible that two different viewpoints are both valid, even if it feels like “the right side” is obvious. We do want to be clear though that there are certain situations where this may not apply. The civil unrest that’s been happening in our country is an example. The existence of two different viewpoints doesn’t give anyone permission to be racist or violent.

But there are times when there’s two valid sides to a conflict. That means no one is necessarily right or wrong — because we all see things a little differently sometimes. It’s important to acknowledge both sides in these situations so you don’t deny your partner’s experience.

It’s also important to separate facts from feelings. Because feelings aren’t facts, but they do matter. 

Let’s say both you and your partner are working from home right now. And today, your partner woke up on the wrong side of the bed. And you already have it in your head that they clearly have some major ‘tude as they go to close the door to your shared office. In fact, the sound of the door closing makes you jump. To you, that sound was loud and totally unexpected.

It might be natural to just blurt out, “Why did you slam the door?!” But instead of going back and forth with your partner about whether or not they really slammed the door, try acknowledging your feelings. Try saying, “I felt afraid when the door closed — it was so loud it made me jump.” Instead of, “You scared me when you slammed the door.” Do you hear the difference?

When you use an “I” statement about your feelings instead of a “you” statement, it’s more likely to make your partner feel less defensive and give them an opportunity to address your feelings. Maybe they don’t think that they slammed the door, but you think they did. No one is necessarily wrong. What’s important is that feelings on both sides exist, so they need to be heard and acknowledged.

Your partner has a right to feel however they do, even if it’s different from how you feel. And that goes both ways!

So here’s today’s small thing: The next time you find yourself in a conflict, ask yourself, “Is the reality of this situation subjective?” Instead of arguing over perceived facts, acknowledge your feelings and be open to theirs.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about listening to your partner.

Are you a good listener? I mean, have you ever really thought about it? You should. Because it’s an incredibly important skill, especially these days when anxiety and stress are at an all-time high. Being able to really listen to your partner with a caring heart, no matter what’s on their mind, can have a huge impact on the health of your relationship.

So here’s the thing: Whether your partner needs to vent or explain or just talk — your job is to listen to their pain. And that doesn’t mean just “hearing it.” It means being totally focused on what your partner is saying, and listening with empathy and understanding. It means not being defensive or interrupting, even when your buttons are pushed. It means listening to your partner until they’re finished before you respond, or try to fix the issue, or give advice. We know. It’s not easy. It takes practice. Here’s an example.

Say your partner says they need to talk. You immediately tense up, knowing it will probably be about the small argument you had last night that escalated into a larger argument about finances. You’re already feeling defensive or hurt or angry before they even start speaking, but you can see they’re in a great amount of pain. So how do you handle it? Here’s some skills that will help you through.

First, self-soothe. While your partner is speaking to you, be sure to keep in the back of your mind how much you love and respect them. Think about the joy they bring you, the love you’ve both shared — and know that working through this issue will bring you even closer.

If you feel defensive, or the need to immediately respond, breathe deeply and relax your body. Postpone your reaction — just focus on your partner’s pain. A bit of ambiguity or discomfort on your part is to be expected. Allow for it. 

Stay interested. Listen closely to the details of what your partner is saying and respond to their thoughts and feelings. Ask short, specific questions to probe deeper and show them that you’ve really heard what they’ve said. Nod and say “yes” to their thoughts to let them know that you understand. Or maybe paraphrase what they’re saying, so they know you’re listening closely.

Remember: Your listening ear is what your partner needs when hurting or struggling. Your support, your empathy, your presence will be healing. Listen fully. And then, let them know that you hear their pain — and then talk about ways to help alleviate it.

Today’s small thing: The next time your partner expresses the need to talk about their pain, listen with empathy, kindness, and understanding.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about taking care of each other by taking care of ourselves.

Does this sound like you?

You love sharing your life with your partner. You’ve dreamed about a relationship like this your whole life, and feel like it’s going really well! But, lately, you’ve realized that you’ve totally forgotten about one of the most important relationships of all — the one with yourself!  Creating space and time for yourself is vital to having a strong, solid relationship with your partner. In fact, the healthiest relationships involve both of you keeping your own individuality alive and well!

Because here’s the thing: Spending too much time together, being “fused at the hip” can be unhealthy, and sometimes happens when one partner feels uncomfortable about expressing their own uniqueness, and so they try to merge with their partner in everything they do. At the other extreme are couples who keep each other at arm’s length, fearing that they’ll lose their sense of self in the relationship. The key, as is with everything in life — is balance. 

The happiest couples we know allow each other to have a sense of autonomy — to explore and experience the things in life that are important to them, even if it means “doing their own thing.” They encourage each other to follow their dreams. They strive not to be independent or dependent — but, rather, interdependent! 

So reclaim your individual identity and recharge your batteries! And encourage your partner to do the same! If your partner says, “I’m feeling stressed. It’s a beautiful day. I think I’ll go down to the driving range and hit a few balls.” Say, “Sure! I’ll watch the kids!” Or maybe your partner excitedly tells you, “There’s auditions for the community choir tomorrow. I’d like to audition for it.” Say, “Go ahead! You have a beautiful voice.”

For yourself, choose an activity that might help you grow personally. Take a French class, join a book club, or art class. You’ll find it will help you grow personally — and make you appreciate your relationship even more. And when you come back together, you’ll be stronger for it! Think of the amazing conversations you can have sharing the wonderful personal experiences you’ve  had with your partner over dinner!

Bottom line? No matter how compatible you are, no one can provide their partner with everything they need. You each sometimes need to go outside the relationship to find it. So trust each other, support each other, and celebrate the time each of you take to feed your soul.

Today’s small thing: The next time your partner expresses the desire to do something for themselves outside of the relationship, encourage them, support them, and be a cheerleader for their success.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about connecting in the midst of uncertainty.

Everyone has gone through a crisis at some point in their life. Maybe you’re even going through one right now. Everything feels untethered in a crisis. You’re overwhelmed with swells of fear, panic, anxiety, sadness, anger, or even numbness. 

And that uncertainty that comes from a crisis can also test your relationship. Maybe you and your partner are spending way more time at home right now because of COVID-19, alongside your kids, all while trying to work from home. It can be a lot… so the pre-existing conflicts can be magnified.

On top of that, some couples might also be navigating a difference in emotional needs. Maybe your level of worry and anxiety isn’t matching your partner’s. Or maybe one of you needs more space and the other needs more togetherness. So you don’t drift apart, both partners need to be conscious about the decisions and choices they make in their daily interactions — and the key is understanding.

Here’s how you can find that understanding in the midst of the chaos. Have some open and honest conversations to connect with your partner. You could start with, “How are you feeling today?” But you also don’t necessarily have to start with a question. Lay your feelings out there first! You can say, “I feel this way about this thing. What about you? How do you feel about it?” If you’ve already picked up on an emotion that your partner may be feeling — let them know in a loving way! Say, “I’ve noticed you’re feeling a little this way lately. What’s going on?” Another good question to ask your partner — no matter how they’re feeling — is, “How can I make you feel loved today?”

So here’s today’s small thing: When faced with a crisis or uncertainty, lean into your relationships with your loved ones. Make an effort to connect by asking questions about how they’re feeling. Remember to share your feelings too!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about practicing positive needs.

Picture this: You just finished a very exhausting day at work. On the way home, there was an accident that backed up the interstate for over an hour. Then you had to pick up clothes from the cleaners, milk from the grocery, and Bitsy the Bulldog from the groomer. And, finally, you’re home! You walk through the door, and find more chaos. Your partner is going through the finances, and has questions about the cable bill, your daughter wants you to help with her complicated math homework, and your son is banging on the piano, begging to show you what he learned in music class. You try to hold back your emotions, but instead, they explode all over the room, as you shout: “Please! I need everyone to stop bothering me for JUST ONE MINUTE!! Let me breathe!” Suddenly, everyone in the room goes silent. Your partner looks stunned and your kids look hurt. And now, your day has become much worse. You feel awful.

We know, we get it, you were totally overwhelmed — and your response came out of a moment of total frustration. But was there a better way to express your desire for some down time? You betcha. By expressing your “positive need.” What does that mean? Simply this: A “positive need” is something you would like to happen — as opposed to a “negative need” which is what you would like to stop.

So what could you have said differently after walking into your house? Instead of negatively saying “I need everyone to stop bothering me.” You could have said positively, “I would like some quiet time to myself.” Hear the difference? We can pretty much guarantee that your partner would have understood and, hopefully, given you the space you needed. 

Another great thing about expressing positive needs is that it informs your partner exactly how they can shine for you! Here’s another example…

Your partner has been distracted with work issues for the last couple of days, and even though you know why they’re a bit distant, you’re feeling insecure and lonely. Suddenly, in the middle of a conversation, when their attention seemed to drift, you blurt out, “Stop ignoring me!” Not only have you negatively stated this as something you want to stop — but it could also be the start of an argument if your partner gets defensive or perceives it as criticism. So instead, dig deep down and figure out what it is you really want to happen. Is it reassurance and affection? If so, say “I want a hug.” Then get your hug. And feel better.

But remember! Just because you express a need or want doesn’t necessarily mean that you should expect to receive it. The point is to get more comfortable and acquainted with what you want — and to feel safe expressing it. 

But if telling your partner what you want is a challenge to you, practice expressing positive needs or wants on your own — like “I want a glass of water” or “I want to wear pajamas all day.” Say them out loud to yourself. Pretty soon, it will become second nature — and you’ll be more easily able to express your feelings positively when they come up.

Today’s small thing: Next time you feel as if you’re about to burst, stop, think, and then transform your negative thought into a “positive need.” Your positivity will help build a relationship of love and trust — and get your needs met, to boot!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about building a “good enough” relationship.

When you picture the perfect relationship in your head, you probably think it’s just that. Perfect. But, that’s not realistic. That’s not life! Every couple has problems. It’s not always sunshine and rainbows.

That’s why we encourage couples to strive for the “good enough” relationship. Before we go any further, we need to clarify. It might sound like that’s another way of saying “settle for less than what you deserve”, or “take what you can get,” but that’s not it AT ALL. It doesn’t mean you should settle for being treated without respect. It doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t strive to continually grow in your relationship.

So what does it mean to be in a good enough relationship? It’s a healthy and respectful relationship, not a perfect one — since those don’t really exist. So don’t expect perfection, but you and your partner should have high expectations for how you’re treated. You both expect to be treated with kindness, love, affection, and respect. You don’t and should not tolerate emotional or physical abuse. You expect each other to be loyal.

