Summaries of books about Marriage & Long-Term Relationships:
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
A Practical Guide from the Country's Foremost Relationship Expert
John Gottman|Nan Silver
The book outlines seven key strategies to enhance and maintain a healthy marriage, based on extensive research and observations of couples' interactions. It provides practical exercises and insights to improve communication, foster mutual respect, and build a stronger emotional connection between partners.
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Love and Respect
The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs
Emerson Eggerichs
The book presents a relationship framework based on the biblical command that wives should respect their husbands and husbands should love their wives, suggesting that adhering to these roles can resolve marital conflicts. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and fulfilling each partner's primary emotional needs—respect for men and love for women—to foster a successful and harmonious marriage.
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Live in Love
Growing Together Through Life's Changes
Lauren Akins|Mark Dagostino
The book is a memoir that chronicles the personal and shared journey of a celebrity couple, exploring their love story, family life, and the challenges they've faced. It delves into themes of commitment, faith, and the complexities of living in the public eye while nurturing a relationship and raising children.
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Eight Dates
Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love
John Gottman|Julie Schwartz Gottman|Doug Abrams|Rachel Carlton Abrams
The book guides couples through eight thoughtfully designed dates, each focusing on a critical aspect of a successful romantic relationship, such as trust, conflict, sex, money, family, adventure, spirituality, and dreams. It provides questions and conversation starters to encourage meaningful dialogue and exercises to strengthen the connection between partners.
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Boundaries in Marriage
Henry Cloud|John Townsend
The book explores how establishing clear personal boundaries is essential for building a healthy marriage where both partners feel valued and respected. It provides practical advice on setting and maintaining boundaries that promote mutual understanding, respect, and love within the marital relationship.
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Things I Wish I'd Known Before We Got Married
Gary Chapman
The book offers practical advice and insights for couples to consider before committing to marriage, addressing common misconceptions and challenges. It covers topics such as communication, conflict resolution, finances, and expectations to help build a strong foundation for a lasting relationship.
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In Love
A Memoir of Love and Loss
Amy Bloom
The memoir recounts the author's journey with her husband, Brian, as they navigate his early-onset Alzheimer's diagnosis. It delves into their decision to pursue assisted suicide in Switzerland, exploring themes of love, mortality, and the complexities of choosing to die with dignity.
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His Needs, Her Needs
Building an Affair-Proof Marriage
Willard F. Harley
The book identifies and discusses ten fundamental emotional needs within marriage, such as affection, sexual fulfillment, intimate conversation, and recreational companionship, suggesting that fulfilling these needs is key to preventing infidelity. It provides practical advice and strategies for couples to understand and meet each other's needs, thereby strengthening their marital bond.
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The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands
Laura Schlessinger
The book offers advice on how women can improve their marriages by understanding and attending to men's emotional and physical needs, advocating for traditional gender roles and emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and care. It encourages women to show appreciation, prioritize their relationships, and engage in open communication to foster a loving and supportive partnership.
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The Good Fight
Wanting to Leave, Choosing to Stay, and the Powerful Practice for Loving Faithfully
Jana Kramer|Michael Caussin
The book delves into the personal struggles and triumphs of a couple working through infidelity and relationship challenges. It offers insights and practical advice on commitment, healing, and maintaining love in the face of adversity.
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