What is one of the primary purposes of daily rituals in Gottman-informed practice?

• A. They sustain closeness.
• B. They replace therapy sessions.
• C. They eliminate conflict.
• D. They guarantee success.

Answer: (A)

Daily rituals of connection are about sustaining closeness through regular, positive moments that reinforce the couple’s friendship and emotional bond. In Gottman-informed practice, these rituals consist of small, consistent actions—a nightly check-in, shared activities, or sincere appreciations—that create warmth, attention, and positive interaction. Over time, they build an emotional bank account: the couple has a reservoir of positive experiences to draw on when tensions arise, helping partners feel connected and seen even during stressful periods. This daily focus on maintaining closeness is foundational in the Gottman approach, supporting relationship health by keeping the friendship strong.

They aren’t meant to replace therapy sessions or address deeper issues alone, and they don’t guarantee that conflicts won’t occur or that every problem will be solved. Nor do they guarantee success, since outcomes depend on many factors, including consistency and how well the couple handles disagreements. But their purpose and strongest impact are to sustain closeness and maintain a healthy emotional connection over time.