The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by Emeritus Professor John M Gottman, Nan Silver

The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work

by Emeritus Professor John M Gottman and Nan Silver

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Over a million copies sold! “An eminently practical guide to an emotionally intelligent—and long-lasting—marriage.”—Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence
 
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work has revolutionized the way we understand, repair, and strengthen marriages. John Gottman’s unprecedented study of couples over a period of years has allowed him to observe the habits that can make—and break—a marriage. Here is the culmination of that work: the seven principles that guide couples on a path toward a harmonious and long-lasting relationship.
 
Straightforward yet profound, these principles teach partners new approaches for resolving conflicts, creating new common ground, and achieving greater levels of intimacy. Gottman offers strategies and resources to help couples collaborate more effectively to resolve any problem, whether dealing with issues related to sex, money, religion, work, family, or anything else.
 
Packed with new exercises and the latest research out of the esteemed Gottman Institute, this revised edition of The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work is the definitive guide for anyone who wants their relationship to attain its highest potential.

Reviewed by Berls on

4 of 5 stars

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So in the last 12 months we had a baby, I started a new career, we moved 2 times, a pandemic hit the world, I got laid off, started a new job, and my then 9 month old had surgery. If that doesn't put stress on a marriage, I don't know what does. And honestly, I feel like we were rocking it until COVID.

Anyway, the stress took it's toll and my therapist recommended this book. It was great! So full of practical advice. Complete with quizzes to check the state of your marriage in each of the 7 principles, tons of activities and talking points and lists to refer to, many real world examples, and realistic explanations. I like that the book doesn't just focus on communication - though that is important - but on the many ways you can be unconsciously hurting your marriage.

We weren't in near as bad a shape as I thought when I started this book and just incorporating little bits here and there have made a world of difference. I like the recognition that healthy marriages are still full of disagreements and conflict - it's how you handle them that makes the difference. I will be referring back to key bits of this book for life I think.

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  • Started reading
  • 31 August, 2020: Finished reading
  • 31 August, 2020: Reviewed