Description
Book SynopsisAll couples walk to the altar dreaming of happily-ever-after, but many forces in our society work against healthy lifelong commitment. Renowned family therapist William J. Doherty reveals how cracks can develop in even a rock-solid marriage, and what steps you can take to keep your love strong. Learn ways to break free of common traps like confusing desires with needs, comparing your spouse to your fantasies of other relationships, or becoming overtime parents instead of full-time partners. You'll get suggestions for creating relationship rituals--from mundane to celebratory, sexy to silly--that build closeness and connection every day. The updated second edition incorporates Dr. Doherty's ongoing experience counseling couples, plus the latest information on marriage and health, how divorce affects kids, the impact of new technologies on family life, and more.
Winner--Best Self-Help Book, ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year Awards
Trade ReviewDr. Doherty presents a unique and impassioned analysis of how our consumer culture erodes our dream of having the lasting union that we want so much. His practical suggestions for rituals that restore love and commitment are immediately applicable and alone are worth the price of admission. My son said, 'This book changed my life!' I suspect you, the reader, will say the same.--Harriet Lerner, PhD, author of Marriage Rules: A Manual for the Married and the Coupled Up
I love this book--it's a real eye-opener. Dr. Doherty shows how many of us ignore and take for granted what can be the most important aspects of our lives. Take Back Your Marriage teaches us how to prevent circumstances (or kids, work, community, in-laws) from hijacking our precious love lives without our consent.--John M. Gottman, PhD, author of What Makes Love Last?
With his usual pragmatic good sense and down-to-earth wisdom, Dr. Doherty reassures us that we can face the 'core challenge of our time'--how to make a loving, long-term marriage work. He lays out an intentional path to lasting love with elegance and persuasiveness. This is a message that we all need to hear.--Sue Johnson, EdD, author of Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love
This book offers wise and timely advice on marriage from one of America's favorite therapists.--Mary Pipher, PhD, author of Reviving Ophelia and Another Country-
Table of ContentsIntroduction
1. Take Back Your Marriage
2. Resisting Consumer Marriage
3. Don’t Lose Your Marriage to Your Kids
4. Take Back Time for Your Marriage
5. Resist Family and Friends Who Would Undermine Your Marriage
6. Resist Therapists Who Threaten Your Marriage
7. Preventing Unnecessary Divorce
8. Intentional Marriage: Connection Rituals in Everyday Life
9. Intentional Marriage: Love Rituals
10. Intentional Marriage: Anniversaries and Other Special Occasions
11. Every Marriage Supported by a Community
12. Taking Action for Your Marriage