But that doesn’t mean you won’t argue with your partner. Even happily married couples argue. Conflict is healthy because it leads to greater understanding.

Couples in good enough relationships aren’t afraid of conflict and they can manage it constructively. They know things can and will get tough. They have the tools to not only handle it, but even grow from it. That means arriving at a mutual understanding and getting to compromises that work. And they can repair effectively when they hurt one another. They’re also good friends. They have a satisfying sex life. They trust one another and are fully committed to one another.

They honor each other’s dreams, even if they’re different. They create a shared meaning system with shared values and ethics, beliefs, rituals, and goals. They can compromise about fundamental symbols like what a home is, what love is, and how to raise their children.

You should expect all of this because you deserve it! Know that it’s not unreasonable and that a good enough relationship is achievable. 

So here’s today’s small thing: Don’t strive for perfection in your relationship! Look for ways to build a good enough relationship and set healthy expectations.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about finding joy.

So, congratulations! You and your partner have both been working hard on your relationship! You’ve managed most conflicts that have come up, expressed empathy when needed, and dealt with difficult emotions. You’ve realized the best relationships require you to be intentional, mindful, thoughtful and respectful. But here’s another important ingredient every good relationship needs. JOY. Hmmm. How’s that going?

Think about it. When was the last time you and your partner had fun with each other? Were playful? Silly? Lovingly teased each other, or laughed so hard, you could hardly breathe? If you’ve had one of these moments lately, you know that having fun together is a wonderful way to connect, and give a bit of relief from life’s more serious issues — especially these days. But if you’re finding that these moments don’t come easily or often, it’s time to consciously create some yourself. How?

Start by thinking with a child’s mind! Find excitement and fun in everyday moments. Is it a beautiful evening? Get a blanket, go in the backyard, lie on your backs, and gaze at the stars. Or on a hot afternoon, spray each other with a garden hose until you’re both soaking wet. Or have a two-person dance party in your living room. Or maybe have breakfast in bed — and then stay there for the rest of the day, watching movies, or just enjoying each other’s company.

And while you’re at it, create some activities outside of the house to enjoy together, too. Maybe go on a long meandering road trip on small country roads, have lunch at a local café, and strike up conversations with total strangers. Or take turns surprising each other with special date nights, leaving clues during the week to create some excitement and suspense. Or maybe even learn something new from YouTube! Cooking? Pottery? Sign Language? Use your imagination. The possibilities are endless.

The point is, if you embrace playfulness and fun, you’ll be creating memories and positive experiences that will bind you even more closely together — and will last a lifetime.

Today’s small thing: Ask your partner “what brought you joy today?” If they have to think about it, it’s time to create some joyful moments together.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about grieving your old routines. 

Ah, remember the good old days…just a few short months ago? COVID-19 has certainly turned our world upside down. Where once you were spending much of your day out in the world as an “individual,” now, you are part of a 24/7 “couple”. And wasn’t it sort of comforting at first —working in your sweats at home, always having your partner right there in the next room if you had a question, something funny to share, or just needed to chat? But, if you’re like most couples, after a while, the novelty began to wear off, and all that togetherness suddenly became overwhelming. And you realize that 24/7 was not only putting a strain on your relationship, but that you began to lose your individuality as well — missing your old routines — and your former self.  

But here’s the thing: There doesn’t need to be a pandemic to feel these feelings or have these issues. Couples in long-term committed relationships face similar challenges. So how do you navigate your desires for individuality versus togetherness? How do you deal with longings of security and family, while also yearning for individuality? Well, grab a pencil and jot this down, because we’re going to give you some strategies to help you do just that!

Our first suggestion: Talk to your partner and set specific boundaries around time spent with one another. If you’re both working at home, you may prefer to be alone all day during working hours, while your partner likes to check in every hour or so. So discuss what you each need, and then create compromises. Perhaps take a break together during the day, and share a list of items you want to talk about.

Also: Have a stress-reducing conversation! Give your partner 15 minutes to complain about their day, then switch! But you need to follow the rules: The stresses must be about issues outside your relationship. Also, don’t judge your partner’s issues. When listening, validate and empathize — but do not try to problem solve. You’re there to listen. Want more detailed info about the stress-reducing conversation? Listen to our last episode of Small Things Often, which is all about this subject!

Another strategy: Strengthen your relationship with yourself. Find time to meditate and ask yourself important questions like: Who am I as an individual? Who do I want to be? What are my personal dreams? Then listen to your heart. Because the answers to those questions will guide you to projects or interests that will make you happy and fulfilled as an individual — and feed your soul.

Next: Use your imagination to create some fun at home: Dress up each morning to go to work, even if you’re going to your computer down the hall. Plan a candlelight dinner for two, cooking your partner’s favorite meal. Or maybe write a love letter to your partner telling them all the reasons you fell in love with them. Be creative! The possibilities are endless.

And finally: Carve out some time with your partner to discuss both your individual and shared goals and dreams —and then support one another in making each of those a reality. Ask each other “big” life questions, and spend some time discussing how you want to grow as individuals AND as a couple.

Today’s small thing: Ask your partner how they’re feeling about the time you spend together versus apart. Then figure out a plan to balance your relationship between togetherness and separateness. Be part of a loving couple, but keep your individuality, too!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about stress-reducing conversations.

“How was your day, hon?” I’m sure you’ve said that to your partner, or they’ve said it to you a million times as you’ve walked through the door at the end of the day. But, do you really mean it? Do you really want to know? And when your partner responds, do you really hear them? Or is their voice just white noise in the background as you scroll through the messages on your phone, or start to make dinner, or scan your kid’s homework assignment?

If this is you, take heart. It’s the typical scenario in lots of homes. But you can connect at the end of a long day with what we call a stress-reducing conversation — where you “actively listen” to your partner about their day by giving them your absolute undivided attention. And this means not just “hearing,” them, but truly listening with empathy and non-judgment. But remember, this conversation is only about stress outside of your relationship. It’s not the time to talk about any lingering conflict between the two of you. The goal is to show support for each other in other areas of your lives, so the stress doesn’t spill over into your personal relationship. Here are some quick tips:

Take turns complaining, with one of you as the “speaker” and the other one as the “listener.” Give your partner 15 minutes to complain about anything that happened during their day —as long as it’s not about your relationship or each other — and then switch. But do NOT give advice. Understanding must come first. Advice can follow later.

Stay focused! Don’t let your eyes wander over to the kids, or your mind drift to that crossword puzzle clue you still can’t get. Stay laser-focused on your partner — and show genuine interest.

Be supportive and understanding even if you think their perspective on something that happened during the day might be a bit unreasonable or not what you would have done in the same situation. Always be on their side and empathize with what they’re saying. Reinforce that you are in this together, and are a united team!

Also, don’t forget to express physical affection by putting your hand on their arm, giving them a hug, or saying “I love you.”

And finally, and very importantly — validate their emotions. Tell them, in no uncertain terms, that their feelings make sense to you.

And here’s a bonus! By having a stress-reducing conversation, not only will your emotional attraction become stronger — but it will impact your physical attraction as well. 

Today’s small thing: Take the time tonight to ask your partner how their day went and really pay attention to what they have to say. Listen, respect, and validate your partner’s perspective.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about small repairs.

Have you ever gotten a little paper cut?  At first, you think it’s so minor, so you ignore it. Yes, it’s  a little bit of an annoyance but not big enough of a deal to do anything special. But then, after a few days, it gets worse and worse, and it becomes so painful that it’s interfering in your everyday life and it’s all you can think about — so you finally treat it — and it actually heals.

It’s the very same with relationships. Small disagreements and minor arguments left unaddressed can linger with you or your partner for days, weeks, months – maybe even years. And just like that tiny cut on your hand, unless you resolve it and get the wound treated, it will fester and grow, and negatively impact your relationship. So how do you heal it? How can you calm and dissipate hurt feelings? The answer? Through repair.

Research shows that the happiest couples repair unresolved conflicts as they occur — and make a point of doing it early and often. They never let arguments — whether large or small — go too long without sitting down, listening to each other’s point of view — and repairing any emotional injuries. Because no matter how wonderful your relationship is, you will at one time or another have arguments where you get critical and defensive, say mean things to each other, or stonewall, by storming out of the room and becoming withdrawn or silent. 

Say your partner has a habit of always leaving the towel on the floor after they shower. It’s a little thing, you realize, but it bugs the hell out of you. You’ve tried mentioning it, but they still do it over and over — and now every time you see their towel on the floor, you become so exasperated, you can barely speak to them. And by the time you do say something, it sounds so silly, angrily complaining about a towel… that your partner becomes irritated and defensive and lashes right back at you. 

So how do you begin to repair and heal this disagreement that’s blown totally out of proportion? First, talk about it as soon as you can. You need to be calm before you repair. Then, admit responsibility for your part in the conflict. Don’t make excuses or explanations for your behavior, but instead reassure your partner of your love for them and that you understand their feelings. Open up. Be vulnerable. Express yourself, discuss what you’re feeling, and listen to your partner’s response and point of view. The whole goal is to openly talk and listen to each other — and then, together, try to understand what led to the argument in the first place.

And here’s the good news: Every single conflict, no matter how large or small, offers an opportunity for a deeper understanding of each other. It’s not easy. It requires a commitment from both partners. But if you repair often, the rewards are huge.

Today’s small thing: The next time you have a misunderstanding or argument with your partner, don’t let it slide until it becomes a painful memory that negatively impacts your relationship. Instead, stop and repair. Do this early and often and watch your relationship deepen and flourish.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about NOT cheering your partner up.

Yes, you heard us correctly. We know that if your partner is upset for any reason, your first impulse is to fix, to care for, to make it better — To get rid of any negative emotions they may be feeling. BUT before you do…STOP. Because sometimes that’s not what they need at all. Really? Yes. Here’s an example.

Say your partner just told you that the promotion that they were positive they were going to receive went to someone else. They’re filled with emotions: from anger to hurt to disappointment to sadness. They begin telling you everything about it, and immediately you chime in to say “Don’t be sad, they’re a bunch of idiots!” It’s a natural response, we know, to try to neutralize or fix your partner’s feelings when you see them in such emotional pain. But it’s probably not what they need from you at this moment. What they do need is empathy. And that’s tricky. Because empathy isn’t about lifting your partner’s spirits or “fixing” their problem, it’s about validating their emotions.

