A review by beckydk
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country's Foremost Relationship Expert by John Gottman, Nan Silver

5.0

I had heard really good stuff about this book, it had been on my to-read list for a long time and even with my high expectations it didn't let me down. Too often books on relationships repeat the same-old standard advice about the importance of communication and spout the old stereotypes on the difference between men and women. Instead this book will tell you that it doesn't really matter how much you argue - as long as you have 5 good moments for every bad one, and as long as you avoid the 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse (criticism, defensiveness, contempt and stonewalling), turn toward rather than away from your partner, foster fondness and admiration, build a love map, create shared meaning and learn to cope with conflicts than can't be resolved. I highly recommend this book to everyone (whether not you're currently in a romantic relationship).