13 Best Marriage Books for Couples: Expert Recommendations

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1. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, HER Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed by Lori Gottlieb

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone

Lori Gottlieb’s memoir, Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, offers readers a unique perspective into the life and work of a therapist. The book has gained popularity among couples looking to gain insight into the therapeutic process.

According to Amatenstein, the memoir “helps us see our universalities, our fears, and how dependent so many of us are on what we perceive as someone else’s opinion of us.” Gottlieb’s personal journey, as she works on her own romantic relationships alongside her therapist, provides a candid and honest portrayal of the therapeutic process.

2. Eight Dates: Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love by John Gottman

Eight Dates Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love by John Gottman

John Gottman’s book, “Eight Dates: Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love,” is a must-read for couples looking to strengthen their relationship. This book offers eight conversation topics that couples can discuss on a date night, along with exercises to prepare for the conversation.

The book is not just for newlyweds, but also for couples who have been together for a long time. Each chapter includes a fun conversation starter and a date idea to make the conversation more enjoyable.

This book provides an excellent opportunity for couples to spend quality time together while improving their communication and understanding of each other. Currently, the book is available at a discounted price of 36%.

3. The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John M. Gottman

The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John M. Gottman

John M. Gottman, a renowned researcher in the field of marriage partnerships, has identified seven essential strategies that can help couples improve their relationships. These principles include enhancing love maps, nurturing fondness and admiration, turning towards each other instead of away, letting your partner influence you, solving solvable conflicts, overcoming gridlock, and creating shared meaning.

The book is filled with practical advice, questionnaires, and exercises that can be done with your partner. The principles outlined in this book can also be applied to improve friendships and other relationships.

4. Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott

Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott

Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott’s book, Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts, is an interactive reading experience designed for engaged couples. The book offers self-tests and exercises to help couples build a strong foundation for marriage. It is a valuable resource for soon-to-be-newlyweds who want to ensure a successful and long-lasting marriage.

5. Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence by Esther Perel

Mating in Captivity

Esther Perel, a psychotherapist and host of the podcast Where Should We Begin, presents unconventional ideas in her book Mating in Captivity. Perel suggests that allowing emotional freedom in a monogamous relationship can reignite the passion and intimacy.

Her book offers insights on how to bring back the sparks of lust and life into a relationship. For further exploration, Perel’s book State of Affairs is also recommended.

6. Urban Tantra: Sacred Sex for the Twenty-First Century by Barbara Carrellas

Urban Tantra Sacred Sex for the Twenty-First Century by Barbara Carrellas

Barbara Carrellas, a renowned sex educator, has written a book called “Urban Tantra: Sacred Sex for the Twenty-First Century,” which aims to update the ancient art of tantra for modern couples.

The book provides over 100 easy-to-follow how-tos and some spiritual wisdom, making it a valuable source for those looking to enhance their intimate relationships. If intimacy is what your relationship is lacking, this book might be worth considering.

7. The Sex-Starved Marriage by Michele Wiener Davis

The Sex-Starved Marriage by Michele Wiener Davis

Michele Wiener Davis wrote a book titled “The Sex-Starved Marriage,” which discusses the issue of low sexual desire in marriages. The book provides strategies for couples to improve their sex lives and reignite their passion. Some of the key points discussed in the book include:

  • Understanding the reasons behind low sexual desire
  • Communicating openly with your partner about your needs and desires
  • Finding ways to prioritize intimacy in your relationship
  • Exploring new sexual experiences and techniques
  • Seeking professional help if necessary

Overall, “The Sex-Starved Marriage” offers practical advice for couples struggling with low sexual desire and aims to help them build a more fulfilling and satisfying relationship.

8. Getting the Love You Want by Harville Hendrix

Getting the Love You Want by Harville Hendrix

Getting the Love You Want by Harville Hendrix is a classic relationship book that was first published in 1988. Despite its age, it remains one of the most recommended books by marriage therapists to help couples build a mature and supportive relationship.

The book suggests that our unconscious mind chooses a partner who can help us fill the missing pieces in our lives. The author has updated the book to include new philosophies and exercises, making it a timeless resource for couples seeking to improve their relationship.

9. On Love: A Novel by Alain de Botton

On Love A Novel by Alain de Botton

On Love by Alain de Botton is a recommended read for married couples looking to incorporate novels into their reading routine. The 1993 novel follows the journey of a couple from their meet-cute on an airplane to their eventual demise.

Through their experiences, the book offers universal insights into the arc of a relationship. The novel is both illuminating and witty, providing readers with a unique perspective on love and relationships. Currently, the book is available at a discounted price of 25% off.

10. Woulda. Coulda. Shoulda by Jennifer Hurvitz

Woulda. Coulda. Shoulda by Jennifer Hurvitz

In her book, “Woulda. Coulda. Shoulda”, Jennifer Hurvitz shares her real-life insights on divorce and dating again. With a relatable and fun voice, Hurvitz takes readers on a journey through the realities of divorce, helping them appreciate what they have before it’s too late.

While the book is less focused on self-help, readers can still learn valuable life lessons from it. Through Hurvitz’s experiences, readers can gain a better understanding of the importance of putting effort into their relationships and not taking their partners for granted.

11. Wired for Love by Stan Tatkin

Wired for Love by Stan Tatkin

In his book “Wired for Love,” Stan Tatkin provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the latest neuroscience research and its application for building a strong and secure relationship.

Tatkin’s ten guiding principles empower couples to create a loving and secure partnership with fewer conflicts and greater love. By understanding how our brains are wired for attachment, security, and rituals, readers can learn to build a “loving brain” and put out emotional fires before they burn their relationship to the ground.

12. Toxic In-Laws by Susan Forward

Toxic In-Laws by Susan Forward

Dealing with difficult in-laws can be a major source of stress in a marriage. In her book, “Toxic In-Laws,” Susan Forward offers practical strategies for coping with overbearing, controlling, or critical in-laws.

While it may not be possible to change them, the book provides communication techniques and coping mechanisms that can help couples navigate these challenging relationships. By reading the book together, couples can work towards reclaiming their relationship and reducing the negative impact of toxic in-laws. This book is a valuable resource for anyone struggling with difficult in-laws.

13. Marriage Tips by Harriet Lerner

Marriage Tips by Harriet Lerner

Harriet Lerner has compiled over 100 tips for a successful marriage, each of which is under two pages long, making them easy to understand and apply. Her tips cover a wide range of topics, from sex to communication.

For instance, she advises against using the term “foreplay” and encourages partners to stay curious and listen to each other’s feelings. By reading and discussing these tips with your partner, you can establish guidelines for a successful partnership. Lerner’s practical and logical advice can inspire meaningful conversations that strengthen your relationship.

Summary

The best marriage books are those that provide practical advice and insights on how to build and maintain a strong and healthy relationship. These books cover a wide range of topics, including communication, conflict resolution, intimacy, and trust.

Some of the most popular titles include “The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work” by John Gottman, “The 5 Love Languages” by Gary Chapman, and “Hold Me Tight” by Sue Johnson. Whether you’re newlyweds or have been married for years, these books can help you improve your relationship and create a lifetime of love and happiness.

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