So how do you do this? First: LISTEN to them. REALLY listen. Offer words of understanding and support instead of offering advice. Don’t try to cheer them up or problem-solve. It’s not your responsibility to alleviate their pain, even though sometimes it may feel like it. Instead, allow them to feel what they need to feel and validate those emotions. For instance, if they say they are incredibly angry, you might reply, “I understand. I would be so angry, too!” Or if your partner expresses hurt over losing the promotion, you might say, “I can totally see why you’re feeling that way.” Then, ask questions, like, “Is there more to this?” If there’s more emotion buried underneath the surface, this question may open up more feelings and thoughts they need to express. And remember, there isn’t a law against eventually giving advice or helping to problem-solve, but wait until you’ve allowed your partner to fully express themselves and process their feelings before you do. And only offer advice if it’s solicited! It’s even okay to ask your partner “are you looking for advice on this?”

Today’s small thing: The next time your partner is feeling a strong emotion such as sadness, anger or fear, don’t try to cheer them up. Instead, listen to them, care for them, validate their feelings, and love them.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about hurt feelings.

Here’s what you need to know: They happen to everyone — but for totally different reasons. And here’s another revelation: Hurt feelings do not mean you OR your partner did something wrong. No one needs to be “blamed” because it’s not anyone’s fault. What a relief, right? See if you relate to this scenario….

It’s the middle of the afternoon, and you realize you’re hungry. You start rummaging through the kitchen for something that will satisfy you. Ice cream, nope. Fruit, nope. Ah, but there’s some cheese and tortillas, and a quesadilla sounds perfect! You take them out, and suddenly your partner comes in and says, “Hey, what are you doing? Please don’t eat that! I need those for dinner!” You suddenly feel hurt, put the stuff back in the fridge, and say angrily to your partner, “Sorry!” then leave the room. Was there anything wrong with your partner’s request? Of course not. Is there anything wrong with your reaction? Nope. The reason you reacted this way might be that it triggered a sensitivity you have. A feeling from the past that sticks with you. A memory of a feeling— perhaps being scolded by your strict parents as a small child, and feeling embarrassment and shame — as if you’ve done something terribly wrong.

But here’s the thing. We ALL have triggers. Think of them as vulnerabilities from your past that seep into your present. It’s normal to have them. But when they occur, and you get hurt and lash out, your partner, who has no idea why you’re upset, may get hurt also.

So what do you do to get back on track? REPAIR. Sit down with your partner and have a recovery conversation. Open up and tell them about your trigger — that you got embarrassed by their offhanded remark, and suddenly felt you had done something horribly wrong by wanting to eat the quesadilla. Hopefully, your partner will respond positively and understand why you reacted the way you did and why you were hurt. And most importantly, they will remember your triggers, respect them, and be sensitive to them in the future.

Some of your triggers may seem trivial. But they’re not. Your feelings matter. And it’s the way couples manage their individual feelings together that makes all the difference.

Today’s small thing: Think of moments in your own relationship with your partner that have spurred hurt feelings. Recognize where they come from — and commit to sharing those feelings with your partner when conflict occurs.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about attunement through awareness.

Remember when you were a little kid and played “Hide and Seek”? Hiding in the closet or under the bed was fun, right? But the best part of the game was being FOUND. Now that you’re an adult, has that changed? Think about it. Because the thing is, one of our deepest needs is for our partners to “find” us — to understand us — to “know” us— to be truly attuned to us and be responsive and aware of who we are and what we are feeling. But sometimes it’s not so easy. Because to get to that place, you need to gather up the courage to allow yourself to be vulnerable — to open up and let your partner know what’s going on inside. And this all begins by speaking with awareness. Here’s an example:

Say you’re in the middle of an argument, when suddenly, your partner shuts down, and leaves the room. And there you are, standing alone in the bedroom, angry and scared and about to burst. Your first impulse is to blame, attack and scream, “You are so mean! I can’t believe you walked out on me!” But there is another way. And it involves revealing yourself and your true authentic feelings in the moment of conflict. So instead of attacking, you take a deep breath, open yourself up, and gently say, “I feel afraid when you turn your back on me in the middle of an argument. My fear is that you’ll leave me. How can I bring up a conflict so we can work it out together?”

Mhhhm, see? That personal revelation now opens the door for attunement— and hopefully you both begin to feel more emotionally connected. You’ve chosen your words carefully — and not attacked or blamed your partner. And when your partner senses that, they’re not only more willing to understand your feelings and needs, but they may be encouraged to open up about  their own.

Speaking with awareness is a skill you can develop to help you attune during conflict. Here’s 3 things to keep in mind:

First, when speaking to your partner, use “I” statements. This will convey how YOU feel, as in, “I feel sad.” “I feel fearful”. “I feel lonely.” Using the word “you” may come off as an attack to your partner such as, “You always do this!” or “You never put me first.” Using the softer “I” approach will allow your partner to listen instead of reacting defensively.

Also, during an argument or discussion, only focus on ONE issue. If you bring in all your relationship problems at the same time, you’ll probably solve none of them.

And finally, know your partner’s triggers, and protect them. Your partner has “raw spots” or baggage from their past, just like you do. So be careful. During a conflict, use compassion, and work around them. Build your relationship on trust.

Today’s small thing: The next time you are in an argument with your partner, don’t attack, but instead open up, show your vulnerability — and attune with the skill of awareness.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about knowing what bids for connection look like.

A bid is an attempt that a person makes to connect with someone. Bids may be feelings, observations, opinions, or invitations. It could be verbal or nonverbal, physical, sexual, intellectual, humorous, serious… or in the form of a question or statement. These ALL qualify as a “bid” for connection. But some bids aren’t obvious… so it’s important to know your bids. If you’re able to recognize them, you’ll be able to respond to your partner’s bids in healthy ways and create a healthy pattern of interactions in your relationship!

So let’s go through the different kinds of bids. Some verbal bids might be a little more recognizable. It could sound like, “Hey! Do you want to go get drinks sometime this week?” Or something like, “Could you ask your friends if they know a good auto-mechanic?” It could even be a statement like, “That dog is cute.”

Now these next bids can also be subtle — because they’re nonverbal. It could be affectionate touching — even a high five counts… or something a little more intimate, like a hug or a kiss! Sure, these things are kind and sweet. But it could mean more than that. It could be an attempt to connect! Another nonverbal bid could be a facial expression like a smile or blowing a kiss… or more playful like sticking out your tongue. There’s also playful touching such as tickling or dancing — and affiliating gestures like opening a door, offering a place to sit, or handing over a utensil. Yep. Even passing a fork. And then there’s vocalizing bids… without actually being verbal… that means laughing, sighing, or a well-timed “mmhmm”— in a way that invites interaction or interest.

No matter what the bid looks like, it’s important to recognize that an attempt to connect is being made. It may not be glaringly obvious — so be tuned into the ways in which your partner or loved one may be bidding for connection.

So here’s today’s small thing: Lean into the interactions with your loved ones. Is a hug, just a hug? Or is your partner really trying to connect? Be open to receiving their bid for connection.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about emotion coaching.

Emotion coaching probably isn’t what you’re envisioning in your head though. Do you picture someone on the sidelines telling you how to feel? That’s not it! It’s about understanding and regulating emotions. Emotion coaching is typically for parents to do with their kids, but the concepts explored in emotion coaching are really beneficial to adults as well.

By being mindful of each other’s feelings, you can use emotion coaching in your relationship to become more emotionally intelligent. What does that mean? Emotional intelligence is emotional self-control and mindfulness of others. Which may mean that, if you have a higher degree of emotional intelligence, you’ll be more able to keep your temper under control if you’re faced with a frustrating or angering situation.

So where do you begin? There are 5 essential steps of emotion coaching. Let’s start with the first. Be aware of your partner’s emotion. Recognize that they’re feeling a certain way — whether it’s good or bad.

Then, recognize your partner’s expression of emotion as a perfect moment for intimacy. Lean into it. Did you just notice that your partner is really mad? Don’t back out of the driveway and run away from it. Look at it as an opportunity to connect.

This next step is big! Listen with empathy and validate your partner’s feelings. When your partner is upset, whether at you or at someone else, empathizing with them and validating what they say will help you successfully navigate conflict. But, it’s easier said than done — we know!

Now… if you notice that your partner is struggling with how they’re feeling, help them label their emotions with words. Ask, “What are you feeling?” Let them express their emotions — and be present in that moment! Sometimes all you need to do is just listen.

And for the final step, set limits when you are helping your partner solve problems or deal with upsetting situations appropriately. Consider setting a time limit on these conversations, which could sometimes last for hours. A time limit could keep you both engaged — and keep either of you from becoming preoccupied over when the conversation will end.

Taking these steps can help you become aware of your partner’s feelings — and of your own — and help unpack those sometimes difficult emotions.

So here’s today’s small thing: Show your loved one respect and understanding in moments when they feel misunderstood, upset, or frustrated. Talk through their feelings with them and try to understand their source.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about keeping your relationship strong while dealing with stress.

Life can be stressful. We ALL can feel a little on edge sometimes and that can have an effect on your relationships!

Let’s say you’ve been working through some issues with your partner. You’ve both made a big effort to repair past issues, to be more self-aware, to connect with each other, and to communicate. You’re seeing big, positive changes! But then in life, things start hitting the fan — things that don’t have anything to do with your relationship… until they do. Why? Because under stress, we all regress. Stressful conditions can activate trauma triggers — sometimes causing us to fall back into our old coping mechanisms.

All that time you spent, working on not snapping at your partner might seem like it was just flushed down the toilet. And suddenly, your sharp tongue is back and you’re quickly triggered… over things that you’ve learned to talk calmly about, but when you’re stressed out “calm” can be difficult. Or maybe you don’t use harsh words, but once again you started giving your partner the silent treatment instead of letting them in. Maybe you’ve battled years of curling up into your shell as a way to cope — and when you find yourself in a really stressful situation, curling up once again can be an automatic reaction. Because maybe it’s what you learned to do… until you learned a healthier way to cope.

So how do you get back to that healthy place — for both you and your relationship? First of all, don’t feel like your hard work was wasted. It’s not! Setbacks don’t mean failure! Once you’re able to attune to yourself and self-soothe, your stronger, wiser self will likely return. And when you get back to a good place, intentionally turn toward your partner with warm kindness, instead of anxiety and contempt.

