Falling in love is one of life’s most beautiful feelings. As two people exchange vows and start a new chapter of life together, it fills their life with immense joy and a sense of purpose. But, with time, relationships do not always remain the same.
It’s possible that you may no longer experience butterflies in your stomach while talking to your beloved or have the same enthusiasm while going out on dinner dates. Now, it’s normal for relationships to change and evolve. As couples navigate the ups and downs of their life together, they may experience situations that may be difficult to understand and embrace. For a relationship to work for a long period, couples need to help each other navigate through challenges.
During such periods in a relationship, the solutions may not always come through mutual dialogue alone. Couples may benefit from the wisdom contained between the covers of books on love and relationships. Written by relationship experts and renowned therapists, these books help you strengthen your bond with your partner, give you ideas to solve your differences, and over time, make you see your relationships in a new light. If you are looking for ways to sort out issues with your partner and strengthen your relationship, these seven books can help guide you in your quest.
Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love by Dr Sue Johnson
Dr Sue Johnson is a clinical psychologist and the developer of the highly regarded Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), a therapeutic approach based on the idea that emotions are key to identity and play a vital role in your decision-making. Originally published in 2008, this book talks about Johnson’s ground-breaking programme, and how it can help make your relationship stronger. In her book, Johnson talks about seven conversations that capture the defining moments in a romantic relationship. This book is suitable for couples of different age groups, who are looking to strengthen their connection with their partner.
The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts by Gary Chapman
In this New York Times bestseller, author Gary Chapman delves into his theory of five love languages and why is it important to understand them. Chapman says, “There are five emotional languages—five ways that people speak and understand emotional love.” He defines them as words of affirmation, acts of service, physical touch, quality time and receiving gifts. He believes what may be meaningful to one person may not hold the same value to another. Chapman adds, “We must be willing to learn our spouse’s primary love language if we are to be effective communicators of love.” Reading this book about relationships will help you get a better understanding of your own language of love, and that of your partner.
Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples by Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt
Originally published in 1988, this New York Times bestseller has sold over four million copies. Written by authors and couples therapists Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt, this book introduced readers to the Imago Relationship Therapy, which, according to their website, focuses on “relational counselling to transform any conflict between couples into opportunities for healing and growth.”
The authors ask readers to think about why they chose to be with their partner and what attracted them. According to them, one reason is that we are looking for someone who possesses the same qualities as our parents. Getting the Love You Want can help couples untangle the mysteries of love and connection and build a long-term relationship.
Love Is Never Enough: How Couples Can Overcome Misunderstanding by Aaron T Beck
This book by renowned psychiatrist Aaron T. Beck was originally published in 2010. It carefully analyses the dialogues of troubled couples and sheds light on the common problems that partners face in a marriage. It offers advice and exercises, which act as solutions that can help save a failing marriage or improve an existing one. If you are having relationship issues, or are looking to strengthen your bond with your partner, this book is meant for you. Reading it can help you avoid misunderstandings and bring you closer to your loved one.
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