Our research approach
Relationship Tips draws on established relationship science — ideas like perceived partner responsiveness, turning toward bids for connection, softened conflict start-up, fondness and admiration, gratitude, and repair behaviour. We never fabricate or overstate a source: anything not yet verified by our team is kept out of this public page.
Perceived Partner Responsiveness
The degree to which a partner is seen as understanding, validating and caring in response to needs and disclosures.
Turning Toward / Bids for Connection
Small moments where one partner reaches out for attention, affirmation or connection, and whether the other partner notices and responds.
Softened Conflict Start-Up
How a difficult conversation begins shapes how it unfolds — starting gently rather than with criticism predicts a more constructive outcome.
Fondness and Admiration
Maintaining and expressing genuine respect and admiration for a partner as a buffer against relationship negativity.
Positive Interaction
The balance of positive to negative interactions during everyday exchanges and during conflict.
Active Constructive Responding
Responding to a partner's good news with enthusiasm and engagement, rather than passively or dismissively.
Gratitude
Noticing and expressing genuine appreciation for a partner's actions and qualities.
Self-Determination Theory
People thrive when their needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness are supported, including within relationships.
Attachment Research
How felt security, availability and responsiveness between partners shapes relationship functioning.
Compassionate Goals
Approaching a partner's needs from a place of wanting to support them, rather than to manage impressions or avoid conflict.
Michelangelo Phenomenon
Partners can help "sculpt" each other toward their own ideal selves through everyday support of each other's goals.
Dyadic Coping
How couples jointly manage stress — sharing the load rather than facing pressure individually.
Repair Behaviour
Actions taken during or after conflict that de-escalate tension and restore connection.
Relationship Growth Beliefs
Whether partners view relationship challenges as workable and improvable, versus fixed and unchangeable.