Close social bonds are fundamental to happiness and health. So how do we get them? In this talk, I will discuss a series of studies from my team about everyday behaviors that are bond-promoting. Specifically, I will present evidence regarding what gives rise to affectionate touch, why shared laughter contributes to relationships, and – from a field experiment -- for the causal role of expressed gratitude in increasing time spent in the physical presence of a loved partner. By observing and quantifying real behavior from participant reports and videorecordings, one important part of this work is the documentation of the frequency and variety of these fundamental behaviors. Through triangulation of methods from daily reports, experiments, and associations with the oxytocin system, this evidence helps us gain confidence in our understanding of the positive interpersonal processes that get us into great relationships and keep us coming back for more. Discussion focuses on implications for health and application as well as extending to non-White/middle-class/heterosexual/US-based samples.