Life can feel uncertain. At some point, we’ll all be triggered in some ways — shutting down, fleeing, getting angry and reactive. But remember to also lean into the opportunities for growth individually and together.

Today’s small thing: When you notice that your partner is stressed, check-in with them to see how you can help. Try asking, “What do you feel?” Or, “What do you need?” Let them know that you’re there for support — even if that means just giving them some space.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about understanding difficult emotions.

We’ve all experienced hardships. Things that make us angry, confused, fearful, lonely, or sad. Most of us can’t just snap our fingers and snap out of it — even though at times we may want to run away from these feelings and “fix it” instead of understanding it. Sometimes these emotions feel so big and overwhelming and blunt. I’m sad. Period. I am sad. But there’s so many layers to your feelings!

You can deal with these feelings by practicing mindfulness. What’s the benefit? It enables you to calm down and soothe yourself. When you’re calm, you have space to reflect and thoughtfully respond, rather than react.

In Season 1 of Small Things Often, we talked you through the 6 steps that can help you understand and deal with your difficult emotions in a mindful way. So today, we’re taking it a step further because the more you lean into these emotions, the more you understand what is fueling them and how to address them.

That brings us to the Feeling Wheel. It’s a tool developed by Gloria Wilcox that can help investigate feelings related to what you’re feeling — and maybe you’ll connect with a different emotion that could be the root cause. 

The Feeling Wheel has different rings. So say you’re feeling sad. Some of the emotions on the outer rings of “sad” are guilty, ashamed, depressed, lonely, and bored. Are any of those resonating with you when you’re feeling sad?

This tool is also a great visual so you can see the opposite of what you’re feeling — to see how you could turn it around! Across from “sad” on the Feeling Wheel, is “joyful” — and maybe for you, that means being playful, energetic, or excited! How can you transform your feelings of sadness to become joyful? 

The Feeling Wheel can help increase your emotional intelligence and awareness. You can actually download and print out your own Feeling Wheel! Just go to gottman.com/blog/printable-feeling-wheel.

So here’s today’s small thing: When you find yourself feeling a difficult emotion, turn to the Feeling Wheel! Practice identifying and acknowledging the emotion to mindfully work through it in a healthy way.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about strengthening relationships through mindfulness.

“Wait a minute” you’re probably thinking “Isn’t the practice of mindfulness mainly for MY benefit? How does it impact my relationship?” The answer? Enormously. And here’s why: Mindfulness is about compassion, and non-judgmental awareness — all qualities that are essential in an intimate, loving partnership. Not only will mindfulness improve your relationship in times of happiness, but also when times are tough. Because by being aware of what you’re feeling in highly emotional times, you can break habitual negative thoughts and behaviors you might have hanging around. Here’s an example…

Say you’re in the middle of an argument with your partner. Emotions are running high. Words are exchanged, the tension escalates, and suddenly you find yourself on auto-pilot, blurting out things that are so hurtful, or maybe things that you don’t even mean. This is where mindfulness comes in. Instead of reacting and arguing and blurting….STOP! Take a few deep breaths — and bring yourself back to the present moment. Ahhhh. Then turn towards your partner instead of away. What’s the difference? Turning away involves anger, criticism or defensiveness — while turning towards can create increased levels of positivity and warmth between the two of you. Now that you’ve shifted your awareness, you can express yourself in a new and loving way. This doesn’t mean you deny your feelings — you just express them in a softer way — and then open a thoughtful discussion of what is REALLY going on in the present moment.

Another way of practicing mindfulness during a tense situation is to create space between yourself and your strong emotion. This means removing the “I” word from your thoughts such as “I am furious” and simply realizing, instead, that you’re experiencing “anger.” If your partner is the one who is feeling anger, don’t react negatively. Instead, encourage them to come back to the present moment with you, become aware of what they’re feeling, and express what is there.

If both you and your partner practice mindfulness and present moment awareness, it can transform your relationship. Not only will it increase your sense of appreciation for each other, but it will lower stress levels as well. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time to break old habits. So be compassionate and supportive of each other as you navigate your way to a whole new way of thinking. You won’t regret it.

Today’s small thing: Aim to be mindful in all your interactions with your partner. If emotions run high, take yourself off auto-pilot, and back to the present moment.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about flooding and feeling overwhelmed.

Has this ever happened to you? You’re in the middle of a discussion with your partner. Things become a bit heated, but still calm. Then, out of seemingly nowhere, they say something that triggers you — and suddenly you’re having an out-of-body experience. Your breath gets short, and you start to tremble. Or maybe your heart feels like it’s pounding out of your chest, and tears start rolling down your cheeks. You try to focus, but oh, my God, how can you? Your mind is overwhelmed with rage or hurt or panic or fear —and now you’re saying things to your partner that are hurtful and maybe even have nothing to do with the subject you were discussing! You’re wildly lashing out — defending yourself and attacking them — and you don’t know why — or how to stop it.

What’s happening to you? Well, actually it’s a response that’s as old as existence itself. When human beings face conflict or danger, an alarm goes off in the body called the “fight-or-flight or freeze” response, and a physiological reaction takes place. Adrenaline levels begin to soar and flood the body until it’s in a heightened state — enabling you to quickly react to life-threatening situations. In primitive times, this action could have occurred because a bear was chasing you. In today’s world, it could be because your partner criticized your house-cleaning abilities. But whatever the reason, your body still responds to stressors as though that bear is chasing you!

By this time you may have stormed out of the room, shut down the conversation, and started giving your partner the silent treatment. Or maybe you’re still standing in the middle of the kitchen, lashing out. Either way, this is not productive, and only prolongs the conflict. So how do you get back on track? Here are a few suggestions…

Make a commitment to yourself that the next time you feel flooded or overwhelmed, you’ll try to self-soothe on the spot. Calm your body by focusing on your breath, relaxing tense muscles, or imagining a place that makes you feel calm and safe. Any one of these can help stop you from  spiraling out of control.

Or maybe picture your partner in a moment of love, kindness, and generosity. This will help you remember the good part of your relationship — and you’ll be less likely to blindly react to the situation.

You can also hit the “pause” button! Let the storm pass! Reassure yourself that you will be fine if you wait for the adrenaline levels and flooding to decrease.

Another suggestion? Use imagery — like a spinning wheel becoming slower and slower, till it finally comes to a stop. As your thoughts slow, your nervous system will, too.

And if you’ve been in this situation with your partner before, make a plan that if either of you become flooded during a conflict again, that you’ll take a time out — at least 20 minutes. Then use the time to self-soothe. When you’re both calm, continue the conversation. If “I’m sorry” is appropriate, say it!  But don’t wait too long to solve the conflict! 24 hours tops! 

Today’s small thing: Now that you know the cause of the physiological sensations of flooding and overwhelm, take the time to plan how you’ll deal with these feelings the next time they arise. Awareness is the first step! You can do it!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about saying what you need.

Sounds simple, right? But communicating what you need to a loved one, doesn’t always come out the way you intended it to. Let’s say you just got into a heated argument with your partner. They accused you of working too much and not making them enough of a priority. And as they’re talking, all you can think about is everything that they’re doing wrong in this situation. Maybe their approach was horrible and the timing is awful, and their whole way about it made you just feel bad. But this is where you need to shift perspectives. Instead of saying what your partner is doing wrong, talk about what you need — to make things better.

That means avoiding criticism and blame. You can do that by talking about your feelings using “I” statements. Like, “I feel this emotion.” And express a positive need, by saying “I need this from you.”

By using that language, you’re expressing what you need — and not what you don’t need. It’s saying “I need you to support me” instead of “I don’t need you to tell me what to do.” Hear the difference? The latter is much more negative.

Here’s the silver lining! Within every negative feeling, there’s a longing, a wish, or a need. So communicate what that is! It’s your recipe for success so your loved ones can fulfill your needs in the relationship. We’re willing to bet, you’ll want to return the favor.

It’s a small thing that you can do often to make a big difference. Small Things Often isn’t just the name of this series. It’s our mantra! Always make time to do Small Things Often to deepen and enhance your relationships. Not just with your partner, but with anyone you love! Tools like the ones we’ve given you in this series can help navigate a course of action that can encourage healthy, positive communication.

We’re leaving you with today’s small thing: What is one thing that you need right now in one of your relationships? Express it to them in a positive way!

Thanks for listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships. Please let us know what you think of this series in reviews on Spotify and iTunes. Tell us what resonated with you, what topics you’d like for us to cover, and what you want more of!

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about compatibility.

Oh, my God. You are over the moon! You think you’ve found the love of your life. You met them through a dating site that asked you a million questions about your likes and dislikes, your interests, values, and goals —and after a bunch of horrible first dates, you’ve finally found your perfect match! They take hot yoga three times a week – just like you do – they love long meandering road trips to nowhere – just like you do – and they’re even into extreme couponing! I mean, come on! How many people are into that? I mean, you’re so compatible?! Right?

Okay, whoa whoa… 

Sure! It’s important to get a sense of common interests, values, and goals in relationships…but it’s not the only thing that determines if you click with someone. Research shows that the true indicators of compatibility are related to emotional intelligence —our ability to control and express our emotions, as well as to handle our relationships with empathy.

So rather than finding someone who is “just like you,” look for someone with “relationship aptitude.” Someone who shows respect for you both in the way they communicate – and in their actions. And at the same time, they’re able to let you know what their own needs are – but they deeply care about yours, too. And, very importantly, they’re able to sustain intimacy and trust.

So enjoy your long rides, your hot yoga classes, and extreme couponing together. But don’t forget to treat each other with respect, validation, and kindness. That’s what leads to true compatibility.

Today’s small thing: Take a look at your own life and find ways you can improve your relationship aptitude — and really appreciate the good things you share in your relationship.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about perspective.

You know that saying, “The grass is always greener on the other side”? Well, spoiler alert. It’s not true. At. All. At least, when it comes to your relationships.

When your relationship is in a bad place, it can be easy to dream or fantasize about what life would be like… being in another relationship with someone else…and how different your life could be with this new partner. Maybe their parents would like spending time with you… Or maybe you would be able to travel more… It’s easy to get carried away with how things could be better or different or perfect with a new person because we realize real relationships aren’t perfect. 

