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Built To Last Love: The Bond-Strengthening Power of Mutual Admiration and Fondness

A crucial element of a successful relationship is the presence of fondness and admiration, as emphasized by Dr. John Gottman, a prominent psychologist and researcher, who has dedicated his career to understanding the intricacies of romantic relationships. His groundbreaking work has provided valuable insights into what makes a relationship flourish or flounder.


Gottman's research, spanning over four decades, has led to the development of the Gottman Method, a highly respected approach to couples therapy which includes building and maintaining a strong foundation of fondness and admiration within a relationship.





The Power of Fondness

Fondness refers to the affection and warmth that partners feel for each other. It involves appreciating each other's positive qualities and the unique aspects of their personalities. According to Dr Gottman's studies, he found that couples who express genuine fondness for each other are more likely to overcome conflicts and stay together for the long term. He developed the "Sound Relationship House" theory, which consists of various levels and components contributing to a healthy relationship. At the foundation level of this house is "Build Love Maps," where partners actively seek to understand and appreciate each other's world, desires, and dreams. This process fosters fondness by demonstrating a genuine interest in your partner's thoughts, feelings, and experiences. When fondness is present in a relationship, couples are more inclined to view each other's actions and words in a positive light. This buffer of goodwill helps them navigate the inevitable challenges and conflicts that arise in any relationship. When partners are fond of each other, they are more likely to interpret their partner's behavior as well-intentioned, rather than as a personal attack.


Admiration: The Backbone of Love

Admiration, the next critical element in a healthy relationship, is the genuine respect and appreciation partners hold for each other's character, abilities, and achievements. Admiring your partner means recognizing their unique strengths, talents, and qualities that you deeply value. Gottman's research has shown that admiration is a vital ingredient in the recipe for lasting love. Partners who admire each other are more likely to weather life's storms together successfully. Admiration is an acknowledgment of the qualities that initially drew you to your partner and a reminder of what continues to make them extraordinary in your eyes. When admiration is present in a relationship, partners tend to focus on each other's positive attributes, rather than dwelling on their flaws or shortcomings. This shift in perspective can have a profound impact on the overall quality of the relationship, making it more resilient and fulfilling.


The Magic Ratio

One of Dr. John Gottman's most famous findings is the "magic ratio" of positive to negative interactions in a relationship. His research suggests that for a relationship to thrive, the ratio of positive interactions to negative interactions should be at least 5:1. This means that for every negative interaction or criticism, there should be at least five positive interactions. Couples who maintain this 5:1 ratio are more likely to experience a deep sense of connection and satisfaction within their relationship. They not only express their love through words but also through their actions, showing appreciation and admiration for each other consistently.


Implementing Fondness and Admiration in Your Relationship

Understanding the importance of fondness and admiration is one thing, but how can you actively incorporate these elements into your relationship? Here are some practical steps to help you nurture these qualities in your partnership:

  1. Express Gratitude: Regularly express your gratitude for your partner's presence in your life and for the positive qualities they bring to the relationship. Simple gestures like saying "thank you" can go a long way in building fondness.

  2. Love Maps: Continuously update your knowledge about your partner's world. Ask them about their interests, dreams, and experiences, and show genuine interest in what matters to them.

  3. Focus on Strengths: Rather than dwelling on each other's weaknesses, emphasize your partner's strengths and qualities that you admire. Celebrate their achievements and support their goals.

  4. Use Positive Language: When discussing problems or conflicts, communicate in a way that conveys respect and understanding. Avoid criticism and contempt, which can erode fondness and admiration.

  5. Physical Affection: Physical touch and affectionate gestures are powerful ways to express fondness. Hold hands, hug, and cuddle regularly to reinforce your connection.

  6. Be Mindful of Your Tone: The way you communicate is as important as what you say. Speak kindly, with a tone that conveys your admiration and respect.

Maintaining fondness and admiration in a relationship can be challenging, especially when faced with the inevitable ups and downs of life. In times of crisis or when you feel these qualities slipping away, seeking professional help can be a wise decision. Couples who wish to foster these essential qualities can benefit from relationship counseling in Brisbane southside and online couples counseling in Australia. These counseling services provide a safe and supportive environment where couples can explore their issues, improve their communication, and rediscover what they admire and love about each other. Working with a therapist trained in Gottman Method can help to provide your relationship with a number of benefits:

  1. Improved Communication: Teaching couples effective communication strategies, helping them express their thoughts and feelings in a respectful and productive manner.

  2. Conflict Resolution: Addressing conflicts and providing tools to manage disagreements without damaging the fondness and admiration in the relationship.

  3. Rekindling Romance: Couples can rediscover the qualities that originally attracted them to each other and reignite the spark of admiration.

  4. Strengthening Bond: Rebuild emotional connection and reinforce the foundation of fondness and admiration.

Remember, a loving relationship is a journey, and it's one that's worth nurturing every step of the way.






Debra Bragança is a registered Counsellor with The Australian Counselling Association and works with both adults and couples impacted from trauma, anxiety, chronic illness, depression and relationship issues, including affairs. She is trained in a number of evidence-based therapies including CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy), CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy), ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy), Gottman Couples Therapy (including Affair Recovery) and she is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.


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