Recommended Relationship Books:

What does self development have to do with relationships? A lot, because what you put into a relationship is yourself, and if you don't have it together, what can you contribute? The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen Covey, is so perfect in its depth of coverage of character, right living and interpersonal relations that it seems to have been divinely inspired. Although that last may sound silly to some of you, I couldn't begin to count how many times I've read some sections of this book, and each time the brilliance of Dr. Covey's wisdom sheds light not just on right living, but on healthy relationships, too. Another recommended book by Dr. Covey is The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness.



The Relationship Cure, by John Gottman, is based on scientific research. If you read and understand this book, you will know what makes relationships successful and what causes them to fail. Just by observing couples interact for several minutes, Dr. Gottman and his team can predict with 93% accuracy whether they will divorce in a few years. By using the same information, you will be mindful of when you are developing healthy relationships and when you are letting them die. If you are clueless, this book will give you a lot of clues.



The DNA of Relationships, by Gary Smalley, is about how to make relationships work. Although it is written from a Christian perspective, even if the reader is not a Christian, there is a wealth of wisdom for everyone in the book, not only about how to improve relationships with significant others, but with everyone in a person's life. A refreshing read, this is a book you will refer to repeatedly. As Dr. Smalley says, "Life is relationships. Everything else is just details."

      

Copyright 2008 Jeffrey W. Dawson, unless otherwise noted.