But instead of wondering what could be better, take a deep breath, and do the opposite! View your relationship with rose-colored glasses. Pour as much positivity into your relationship as you can. It helps to form what we call, the positive perspective. Does your spouse make you laugh until your face hurts? Does your friend give the best advice? Remember these moments! Cherish your loved one and what you both have together. When you have that mindset, it’s much easier to deal with any negativity in your relationship.

With that said, just because you have rose-colored glasses on… it doesn’t mean that everything is going to be roses, rainbows, and butterflies, or whatever. Obviously, there will still be bumps in the road. But if you remind yourself about the good things in your relationship, you won’t be as hung up on the tough stuff.

Remember, the grass isn’t greener somewhere else. The grass is greener where you water it.

Here’s today’s small thing: Make a list of the positive things — all of the things that you love — about your relationship with a loved one. And then share it with them!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about changing your relationship’s success metric. What does that mean? 

Simply this: How do you measure success in your relationship? Are you and your partner the type of people that expect perfection – no arguments, no conflict, no problems, no mistakes, just living a perfectly serene life, stress-free day after stress-free day? Well, then you might as well be a robot. No, I take that back. Even Siri and Alexa make mistakes sometimes. I mean, ever punch in a location on your smartphone for that new French restaurant you’ve been dying to try— and ended up at a weird karaoke bar on the other side of town? It happens. But I digress.

Point is – if you expect perfection of your partner and your relationship, you’re bound to be disappointed. Because nobody – and no relationship — can live up to that ideal. Not to say that you shouldn’t maintain high expectations for how you’re treated — but, otherwise, you may want to change the metric for your relationship’s success. How? Instead of striving for it to be perfect and conflict-free – measure your success by asking yourself these questions:

Was I kind to my partner today?

Did we treat each other with respect?

Can we trust each other?

Are we friends?

Were we able to repair any conflict that arose?

Answering “yes” to these simple, but really, really important questions are the best indicators of your relationship’s success. So every day, be mindful to show your partner kindness, love, affection and respect – and let go of the perfection thing. Leave that goal to the robots.

Today’s small thing: Take a good look at how you measure the success of your relationship—and let go of impossible goals of perfection. Remember that conflict is healthy because it leads to greater understanding.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about some common relationship myths.

Because, hey, I bet you’ve gotten a bunch of advice about relationships your whole life – words of wisdom or clichés that maybe were passed down to you from your parents —or given to you from well-meaning friends when you were going through a relationship crisis. I mean, they were just trying to be helpful, right? Well, after decades of researching couples, the Gottman Institute put some of these so-called relationship “facts” under the microscope — and here’s what we found: a bunch of them are myths. And here’s five of them – busted!

Let’s start with the first myth: Common interests keep you together. Sorry but nope. Not true. I mean, almost every dating site matches couples based on shared activities. And, okay, it’s a start, for sure. But the important thing is not what you do together – but how you interact while doing it! If you both love horseback riding, but one of you constantly criticizes or belittles the other on how they sit in the saddle, well, that’s a clue that your relationship might be in trouble.

Oh, and I’m sure you’ve heard the advice “Never go to bed angry.” We disagree. This advice pushes couples to solve their problems right away, no matter how they’re feeling. If you’re flooded with emotion during a discussion with your partner — then it’s a good idea to sleep on it – and then talk about it in the morning.

What about this one? Couples Therapy is for fixing a broken relationship. Again, not true. Of course, therapy can help resolve certain serious issues that come up – but couples therapy is more effective as a preventative measure— giving you the tools you need to maintain a close, loving relationship.

Another relationship myth thrown around is Affairs are the main cause of divorce. This is absolutely false. While it’s true that an affair can destroy the trust between two people, the cause of the divorce is not the affair – but what occurred before the affair even happened. And that’s probably because you grew apart. In fact, a study found that 80% of divorced men and women said that growing apart was the main reason their relationship ended in divorce.

And finally, our last myth: “Relationships need to be fair.” Ah, no. Keeping score of what each of you do or don’t do can lead to resentment, criticism, and contempt. Instead, act in kind loving ways, and appreciate each other. Deal making and contracts have no place in strong, loving relationships.

Today’s small thing: Question all the advice you’ve ever received regarding relationships. Be a myth-buster! Learn the facts—and transform your relationships for the better.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about self-disclosure.

It’s really important to open up to your partner and reveal your most authentic self. But there are some things that are just really difficult to talk about, aren’t there? Deep things. Private things. Things you may have kept held tightly inside your whole life — about what you think, how you feel or, maybe even, who you are. Maybe it involves something from your childhood that you have never told anyone but is now impacting your life as an adult and your relationship with your partner. Or perhaps, it’s something you passionately like or dislike that you’ve never thought to share with them — but if you do, that might help your partner have a better understanding about your reactions to certain situations.

The point is that self-disclosure — really opening up about yourself to the person you love — creates intimacy. In fact, self-disclosure of emotions, rather than just facts or information, is a pretty important predictor of the best kind of intimacy in relationships. Because the more you know about how your partner feels emotionally, the more connected you may feel, and the more capable you are of being there for them — no matter what the circumstances.

So open up. Encourage your partner to do the same. Reveal your hopes, your fears, your dreams, your feelings. Show them the wonderful, unique, weird, complicated person you are, and watch trust flourish and your relationship deepen. Sure, you may be a little nervous, but you won’t be sorry.

Today’s small thing: Carve out some quiet time to talk to your partner and intentionally self-disclose. Ask questions that encourage you both to open up – and reveal feelings and thoughts you’ve never talked about.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about triggers. 

Emotional triggers that can instantly make you feel a certain way and sometimes take you to a dark place, mentally. We’ve all had experiences that can make us sensitive to certain places, events, people, sounds, words — you name it. It can be any sort of physical or psychological stimuli that “triggers” us. Some situations are unavoidable, but it’s important to understand and be mindful of what triggers you and what triggers your loved ones.

Triggers can come from your childhood, traumatic experiences, or previous relationships. A common one in relationships is cheating. If you’ve been cheated on before, it usually takes serious work to move past it. And in the aftermath, maybe you’re always on the lookout for shadiness. Are they really texting their mom? If you sense that your partner is being sketchy, it could bring back all of those old feelings. Or how about feeling abandoned by a friend? Did your friend disappear, when you needed them the most? It could take you back to when someone in your family abandoned you as a child. And now if you feel it in your relationships, it instantly takes you back to your childhood and those feelings of abandonment.

When you get triggered, maybe you get angry or upset. You could sometimes even experience anxiety attacks or the fight-or-flight response, depending on how intense the trigger is.

So what can you do about it? Talk about your emotional triggers and really be open about it with your loved ones. By doing that, you’re protecting yourself and them — and it forms a deeper, emotional understanding between you both. Because if you’re aware of each other’s triggers, you have better odds of avoiding them.

Here’s today’s small thing: Ask a loved one about their emotional triggers. What are the deep-rooted experiences that affect them today? Be mindful of their answer. And of course, share your triggers too!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about self-soothing. 

We touched on this a little bit in our last episode because it can be a way to calm down when you need to pause and take a step back from a heated conversation that leads to stonewalling.

But what does it mean to self soothe? It’s all about taking care of yourself. It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give your partner! You know how flight attendants say in the event of an emergency, put the oxygen mask on yourself before you help someone else? It’s a metaphor you’ve heard a million times, you know why? Because it’s so true. If you’re not okay, then how can you help someone else? And in this case, how can your relationship be okay if you’re not okay? The first step to being okay might be some “me” time to take care of yourself. When emotions are flooding during a tense conversation, this might be a time to signal to your partner that you need to hit pause so you can walk away and practice some self-soothing skills. A good time to practice these skills is when you’re calm and less distressed — so how about now?

It’s easy! Just take a deep breath and listen. Focus on the air going in and out. 

Do a body scan. Pay attention to where you feel tense in your body and breathe into those places to relax them. Start with your brow, jaw, and shoulders. You’re feeling relaxed already, right? 

Okay, great, so let’s keep going. Imagine your favorite place, your happy place, wherever you feel at ease. Yep. Jamaica — floating in the ocean with an ice cold whatever. Float far, far away from your troubles. Or maybe stay local. Maybe your home is your sanctuary. If that’s you, listen to music or watch tv in your favorite spot. Or go for a walk and get some fresh air.

There are two things that we don’t want you to do. Don’t go down the rabbit hole of thinking about what led to you being overwhelmed in the first place while you’re self-soothing and don’t rush the process. Give yourself some time to relax. There’s a scientific reason for this! It’s been proven that, physically, it takes a full 20 minutes for your body to calm down. So if your partner, friend, boss, or whoever is really anxious to continue a super tense conversation right this minute, we give you full permission to tell them that you need 20 minutes. 

And it’ll be worth it because when you can talk to your partner with less tension and stress weighing you down, you can have better and more productive conversations.

For today’s small thing: The next time you feel overwhelmed in a conversation, ask for some time to yourself to self-soothe — and practice your new skills!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about breaking down walls in your relationships. A stone wall, to be exact. 

Have you heard of stonewalling? It’s when you get into an argument and get so overwhelmed that you shut down completely and withdraw from the interaction. Sound familiar? There’s a good chance you’ve been in this situation. And when this happens, there are two sides that you need to consider.

Let’s say you and your partner got into a really heated, emotional argument. It started small — your partner complained that you spent way too much money at the grocery store. Did you really have to buy organic? It led to a whole conversation about money and how you can’t agree on how to spend it or save it for the things that matter. And now the argument isn’t so small and your emotions are flooding. You can’t even get the words out. You panic, close up like a hermit, and shut down. Your wall is up. Maybe this is your way of protecting yourself.

On the other hand, your partner may not see it that way. They could take it as you ignoring them. On purpose. These are the two sides to stonewalling. And if you’re in this situation often, it can be easy to get engrossed in these feelings, no matter what side you’re on.

So how do you break down that wall? Ask for a break. It’s easier said than done, we know. It can be hard to come up with the right words to ask for a break when you’re flooded with emotions in the middle of an argument. 

We have a solution. You and your partner should agree — ahead of time, when you’re calm, cool, and collected — on how to take a break when one of you gets overwhelmed in an argument. Like a “timeout” signal, but that could be anything. Some kind of signal, word, or phrase that both of you can use. That way, in a heated moment, you and your partner will be able to respect the need for a break. Once you take a break, take 20-30 minutes alone to calm down and self-soothe. And actually, we’ll be diving deeper into self-soothing in our next episode so stay tuned. It’s helpful because when you feel calm, you’ll be able to resume the discussion from a rational state of mind.

