
Team Us: A Christian Marriage Podcast
Ted and Ashleigh SlaterBids for Connection: Strengthening Your Marriage One Invitation at a Time
February 11, 2025 ● 20 minShare this episode
As couples, we aren’t bidding millions on artwork, movie props, or sports memorabilia. But we do regularly make emotional bids in marriage. Bids are invitations from and to our spouse for connection. Today, we talk about bids and how we can respond to them.
WAYS TO TURN TOWARD YOUR SPOUSE
- Pay attention.
- Practice active listening, validate feelings, and show interest
- Prioritize Responding
TAKE THE “US TIME” CHALLENGE
Pay attention to your spouse’s bids for connection this week. Make it a priority to turn toward them.
LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK
Did you enjoy this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/team-us/id1565819107)
TEAM US RESOURCES
- Team Us: The Unifying Power of Grace, Commitment, and Cooperation in Marriage (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/)
- FREE Team Us Study Guide (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/free-team-us-study-guide/)
LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
- Greg and Erin Smalley’s definition of bids (https://www.instagram.com/p/DFV6iOfuHg-/?img_index=1)
- “Want to Improve Your Relationship? Start Paying More Attention to Bids” by Logan Ury at Gottman Institute (https://www.gottman.com/blog/want-to-improve-your-relationship-start-paying-more-attention-to-bids/)
- “Turn Towards Instead of Away” by Zach Brittle at Gottman Institute (https://www.gottman.com/blog/turn-toward-instead-of-away/)
- Gottman’s List of Minor Bids for Emotional Connection at Gottman Institute
- (https://www.gottman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/List-of-bids-Graphic.png)
- “How to Recognize Your Partner’s ‘Bids for Connection’ and Maybe Save Your Relationship” by Brianne Hogan at LifeHack.com (https://lifehacker.com/how-to-recognize-your-partners-bids-for-connection-and-1848740174)
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Today's Devotional
A Prayer for Peace This Easter - Your Daily Prayer - April 1
You don't have to be afraid you won’t find the perfect Easter outfit, or have perfectly well-behaved children, or know exactly what to say at the dinner prayer. Honoring the resurrection is admitting and embracing a victorious freedom — to receive the peace of Jesus.
Top Artists
Top Music Videos

Chris Tomlin Chris Tomlin’s Powerful Live Rendition of ‘The First Hymn’ Will Stir Your Soul

toby mac TobyMac Drops ‘Heaven On My Mind’ Official Music Video

Casting Crowns 'Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)' Casting Crowns Live

John Mark McMillan John Mark McMillan and Sarah McMillan - King Of My Heart

Chris Tomlin Chris Tomlin - Holy Forever







