Why? Because ‘ignored’ bids can result in your partner feeling overlooked, rejected, and ultimately emotionally disconnected.
This might lead them to stop making efforts – or further ‘bids’ – and before long, you’re more akin to roommates than partners.
This can frequently signify the beginning of the end for couples.
So, how do individuals inadvertently become what experts refer to as ‘bid busters’? – when these ‘bids’ are perpetually ignored?
Disregarding ‘bids’ can be detrimental to relationships, dating experts have cautioned (Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images)
Alarmingly, it’s simpler than you may think – and this is due to our contemporary lifestyle.
Smartphones, work, Netflix marathons, or simply not being in the best mood could all be factors contributing to our unintentional dismissal of our partner’s connection attempts.
When bids are ignored too frequently, it conveys a clear message: ‘I’m not interested in you.’
Even if that’s not the intention – and let’s be honest, we’re all guilty of being a bit distracted and, in long-term relationships, occasionally taking our partner for granted.
Luckily, there’s a relatively simple solution to bid-busting.
The Gottman Institute clarifies that there are three approaches to respond to a bid: ‘turning towards’ it (acknowledging the bid), ‘turning away’ from it (ignoring or overlooking the bid) or ‘turning against’ it (rejecting the bid in an argumentative manner) – and it’s our reactions that are crucial.