So this is today’s small thing: Talk to your partner about a “timeout” signal that both of you can use to pause the conversation, step away, and regroup.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about dealing with difficult emotions.

Okay, say you’ve had a horrible day. This morning, your partner was so distant, so of course, you were silently panicking and trying to figure out if it was because of something you did or said. Then, this afternoon, your boss questioned a work-related decision you made, and you were so angry, you thought you might explode. And then later that night, you found out your dad was very ill, and you’re so scared that you might lose him. 

So how do you deal with these difficult emotions like fear, anger, confusion, and sadness—as they swirl around and around in your mind and your body till they almost consume you? How do you get your peace back?

The answer is mindfulness. Maybe you’ve heard the term before—and you get the idea of it, but don’t really know how to apply it to your life, or know the signs that it’s working. Well, when you practice mindfulness in tough situations, it will not only help you calm down and soothe yourself, but it will also give you the space to reflect—and then calmly respond to the people or events around you—rather than react.

So how do you get there? Try these six steps to deal with your emotions in a mindful way:

First: Become aware of the emotion— and identify where you sense it in your body. Is your neck tense? Is your stomach churning?

The second step is: Name the emotion. Say to yourself “This is anger” or “This is fear.”

Step 3: Accept the emotion. Don’t try to push it away — don’t deny it.

The fourth step: Realize that this emotion won’t last forever. Even if it feels overwhelming, remember that it will pass.

Step 5: Be a detective and figure out what triggered you to feel this way. Was it your boss’s comment? Your partner’s distance? Your dad’s illness?

And finally, step six: Totally let go of the need to control the emotion. Instead, be open to the outcome and what unfolds. If it’s an issue with your partner that triggered you, now that you’ve stepped outside of yourself, you can really talk to them, listen to their feelings, and what they have to say from a place of calmness.

Mindfulness is not easy. It takes time. So, be patient with yourself. You won’t get there overnight. But if you practice these steps, you’ll be on your way to finding peace when difficult emotions arise.

Today’s small thing: Next time you feel overwhelmed, take a breath — and deal with your difficult emotions in a mindful way.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about the magic relationship ratio. Okay it’s not like magic magic. It’s what we discovered in a few decades of research with thousands of real couples. There’s a very specific ratio that makes relationships last – and flourish. Like magic. And that ratio is 5 to 1.

So here’s the magic: Lasting relationships have a ratio of 5 positive interactions for every 1 negative interaction during a conflict conversation. So basically, during a fight with your partner there are at least 5 nice things for every 1 not-so-nice. And how you handle this ratio can mean whether you are in what we call a “master” or “disaster” relationship. Disasters fall below 5 to 1 – but masters keep the ratio 5 to 1 or greater. Fascinating, right? This is how it works…

Say you’re having a conversation with your partner about your neighbor who always parks way, way too close to your driveway. It annoys the hell out of your partner– but for whatever reason, it doesn’t bother you at all. And they’re telling you all about it, for the hundredth time, how much this angers them, how inconsiderate it is, and you reply that you don’t know what the big deal is. And they respond that it IS a big deal to them — and you roll your eyes. It’s such a tiny, subtle reaction, but it comes with a huge emotional punch.

So that eye roll is the 1 negative interaction. So now what? What’s the antidote to the eye roll? Do 5 positive things during the conversation that make your partner feel appreciated. It can be as small as making eye contact and saying “uh-huh” to show you’re really listening. Or maybe it’s a nod, a gentle reassuring touch, or perhaps even finding some moments of gentle teasing, or silliness, so you can laugh together and ease the tension. There are a million small ways to show you care, even in conflict. Pick 5. Or better yet – pick more. Go nuts.

And this magic ratio doesn’t just apply to your partner – it can be during a conflict with a co-worker, a friend, your mom, your child – anyone who’s important in your life.

So walk through your days — and nights — with the 5 to 1 ratio in your pocket. Use it generously and often—infuse your conflicts with positivity— and watch all your relationships thrive.

Today’s small thing is: Be aware of your interactions today, and note if you’re hitting the 5 to 1 ratio. If not, think of ways to inject moments of appreciation and love into those conversations. 

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based techniques to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about celebrating your partner’s successes.

Picture this. You’re sitting in your favorite comfy chair, cup of tea by your side, reading a fantastic new spy thriller on your Kindle. You’ve just gotten to a huge plot twist in the story where the real killer might be revealed, and your heart is thumping out of your chest, and you can’t scroll through the pages fast enough. Suddenly, the front door opens and your partner bursts in, looking really excited. They just had their 6-month evaluation from their supervisor at work – and got a glowing review!

You’re happy for them – give them a quick smile and say, “That’s really great, hon!” Then turn back to your Kindle.

Sorry to say this, but you just blew a huge opportunity.

I mean, what you said wasn’t unkind or hurtful – but this news was obviously a really big deal for your partner – and your response didn’t come close to what they needed in this moment to validate their feelings on their success. Because the truth is that when one partner succeeds at something that’s important to them – a happy couple will take the time to really celebrate that success together.

So put down your Kindle. Get out of your chair. Give them a big kiss and a warm hug. Be enthusiastic! Get into it! Ask questions! Be a cheerleader! Show them that their big victory is your big victory – and that their happiness is your happiness. That you believe in them and support them. You don’t have to wait for a difficult or challenging time in your partner’s life to be there for them and show that you’re supportive. Be there for the victories, too. Show that you care.

Today’s small thing is: The next time your partner succeeds at anything large or small—they got to work on time, they made a great dinner, they saw a cute dog –celebrate the good news. It will bring you closer and strengthen your bond.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute for another small way to help you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships every day. 

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based techniques to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about the difference between complaints and criticism. Bet you thought they were the same thing. Well, we’re here to tell you, they’re totally not. And knowing the difference can make or break a relationship.

I mean, face it, no matter how much you love and adore someone, they’re going to upset or annoy you sometimes. But how you express those feelings to your partner makes all the difference in the world. And here’s the key: Complain. Don’t criticize. Complaints are about specific issues that can lead to understanding. Criticism attacks your partner’s entire character – and leads to resentments and defensiveness. Hard concept to wrap your head around?

Say that tonight you were so looking forward to having a quiet dinner with your partner, just the two of you. But for the third night this week, they walked through the door with the phone attached to their ear – and kept taking calls during dinner, all the way through to your delicious dessert of lemon meringue pie and freshly brewed pumpkin spice coffee —which you basically ate and drank alone. And you felt the tension in your body building and building and building inside you, until you suddenly jumped out of your chair and blurted out, “You’re always on the phone! You never care about anyone but yourself!” 

That, folks, is criticism. Not only did you blame your partner – but you judged them. And here’s a red flag warning: If you’re using the words “you always” or “you never,” you can bet that you’re criticizing. Criticism usually leads to an argument that you don’t even need to have.

The positive way to handle it? Focus on one specific issue and Complain without blame. Start with what we call a “soft startup” –where you first tell your partner exactly what emotion you were feeling during dinner. Hurt and anger, am I right? Then describe the situation that caused that feeling: that your partner was on the phone through your entire delicious dinner. And then, ask for what you need to help resolve the issue. Hopefully, they’ll understand where you’re coming from, and agree to turn off the phone at dinner time. But whatever happens, you’ve opened a conversation. And that can only be good and healthy for you both.

So today’s small thing is: The next time your partner annoys you – take a breath – step back – and remember the difference between criticism and complaining. It could help save your relationship.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute for another small way to help you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships every day. 

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about making intentional choices in times of stress.

Face it. We’re living in a time of great anxiety and great uncertainty. The coronavirus pandemic has created changes in the way we live, the way we work — and in the way we connect with each other. But it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. We can make the best out of this “new normal” — that feels nothing like normal — by making intentional choices to connect with our  loved ones. Right now, we have to choose to stay indoors to do our part by hunkering down until the crisis is over —both for the protection of ourselves and others. So it’s important to choose to do the things we are able to still do, and want to do, with intention – like spending quality time with our partners, roommates, kids – and those we love.

So where do you start? First, really think about the ways you and your loved ones will move through your days — rather than just trying to barrel through them unconsciously. Actually sit  down and have a conversation about it. Maybe your partner hasn’t usually been home in time to help with dinner, but now they are! Is it their turn to cook? Or maybe, if boiling water is a struggle, their time is best spent helping the kids with their new home-school studies.

But being intentional isn’t just about tasks. Talk to your loved ones about what would bring you both joy today! Or maybe it’s time to make a new tradition. Maybe make breakfast an event! Let the kids help and embrace the mess. Do they want to dance and sing while they whisk the eggs? Bring it on. Plan the coming day together! Take a family walk after dinner every evening. Or schedule a weekly family meeting where everyone can safely voice their thoughts or concerns. Be creative! Find ways to connect, understand, and appreciate each other.

Because, of all times, now is the time to lean on each other. You don’t have to pretend like staying in your house, basically 24/7, with your family is normal. But that doesn’t mean life has to stop. It just means, you may have to modify some things. Okay, so your kid can’t go to the park right now. Bring the park to them! Bust out all of the pillows, blankets, whatever, for the ultimate fort! Use this time to really be in the moment and spend some quality time together that you might not normally get.

We know that focusing on the fun things might be hard right now while you’re concerned about what’s happening in the world, but that’s why it’s also important to take care of yourself and remember that your needs are important, too. I mean, really, how can you be there for your family if your anxiety is making you feel like a hot mess? So maybe take an hour a day to shut yourself into your bedroom, and take that online Zumba or meditation class that you’ve heard so much about. Or perhaps there’s a special podcast that you’ve been dying to listen to. Hopefully it’s this one! Whatever it is — carve out time that is just for you — and bask in the glow of doing something you love. Put it on your calendar. Make it a routine. That quiet, focused time will help you tune into yourself, relax, and gain perspective. 

Here’s today’s small thing: Ask a loved one, “How are you coping? How are you doing?” Right now, a question that simple might go a long way. Maybe you’ll discover a need that you can meet! Be intentional with your time and watch your family become stronger than ever.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about redefining rituals.

Is your world a little upside down? We can relate. It’s safe to say everyone can right now. There’s a good chance that you’re homebound… quarantined… waiting for this worldwide health emergency to pass… all while practicing social distancing.

