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⭐️⭐️💫 Meh. There are a few useful/valuable things in here (like trying to respond positively to your partner‘s “bids” for attention/connection), but a lot seemed pretty self evident (displaying contempt for your partner is bad!). There are a few nods toward other relationships, but it‘s pretty heteronormative and much of it assumes or addresses “traditional“ gender roles. The term “making love” is used a lot, and I cringed every time. 😣

Not bad for self-help. It's longer than it needs to be, maybe a little dated, but I like how Gottman brings it back over and over to seeing marriage as a partnership, a shared life. It seems an obvious point, but it's one that's easy to lose sight of and a good reminder, especially after reading books suggesting that some marriages work best if partners live in separate homes, lead separate lives and come together only when they feel like it.

#ShowSomeLove @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @TheKidUpstairs
Prompt: World Marriage Day

I found this super interesting. Picked up on a whim not because my marriage is on the rocks but I‘m so glad that I did.

This has been an eye-opening read for me, especially in this particular time in my own marriage. Man, we really are taught nothing about conflict resolution and communication... I highly recommend this book to all who are married or want to be - and preferably read it before you become unhappy in your marriage!

4.5/5💚s

This book provides 7 principles which help make relationships successful. Based on research, it provides information, assessments, & exercises couples can do at home to strengthen their relationship. However it had limitations as all research does. For a full review, see my blog here:
https://sisulumicounseling.com/2019/04/12/book-review-the-seven-principles-for-m...

Very true!

62 pages to go! I may finish it before my next book for a therapist book club arrives in the mail next week!

I'm already reading so many books but just started this on Kindle and man, is it good. 8% in and he is already disproving all the marriage myths I have ever heard, including the advice we got in pre-marriage counseling. His stuff on Facebook is great if you don't already follow The Gottman Institute.

I am a marriage and family therapist and this is a definite recommendation for anyone who is married (or even thinking about marriage). I‘m 1/4 of the way through. Gottman can tell with over 90% accuracy if a couple will get divorced (based on scientific research, of course).

Next up on my TBR list is a marriage book. My past therapist had it in her office and recommended that I read it when I was dating my now husband. Sad how it's taken me so long to finally sit down to read it from cover to cover. This will be book 3 of the first 4 books of the year, focusing on the theme of Self-improvement. Have my TBR list of 25 books for 2018... but not sure I will read everything in the order that I have set. It is the hope! 🤓

SEVEN

#NovemberbytheNumbers
@Tiffy_Reads @JoeStalksBeck

As I prepare to be married in three weeks, this was a great read. It is not just an advice book, but there are several activities to complete with your spouse to overcome conflict and re-establish roles in a marriage. Whether you've been married 40 years or 5, I would highly recommend taking the time to read this one.