Relationship Books

The New Couple by Taylor and McGee
This is one of those relationship books that is poorly named (probably for some marketing reason).  It is not just for new couples. Part of their subtitle describes the book more accurately as "The 10 New Laws of Love". The only problem with laws is that they only work when both of you are in agreement about it. But to their credit, Taylor and McGee don't push their laws as the only way to do things. What we like about this book is that the 10 laws are really about ways of "being" within yourself and with your partner as opposed to simply things that you do or techniques that you apply.

The Relationship Cure by John Gottman
John Gottman is one of the foremost researchers and writers of relationship books about making relationships work. This relationship books presents 5 steps to help bring a couple together to find true love which we will paraphrase as: 1) Notice how you try to connect with each other 2) Discover which of 7 personality types you fit into and how these types tend to interact with each other 3) Examine how you usually express (or not) your emotions 4) Sharpen your communication skills to include non-verbal cues and listening between the lines 5) Find shared meaning or ways you can connect with each other. We like how he applies these steps not only to intimate love relationships, but also to family, friend and business relationships. Well worth a read to grow one's relationship awareness.

How One of You Can Bring the Two of You Together by Susan Page
It may sound impossible but you really can transform your relationships on your own. Susan Page writes about how stopping blaming and trying to change your partner is the first step of love advice toward bringing more intimacy into your relationship. We love how she makes her suggestions to just "try as an experiment" - leaving exaggerated expectations behind. She recognizes that there is no formula for building healthy relationships that will work for everybody, but she gives plenty of different ideas so that you're sure to find something that fits your style.