Before this all started, maybe the idea of being stuck in your house with your partner, family, roommates, or whoever — 24/7 — sounded fun! And maybe it still is — you know, between trying to find toilet paper and holding onto hand sanitizer like it’s a pot of gold. Or maybe if you’re one of the lucky ones who’s able to work from home, that excitement came to an end, when your child threw an overstuffed peanut butter and jelly sandwich on the floor, screamed “No more sandwiches!!!”, and stomped on it, a foot away from you while you were on an important video conference with your boss.

No matter where you stand, and no matter how much you love your loved ones, being around them ALL. THE. TIME. — and being in the same confined area, can be a little rough. But you know what can help? Taking a good hard look at the rituals of your day-to-day life and being intentional about what everyone in your house, including you, needs right now.

Have a conversation with them about it! It can help to establish some boundaries so that you can all happily coexist and get whatever you need, done. Here are some questions that you can ask each other: 

What can we expect from our day? How should we begin and end our workday? How can we let each other know if we’re ready to talk — or need to be alone? How can we rely on each other to connect? What does it look like to get your needs for space and privacy met? What does our time together look like? When do you plan on throwing sandwiches? Do you always stomp on them post throw? You know, questions like that to get the dialogue going around how best to be mindful of each other’s needs.

Having these conversations proactively means you won’t need to have them reactively after an unknown boundary was violated. And remember, just because we’re all practicing social distancing, that doesn’t mean you have to be isolated! Use this time to connect with your loved ones — whether they’re under your roof or not. Just, you know, keep your distance.

Here’s today’s small thing: Ask your loved ones about their needs and express your own while you figure out your new daily rituals in close quarters. What are some things you can do to make each other’s lives easier?

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

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Today’s tip is about staying connected, even in times of great stress.

Feeling a lot of anxiety lately? Yea, [sigh], you are not alone. The fact that life has become complicated and stressful in the last few weeks is a huge understatement. With the coronavirus crisis now in our midst, our lives have changed drastically — and quickly —impacting each of us in different ways. Maybe you’re feeling stir-crazy from self-isolating and working from home. Maybe you’ve taken on the task of home-schooling your kids – a responsibility that you feel is totally out of your wheel-house. Or perhaps you’re beside yourself worried about the health of your family, your elderly relatives — and yourself. We understand. The stress and anxiety caused by this new reality is overwhelming.

So how do you navigate through it all? How do you stay connected to your partner when your mind is so preoccupied with uncertainty? The key is this: Be intentional about meeting each other’s needs —and create space for affection and intimacy. Here are a few tips that will help you get there.

First, schedule “couple time”: A crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic has totally disrupted our lives and daily routines. To counter this, schedule some time together with your partner. Even if you’re spending every minute of the day together in quarantine, it’s important to make space for intentional time together. It can be anything that helps you relax and connect. Make a “date” to watch your favorite movie, cook your favorite dinner together, or find a time to make love. Even mundane chores — like doing the dishes, cleaning the house, or making the bed together every morning —can be opportunities to connect.

Next: Take turns giving and receiving love. Sometimes it feels difficult to stay present for the other person because you’re both going through so much stress at the same time. So it’s really important that you make an effort to really stop and listen when your partner wants to share their thoughts and emotions— and vice versa.

Another thing you can do is create some rituals for your “new normal” to help you feel connected. Maybe give each other a kiss every morning as a quick dose of intimacy. Or leave sweet or funny notes of encouragement for each other during the day. Whatever it is, find a ritual you love that helps you stay connected. 

And finally: Be willing to forgive quickly. In stressful times, many of us are on edge – more irritable than usual, maybe snapping at our partners for no particular reason. If this happens, use the “rewind rule” — allow your partner to apologize and take back something that was said out of anger, frustration or fatigue. Forgive quickly and avoid the small, petty conflicts that might fester over time — and cause distance between you both. You won’t regret it.

Today’s small thing: During this unprecedented time, intentionally find small ways to meet your partner’s needs —and create the space for loving connections. Remember! Small things often can reap huge rewards!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about attunement. 

Okay, what does that even mean? So attunement means becoming receptive, aware, or accustomed to something. But it also means “to make harmonious.” Harmony is the operative word here. That’s exactly what we’re aiming for to improve your relationships — sweet, sweet harmony.

You know there’s been a time in one of your relationships, where you feel totally disconnected. It could feel like something’s off. Maybe you’re in a rut with your partner and you don’t feel at all like a team. Neither of you is trying to engage or talk about what’s going on and how you’re feeling. Or maybe you’re upset with a friend who’s been AWOL, but you’re not reaching out either.

Getting on the same page and finding harmony could be what’s missing. Hello, attunement! It can help build trust in a relationship, but it’s not always intuitive. So that’s where we step in. We’ve created an acronym out of the word “attune” to help guide you through the steps it takes to attune to your loved one’s emotions. Ready? This will help you remember!

The “A” in attune stands for awareness of the situation at hand. How is your partner feeling and how are you feeling?

The “T” stands for tolerance of two different viewpoints. Even if it’s different from your experience, what your partner is going through is very real for them. 

The second “T” is for turning toward. You might ask them “hey, what’s going on for you?”. 

The “U” is for understanding your partner. Don’t assume you get it right away, this may require asking clarifying questions.

The “N” is for non-defensive listening. This is hard to do but is crucial to having a constructive conversation. 

And finally, “E.” Respond with empathy! Get it? Attune!

So let’s put that into practice with today’s small thing: Make an effort to attune to your loved one! Something as simple as validating different perspectives can help create emotional harmony.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about de-stressing.

Say your partner had a horrible day and now that they’re home, all their stress about how they couldn’t fix anything that went wrong today is making them want to talk about your relationship and any problem they noticed in the past 24 hours. But as luck would have it, you also had a horrible day and unlike your partner, diving deep into your relationship is the last thing you feel like doing. Before you run for the hills or your partner reads their very specific, bulleted list of everything they want to fix in your relationship — you both need to de-stress. And you can do it together! It’s an important conversation to have with your loved one. 

Why? Because you know when you’re so stressed that you take your frustrations out on other people — who have nothing to do with the reason why you’re stressed? Talking about your day can help! 

We call it a stress-reducing conversation — a form of dialogue where you listen to each other’s venting with empathy and — this is a big one — without judgment or advice. So when we say listening, we really mean it — so keep your advice or “maybe you could try this!” to yourself because when you actually feel heard, venting can be just what you need! Yeah — your boss can be a jerk. And that arrogant coworker? The WORST. How many times can they talk about their gaudy new house in one day? Sometimes it feels good to just say it aloud to someone who really hears you. Say how ugly that house is! The point is, this conversation helps you and your loved one manage your external stress — not caused by your relationship — so that you’re not taking it out on each other or feeling like you need to fix each other’s problems.

So make this a ritual! When you reunite at the end of the day, open up about what happened! Support each other emotionally about other areas of your lives.

There’s a big asterisk on this conversation though. You ready? This is not the time to tell your partner, friend, family member, or whoever, about the issues you have within the relationship. You know why? If you’re still in stress-mode, that’s probably going to affect how you respond. Even though it’s always good to regularly open up about what you need and how you feel within your relationship, when you are both trying to de-stress and connect, this is NOT the right time to tell your spouse that you think their mom doesn’t like you. It’s time for you to listen about how this person cut them off in traffic and turned back to smile — who does that?

But you know what? If you want to talk about your relationship in this moment because you want to strengthen it — just listening, empathizing, and validating your loved one’s feelings at the end of the day can do wonders. Think of it this way — instead of saying you love them, show it by giving them the time and space to be heard.

So here’s today’s small thing: Practice listening to your loved one when you can tell they need to vent! Help them feel supported and heard — and watch the stress start to melt.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

We’re willing to bet that right now, you’re listening to this on your phone. And if it’s in your hand, please put it down and just listen — because today’s tip is about disconnecting. Sometimes you need to disconnect to connect with your partner.

It’s easier than ever to stay connected through email, texting, and social media. It’s the world we live in — and it’s a blessing and a curse. It’s great that you can keep up with friends and family. But it also can become a time-suck. You might not even realize how long you’ve been scrolling through selfies of friends you probably haven’t talked to in decades, pictures of plates of food, and Baby Yoda memes. That’s the danger here! Some people are checking their devices so often that they’re missing their partner’s attempts to connect.

For a lot of us, it’s a habit. You plop down on the couch with your phone. Open up Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or whatever and start scrolling. Your partner starts talking. You hear the words, but you’re not really hearing them. It’s going in one ear and out the other. Because did you see Kelly just posted that she’s pregnant? Again! With twins!

While your social media feed could have important information, your relationship is much more important. If your partner is complaining that you seem more focused on your screen than your relationship, that’s something you need to take seriously — even if you disagree! Here’s an idea. You turn off your phone during a movie or at church, right? Extend that same respect and courtesy to your partner.

And even better — establish rules for technology usage in your relationship. At the very least, this could mean a “no phone policy” at the dinner table or in bed. While your fans may be disappointed that you didn’t live stream how you cooked your carrots, they’ll live.

So here’s today’s small thing: Discuss a “no phone policy” with your partner. What time spent together do you want to make “device-free”? What parts of the house are no-phone zones?

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based techniques to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about listening.

And yes, we know our last episode was about listening, but guess what? There are different ways to listen so it’s really all quite nuanced. Last episode, we talked about listening to understand your partner and how they are feeling before immediately giving advice. So today we are focusing on how hard it can be to REALLY just listen to them.

Let’s start with what happens in conversations all the time. Your partner is telling you a story. They’re still talking, but you totally check out because you already formed a response in your mind. They’re telling you all about the new restaurant down the street. They won’t stop talking about the queso. BUT, they have no idea that you’ve already been there. And guess what? That “great” queso? There was a hair in yours. Not so great. They need to know… they need to know NOW, but they won’t. Stop. Talking. They are on to the texture and consistency of the queso. You’re nodding your head. Smiling when appropriate. But you can’t wait for them to take a 1 second breath so you can unleash queso-gate because you’ve been holding onto this information for what feels like an eternity. Oh sorry! Did you just interrupt their story?

Conversations like this — where you so badly want to jump in — can happen in any situation with co-workers, friends, and family. We’re all guilty of it so why is it problematic? Because you aren’t fully attentive and mindful of what they’re saying if you’re forming your response mid-conversation. You might have missed an important detail about your loved one’s thoughts or feelings.

