Title: The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country’s Foremost Relationship Expert
Author: John M. Gottman
First published January 1, 1999
271 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780609805794 (ISBN10: 0609805797)
Rating: 4.22
Overview
John Gottman, the foremost relationship expert, has spent years studying the habits of successful marriages through rigorous scientific procedures. His life’s work has culminated in The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, a practical guide to help couples achieve a harmonious and long-lasting relationship.
This book is filled with questionnaires and exercises to help you and your partner attain the highest potential for your relationship. Whether you’re newlyweds or have been together for decades, this guide is the definitive tool to help you navigate the ups and downs of marriage.
About the Author
Meet John Mordecai Gottman, a highly respected psychological researcher and clinician hailing from the United States. For over 40 years, he has dedicated his life to studying divorce prediction and marital stability.
His work has earned him numerous accolades, including awards for his captivating speeches and insightful books. As a professor emeritus in psychology, his contributions to the field continue to inspire and inform future generations.
Editoral Review
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John M. Gottman is a practical guide that has been widely regarded as one of the most important books on marriage and relationships.
First published in 1999, it has been a bestseller for over two decades and has helped countless couples navigate the complex terrain of marriage. Gottman, a clinical psychologist, has devoted most of his career to studying relationships and has developed a unique approach to therapy that emphasizes the importance of emotional connection and communication.
The book is a comprehensive guide to maintaining a happy and healthy marriage, based on Gottman’s research and observations of thousands of couples over the years. It is organized around seven core principles that have been proven to be essential for a successful relationship.
These principles include, among others, learning to communicate effectively, managing conflict and disagreements, and building intimacy and mutual respect. The book is filled with practical advice, exercises, and real-life examples to help readers apply the principles to their own lives.
Gottman’s tone is empathetic and encouraging, and he stresses the importance of small, consistent changes that can make a big difference in the long run. He also addresses common myths and misconceptions about relationships and provides tools for recognizing and changing destructive patterns.
One of the strengths of the book is Gottman’s ability to explain complex psychological concepts in simple, accessible language. He uses clear language and concrete examples to help readers understand the concepts and apply them to their own lives.
The book is also well-organized and easy to follow, with each chapter building on the previous one to create a cohesive whole. Another strength of the book is its focus on empirical research.
Gottman’s theories are grounded in data and his own extensive research, which lends credence to his arguments and advice. He has studied relationships for over four decades and his observations and findings are backed up by a large body of evidence.
However, one potential weakness of the book is that it may feel overly prescriptive at times. Some readers may feel that the seven principles are too rigid and may not apply to their unique situations.
Additionally, Gottman’s emphasis on empirical research may feel limiting to some readers who prefer a more intuitive or spiritual approach to relationships. Overall, The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work is an excellent guide for couples who want to strengthen their relationships.
It is practical, well-researched, and filled with useful advice and exercises. While it may not be a perfect fit for everyone, it is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to build a strong, lasting union with their partner.
