Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Janice Driver have labeled nine ways that we bid for emotional connection with our loved ones. These seemingly small gestures are not to be taken lightly. They are ways in which we try to establish intimacy with others and to ignore or reject them may create problems in these relationships. The nine little things that mean so much are listed in this article posted on psychologytoday.com. They include bids for attention, interest, enthusiastic engagement, extended conversation, play, humor, affection, emotional support, and self-disclosure. How we respond to these little things does, indeed, matter greatly.
Read the rest of the article here: When It Comes to Relationships, the Little Things Count
