1. The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John M. Gottman
This book is a self-help book for saving marriages. It is based on scientific research and provides excellent analysis and descriptions of both successful and unsuccessful marriages. It’s written for people who are struggling in their marriage and considering a divorce. There is an in-depth chapter about why couples don’t make it with the aim to help readers identify the problems in their marriage. Then Gottman gives many practical examples of how couples can improve their marriage. In fact, it is used by professional marriage counsellors all over the world because of how effective it is. This book helps people figure out if their marriage is able to be saved and a step by step process of how to get there.
2. The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate by Book by Gary Chapman
This book can be both useful for every couple – married or just dating and even singles! It can help build relationships, maintain relationships and take relationships to the next level. Chapman provides the true meaning of communication in relationships. He helps you to identify what love language you speak in and how to ensure that you are speaking your partners love language too. Of course, reading this doesn’t guarantee a successful relationship but the techniques that Chapman suggests will certainly help improve it.
3. Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find and Keep Love by Amir Levine
Levine gives insights into the science and complexities of adult attachment issues. He discusses the role they play in relationships and gives many suggestions on how to resolve them. His aim is to help readers identify attachment problems (if any) in their relationships and to regain control. The theories suggested can be applied to any personal relationships in your life. They will teach you how to recognise others love language and to respond accordingly. Everyone is different and has different ways of showing love, so to avoid feeling rejected we must not make assumptions. But look deeper into that person’s behaviour to gain a better understanding. This will unquestionably lead to more fulfilled and happy relationships.
4. Eight Dates: Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love by by John M. Gottman, Doug Abrams, Rachel Carlton Abrams & Julie L. Schwartz
This is a self-help book that gives straightforward and practical advice for creating more solid relationships. The book is written by four different love experts with many different perspectives and pieces of advice. So, undoubtedly you’ll take something from this book. It covers many important topics of relationships such as trust, commitment, sex, money, family, conflict, fun/adventure, growth, spirituality and goals/ dreams. It shares the common characteristics of successful relationships and how to identify areas your relationship might be lacking in. This book will help you to discover what creates a last connection and relationship and the steps you should take to get there with your loved one.
5. Getting the Love You Want by Harville Hendrix
Hendrix identifies many everyday life matters that can have an effect on relationships and how to overcome them. It covers many topics, such as dealing with trauma, attachment issues, different love languages and much more! It’s structured, informative and well-written. This book will help you to respect your partners’ differences and deal with them in a healthy way rather than building up resentment and anger which will ultimately end the relationship. It will also give you insights into where things went wrong in your past relationships. It’s a must-read if you’re struggling to maintain healthy relationships or looking for solutions to save your current one.