So don’t listen to reply. Listen to understand.

That brings us to today’s small thing: Slow down and really listen. Wait to think about your response until your partner has finished talking. Not only will you have better conversations, but you’ll also understand your partner, or anyone else, a lot more.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about listening.

When we say listening you probably think, “I know how to listen. It’s not that hard.” But we’re talking about listening and really understanding your partner before you even think about giving advice. And we mean, really listening. Not that “I’m only half listening because I’m dying to respond” kind of listening.

Let’s say your partner just came home from work, filled with RAGE. They are making that weird face that they make when — They. Are. Ticked. Off. Furrowed brow? Check! Pacing the hallway? Oh yeah. Talking under their breath? Absolutely. Not good. Their boss was a total jerk today and they are so upset. Your first reaction? To fix it! It almost feels like you’re running out of time because there is a completely made up deadline to fix everything that’s making them upset. It hurts to see your partner hurting. But take a deep breath and — zip it. 

When someone you love is upset, it’s natural to want to fix it. But usually, your partner isn’t asking for you to come up with a solution — especially not immediately. So don’t just tell them to storm into their boss’ office — or at least not right away because there’s a good chance that they just want you to be there and listen!

Unsolicited advice is common among couples and honestly, all relationships. But unless your partner or friend has specifically asked for help — resist! Don’t try to fix the problem, change how they feel, or rescue them. Offering unsolicited advice gives your partner the impression that you think they haven’t thought of that solution yet, which they almost certainly have. The mindset to remember is understanding must precede advice.

We’re not saying that it’s never appropriate to problem-solve when your partner is upset. You just have to first let them know that you fully understand and empathize with them. That way they will be receptive to suggestions and you can problem-solve together. To communicate that you understand, try saying things like “I can see why you feel that way.” “No wonder you’re upset.” “That sounds frustrating.” Or, “I would have been disappointed, too.”

Here’s today’s small thing: Think about what your partner and friends need from you when they’re upset? Do you need the same things? If you don’t know, ask.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based techniques to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about problems.

Everyone’s got them. And there are some you just won’t be able to solve. Some issues between you and your partner are just going to stick around, no matter how many years you’re together.

For example, maybe you’re an extrovert who’s the center of attention at every social gathering, and loves meeting new people—as opposed to your partner who hates parties, avoids them at all costs—and is drained of every ounce of energy in their body when they finally walk out the door? Or maybe you would just absolutely love to have sex twice a week—and your partner would just absolutely love to have sex twice a month. Or, perhaps, you’re neat as a pin, very orderly, and, just for fun, you love to arrange your books in alphabetical order by author while your partner throws their clothes on the floor every night, forgets to open the mail for weeks at a time, and never puts away the milk. And so maybe you start to think, can this relationship even survive?

Well, in a word. Yes—it can. Because the fact is: research shows that almost two-thirds of marital issues are unsolvable! Two-thirds, can you believe it?! We call these “perpetual problems.” But it’s okay, because the great news is—despite what many therapists—or friends who like to play therapist—might tell you, you don’t have to solve these “perpetual problems” in order for your relationship to thrive.

But you can’t just let the problems do their thing, and just be “whatever” about them being in your relationship. Here’s the key: You’ve got to talk about these issues, a lot—and use these conversations to better understand each other. You’ll never change your partner, nor should you try to. But a good healthy dialogue, sprinkled with a little affection, some acceptance, and a bit of humor, will allow for the space that each of you needs to come to an understanding of who you are as individuals—while being together. Because without this understanding, your conflict will become gridlocked. And gridlock leads to resentment. And resentment leads to emotional disconnect. And that’s bad news for any relationship.

So give it a try. Talk about your differences, as well as your similarities—and maybe even grow old together—even if one of you still loathes going to parties.

So today’s small thing is: Take a moment, and think of one perpetual problem in your relationship. How have you handled it? How might you change that going forward? How can you accept that this is just a way you’re basically different, without it reflecting negatively on the relationship overall?

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute for another small way to help you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships every day.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based techniques to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about trust.

Are you under the impression that since you’ve fallen madly in love, that trust will automatically follow? Ah, wouldn’t that be so incredibly easy and perfect and wonderful… yeah it would be — if it were true. But the fact is, trust just doesn’t happen.

Trust doesn’t just appear all at once in one big swoop, as in “I love you so much, so, of course, I trust you so much.” Nope. Trust builds over time. And it happens in small moments. Everyday moments. Some so tiny and “blah” or “whatever”, you might just miss them if you’re not paying attention. We call them “sliding door” moments. And every day, you have a chance to seize the moment to connect – or not.

So okay, I know this whole “sliding door” idea might be hard to understand at first, so basically, picture this:

It’s Friday night. And you’ve made it to the end of an incredibly long, frustrating, and exhausting week at work. And all day long, you’ve been waiting to get home and go on a run. And, ahhhh, you’re finally there. You’re lacing up your shoes, picking your playlist, doing a little bit of stretching to hype yourself up before you go and you’re about to leave and you see your partner sitting lost in thought, looking a bit sad.

“Oh,noo nooo noo,” you think. “I don’t really want to deal with this now! I just want to run and not think about anything!” Ding, ding, ding, ding!! You’ve just arrived at a “sliding door” moment! You now have a choice. Put your plans aside, and ask your partner what’s wrong? Or pretend you didn’t see it, and sneak out the door and run…After a moment, you take out your earbuds, sit down next to your partner and say, “You seem sad. What’s going on? Can I help?”

Congratulations. With that one small choice, in that one tiny moment, you’ve begun to build trust. You paid attention, noticed there was something up, and made the choice to connect instead of focusing on yourself. Keep it up. Those small moments add up. And soon, a deep trusting relationship will follow.

So today’s small thing is: Pay attention to all your interactions today, and watch for “sliding door” moments. This can be with your partner, your child, a friend — or anyone you love.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute for another small way to help you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships every day.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about unity.

When you ask a happy couple about their relationship, they usually tell you about it with a sense of WE-ness… you know, we, you and me…ness…We-ness. Even the words they use to talk about their relationship often show similar beliefs, values, and goals — like they’re in this together! So, what does that say? That it’s important to move from “me” to “we” in your relationships.

One of the many reasons we-ness is important is because it can play a big role in the conflicts that pop up in any relationship. We’ve all been there. All relationships have conflicts that are tough to navigate. A common source of friction is money. Or how you label the relationship. Or maybe your conflicts aren’t that deep. Thermostat wars are real. Basically, we can get stuck when the focus is always on me, not we — so maybe bring your A/C up from below freezing and warm up to the idea of compromising.

Here’s something that can help. Start throwing “we” into the mix when you find yourself focusing on your own desires: Think, “What do we need? What do we want? What do we like?” It helps you get into the headspace to consider both you and your partner’s wants and needs.

That brings us to today’s small thing: It’s time to ask yourself, “How are you building we-ness in your relationships?”

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in five minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about taking care of someone you know pretty well. Someone who’s very important in your life and your relationships. YOU. That’s right we said it, YOU, yourself!

There are times in your life where you may feel like you lose yourself a little. Maybe you’ve just been promoted—but your job is so demanding, you feel like you’ve lost all concept of time and space. Or maybe your dad is really sick, and you’re on call 24/7. Or perhaps you just became a parent to a beautiful baby girl, and although you are over the moon with her arrival, she has colic and you haven’t slept in what feels like a hundred years. 

It happens. There are always going to be moments that require us to make sacrifices of our time and energy. It’s admirable—and in many cases essential. But if you’re feeling any kind of resentment creeping into your psyche, or any emotional distance, or a loss of intimacy in your relationship because of it, then whoa, listen up, because this tip is for you. And it all revolves around self-care.

First off, what do you feel when you hear that word?  Does it make you feel incredibly selfish? Guilty? Self-indulgent? Cringey? You’re not alone. So many people feel the same way. 

But the simple fact is: Self-care isn’t selfish at all. Taking the time for yourself—to do something just for you—is actually one of the best things you can do for your health and your relationships. Maybe belt out your favorite Adele song at the top of your lungs. Or go plant some flowers, and feel the fresh dirt between your fingers. Or maybe take a couple of hours to play a round of golf with your friends, an activity you love so much, but haven’t done since your life turned upside down. The point is that anything that brings you joy—not only benefits YOU–but all of your relationships.

So here’s today’s small thing: Go nurture yourself. Pick one activity today that you love—and carve out a time to do it. Because bottom line—the best thing you can do for your relationships is take care of yourself!

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.

Hi! You’re listening to Small Things Often from The Gottman Institute, where we talk you through research-based tips to help improve your relationships in 5 minutes or less.

Today’s tip is about appreciation.

Okay. So before we do anything else… you have to admit it. Admit that recently your partner might have done something that drove you absolutely up a wall. It could have been something super small, like maybe they were having the loudest conversation in the world with their mom about the guestlist for your 2-year-old daughter’s birthday party, as you were finally sitting down to watch The Great British Bake Off and just relax for once. Or maybe they forgot to walk the dog (AGAIN), even though they promised they would (TWICE), and of course, almost like he planned it, the dog saved his biggest accident in the history of his tiny, furry life for your bathroom floor.

The fact is that many people will catch themselves focusing on their partner’s shortcomings, which makes it much easier to take all the good parts for granted. But here’s the thing: The happiest couples — and, yes, real people with real flaws are in happy couples, too — are aware of things their partners do that they are not so fond of — but they realize that this person they chose to be with is still worthy of honor and respect. And they show it. How?

By catching them doing something right – and saying thank you.

So take a moment to close your eyes and think about your partner. Did they make the coffee early this morning so it would be ready when you got out of bed? Did they remember your dad’s birthday? Maybe they offered to pick up the kids without being asked. Or maybe they cleaned up that mess on the bathroom floor… Whatever it was that they did “right”, notice it. Appreciate it. And say thank you.

The truth is that fondness and admiration are two of the most crucial elements in creating a rewarding and long-lasting romance. So always be on the lookout for things you can appreciate about each other. We promise it won’t be that hard. You’ll even find that the tough moments that come up in your relationship will be less difficult – because you’ve built a partnership based on respect and appreciation.

So here’s today’s small thing: Search for small, everyday moments, and catch your partner doing something right. Say thank you. Rinse. Repeat.

Tune in to the next episode of Small Things Often for another quick tip from The Gottman Institute — helping you maintain and strengthen all of your relationships.