Books › The seven principles for making marriage work
The seven principles for making marriage work
First published 1999 · 320 pages
A scientifically grounded, deeply practical roadmap to understanding and nurturing enduring love.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like sitting down with a wise, deeply observant therapist who has cracked the code to human connection. The pace is steady and deliberate, inviting you to pause, reflect, and engage with the practical exercises woven throughout the text. It balances a grounded, scientific tone with an atmosphere of profound hope and empathy, stripping away the mystery of why some relationships thrive while others fail. The prose is clear, accessible, and free of dense jargon, making complex psychological research feel immediately applicable to daily life. It is an essential, comforting read for anyone seeking to build a resilient, joyful partnership, offering not just theory, but a tangible path toward deeper emotional intimacy and mutual respect.
- Mood
- hopeful
- grounded
- constructive
- reflective
- Tone
- authoritative
- empathetic
- practical
- encouraging
- accessible
- Pace
- steady
- Themes
- emotional intelligence · conflict resolution · deep connection · mutual respect · enduring love
- The writing
- Clear, accessible, and structured, seamlessly blending scientific research with conversational, actionable advice.
- The arc
- Moves from the sobering reality of relationship pitfalls to a sense of empowerment and hopeful connection.
- Who it's for
- Couples and individuals seeking evidence-based tools to strengthen their bonds and navigate conflict with empathy.
Content notes
- relationship conflict
- divorce
About the book
John Gottman uses scientific procedures to observe the habits of married couples in detail over many years. Here is the culmination of his life's work: The seven principles that guide couples on the path toward a harmonious and long-lasting relationship. This guide also includes questionnaires and exercises.
PCC copy on reserve for [SYL HE 250] [CAS HE 250]
Description from Open Library.
Books like The seven principles for making marriage work
See why they match
What makes love last?John Mordechai GottmanA scientifically grounded yet deeply compassionate roadmap to understanding the invisible forces that hold couples together or tear them apart.
Hold Me TightSue JohnsonA compassionate, science-backed roadmap for turning relationship conflict into profound emotional connection.
Men are From Mars, Women are From VenusJohn GrayA comforting, metaphorical guide to bridging the communication gap and fostering empathy between partners.
The Five Love LanguagesGary ChapmanA warm, practical toolkit for translating the unspoken emotional needs of the people you care about.
The man's guide to womenJulie Schwartz Gottman and Douglas AbramsA structured, research-backed exploration of the psychology behind relationships and attraction.
Getting the love you wantHarville HendrixA compassionate, eye-opening exploration of the psychological roots of romantic conflict and the intentional path to healing together.