Dr. Gottman found that the following were examples of repair attempts: «using humor; stroking your partner with a caring remark («I understand that this is hard for you»); making it clear you're on common ground («We'll tackle this problem together»); backing down (in marriage, as in the martial art Aikido, you often have to yield to win); and, in general, offering signs of appreciation for your partner and his or her feelings along the way.» (frontrangecounselingcenter.com)
Examples of repair attempts: using humor; offering a caring remark («I understand that this is hard for you»); making it clear you're on common ground («We'll tackle this problem together»); backing down (in marriage, as in the martial art Aikido, you often have to yield to win); and, in general, offering signs of appreciation for your partner and their feelings along the way. (gottman.com)
And little signs of appreciation (let alone grandeur ones) seem to end up on New Year resolution lists or Christmas presents. (aclassictwist.com)