• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Dating expert warns of worrying yet subtle sign your relationship won’t last much longer

Home> News> Sex & Relationships

Published 18:22 14 Mar 2025 GMT

Dating expert warns of worrying yet subtle sign your relationship won’t last much longer

You might not even realize it's happening...

Ellie Kemp

Ellie Kemp

A dating expert has revealed one tiny but damaging habit which could destroy even the strongest of relationships.

When we think about break-ups, we often assume they happen because of something major like cheating.

But sometimes relationship end slowly, as two people gradually figure out they're not all that compatible.

However, this habit could quietly drive a wedge between you and your partner, and if left unchecked, might spell the end of your time together.

Advert

And it's something either party could be doing without even realizing: failing to respond to your partner’s 'bids' for attention.

According to The Gottman Institute, a 'bid' is 'a request to connect' and forms 'the fundamental unit of emotional communication'.

'Bid busting' happens more than we realize in our relationships (Imaginestock/Getty Images)
'Bid busting' happens more than we realize in our relationships (Imaginestock/Getty Images)

A bid can be anything, such as a comment about their day, a shared meme, a casual touch, or even a sigh.

Advert

Yet, how you respond - or don’t - matters more than you think.

Why? Well, 'ignored' bids can leave your partner feeling unnoticed, rejected and eventually emotionally disconnected.

It might result in them no longer making an effort - or further 'bids' - and before you know it, you're more like roommates than partners.

This can very often spell the beginning of the end for couples.

Advert

So, how do people accidentally become what experts call 'bid busters?' - when these 'bids' are constantly ignored?

Ignoring 'bids' can be relationship-breaking, dating experts have warned (Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images)
Ignoring 'bids' can be relationship-breaking, dating experts have warned (Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images)

Worryingly, it's easier than you might think - and that's thanks to our modern way of living.

Phones, work, Netflix binges, or just not being in the best mood could all be contributing factors which make us unintentionally shut down our partner’s attempts to connect.

Advert

When ignored bids happen too often, it sends out a clear message: 'I’m not interested in you.'

Even if that's not the case - and hey, we're all guilty of getting a little distracted and, if in a long-term relationship, taking our partner for granted at times.

Fortunately, there's a pretty easy bid-busting fix.

The Gottman Institute explains that there are three ways you can respond to a bid: 'turning towards' it (acknowledging the bid), 'turning away' from it (ignoring or missing the bid) or 'turning against' it (rejecting the bid in an argumentative way) - and it's how we react that's pretty make or break.

Advert

Paying active attention to your partner helps reduce 'bid busting' (Georgeclerk/Getty Images)
Paying active attention to your partner helps reduce 'bid busting' (Georgeclerk/Getty Images)

Obviously, the first option is vital - actually pay attention to your parnter.

"A tendency to turn towards your partner forms the basis of trust, emotional connection, passion, and a satisfying sex life,' the institute adds.

It makes sense - relationships thrive on mutual interest, and when you turn towards each other instead of away, the bond strengthens.

Advert

So, the next time your partner starts rambling about their latest obsession, put down your phone, make eye contact, and engage. It might just save your relationship!

The Gottman Institute concluded: "Some people think they can put their relationship on ice and then thaw it out with the occasional romantic date night.

"But relationships are built and maintained with daily attention, not grand gestures.

"Attention, intention, interest, and curiosity are the antidotes to bid busters.

Advert

"Practicing this will make all the difference in your relationships."

Featured Image Credit: Justin Paget/Getty Images

Topics: Psychology, Sex and Relationships, Life

Ellie Kemp
Ellie Kemp

Advert

Advert

Advert

  • 'Floodlighting' is the latest dating trend that experts are warning people to be aware of
  • Scientists discover a link between when you have sex and the risk of getting cancer
  • Scientists explain negative impact not having enough sex can have on men's bodies
  • Common phone habit expert warns is actually a huge relationship red flag

Choose your content:

6 hours ago
8 hours ago
9 hours ago
11 hours ago
  • 6 hours ago

    Amazon Prime series with near-perfect RT score is labeled 'one of the best' by Stephen King

    The series starring Titus Welliver has been branded 'one of the most underrated TV shows'

    Film & TV
  • 8 hours ago

    People horrified after hearing tech billionaire Peter Thiel’s ‘sociopathic’ response about the future of humanity

    People have been creeped out by how he answered a simple question

    News
  • 9 hours ago

    Doctor issues warning over hidden symptoms of Lyme disease as tick bites near record highs in US states

    Parts of the US have seen a sudden uptick in tick bites

    News
  • 11 hours ago

    ‘World’s top couple’s therapist’ reveals the one surprising behavior in people’s relationships that ‘scares her’

    The psychologist said this one thing in other couples doesn't seem real

    News