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Kelly Ripa Tests Viral 'Bird Theory' On-Air With Mark Consuelos

The trend treats a partner’s follow-up question as a quick signal of attentiveness rooted in Gottman-style relationship research.

Overview

  • During the Nov. 12 episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, Ripa told Consuelos she had seen a bird, prompting him to ask what kind, and she reacted that he ‘loves’ her.
  • On air, Ripa read a therapist’s summary explaining that the prompt gauges whether a partner engages with curiosity, a dynamic popularized on TikTok.
  • Coverage linked the concept to John Gottman’s work on partners ‘turning toward’ everyday bids for attention, as summarized by PBS reporting.
  • The hosts and executive producer Michael Gelman explored equivalents for different interests, with a sports example—Consuelos mentioned the Buccaneers and Ripa followed up—illustrating the idea.
  • Ripa and Consuelos, married since 1996 and co-hosting together since his 2023 move to the show, framed the moment as a playful check-in on communication.