This is an excellent book full of interesting information and useful exercises. If you or your counseling clients want to make marriagework, this could really help. I bought the Kindle version, though, and now I have no access to the exercises.
I borrowed the book from the library and made some copies of the exercises. There are so many good ones, this turned out to be a lot of time and money spent that I wouldn't have if only I had bought the book in the first place.
So, my message here is buy this BOOK! Work the exercises with your partner. Pass it along to someone else, too. Buy something else to read on Kindle.
I think this is one of the best books that I have read on relationships in trouble. Principle 2 - Nurturing your fondness and admiration and Principle 6 - Overcoming Gridlock are worth the price of the book. The book contains a lot of tests and exercises most of which are very useful and insightful. The book assumes that both the husband and wife are trying to improve their marriage. It also works to some degree if only one person is working on the marriage.
The author does come accross in the first couple of chapters as arrogant but he tones it down in the remaining chapters. It is only slightly distracting.
Awesome Book!! A definite "Must Get!" 2 Thumbs Up!!
My Husband and I are reading this amazing book. It is enlightening, eye opening and it is a fabulous book for any relationship, not just marriage! A definite must get!
I first read this book some time ago, and I've read it quit a few times since. At least in parts. The seven principals of making a marriagework can be applied to any relationship. I've certainly tried to apply them in my life, to some success. We all need these reminders at time to help us get our thoughts and priorities in a relationship back on track. Regularly leafing through this book helps me to do that. While I didn't agree with absolutely everything the book says, it is certainly full of invaluable advice for all couples, and should be read by everyone in a relationship.
I also recommend...
The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate
I was looking for some answers with my current situation, and I found more than what I hoped for here. It struck a great number of familiar chords with both of us, and has true to life examples than any couple will relate to. This is a definite "must buy" book for any married couple.
Other excellent and unique book for relationships is I Love You. Now What?: Falling in Love is a Mystery, Keeping It Isn't
Just as Masters and Johnson were pioneers in the study of human sexuality, so Dr. John Gottman has revolutionized the study of marriage. As a professor of psychology at the University of Washington and the founder and director of the Seattle Marital and Family Institute, he has studied the habits of married couples in unprecedented detail over the course of many years. His findings, and his heavily attended workshops, have already turned around thousands of faltering marriages.
This book is the culmination of his life's work: the sevenprinciples that guide couples on the path toward a harmonious and long-lasting relationship. Straightforward in their approach, yet profound in their effect, these principles teach partners new and startling strategies for making their marriage work. Gottman helps couples focus on each other, on paying attention to the small day-to-day moments that, strung together, make up the heart and soul of any relationship. Being thoughtful about ordinary matters provides spouses with a solid foundation for resolving conflict when it does occur and finding strategies for living with those issues that cannot be resolved.
Packed with questionnaires and exercises whose effectiveness has been proven in Dr. Gottman's workshops, The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work is the definitive guide for anyone who wants their relationship to attain its highest potential.
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work is the result of Dr. John Gottman's many years of closely observing thousands of marriages. This kind of longitudinal research has never been done before. Based on his findings, he has culled seven principles essential to the success of any marriage. Maintain a love map. Foster fondness and admiration. Turn toward instead of away. Accept influence. Solve solvable conflicts. Cope with conflicts you can't resolve. Create shared meaning.
Dr. Gottman's unique questionnaires and exercises will guide couples on the road to revitalizing their marriage, or making a strong one even better.
based on 143 reviews
