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  • Why Marriages Succeed or Fail

  • And How You Can Make Yours Last
  • Written by: John M. Gottman
  • Narrated by: Paul Costanzo
  • Length: 8 hrs and 3 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (22 ratings)

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Why Marriages Succeed or Fail

Written by: John M. Gottman
Narrated by: Paul Costanzo
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Publisher's Summary

Psychologist John Gottman has spent twenty years studying what makes a marriage last. Now you can use his tested methods to evaluate, strengthen, and maintain your own long-term relationship. This breakthrough book guides you through a series of self-tests designed to help you determine what kind of marriage you have, where your strengths and weaknesses are, and what specific actions you can take to help your marriage. You'll also learn:

  • More sex doesn't necessarily improve a marriage
  • Frequent arguing will not lead to divorce
  • Financial problems do not always spell trouble in a relationship
  • Wives who make sour facial expressions when their husbands talk are likely to be separated within four years
  • There is a reason husbands withdraw from arguments- and there's a way around it

Dr. Gottman tells you how to recognize attitudes that doom a marriage - contempt, criticism, defensiveness, and stonewalling - and provides practical exercises, quizzes, tips, and techniques that will help you understand and make the most of your relationship. You can avoid patterns that lead to divorce, and Why Marriages Succeed or Fail will show you how.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©1994 John Gottman (P)2012 Tantor

What the critics say

"There's plenty of old-fashioned, helpful, and worthwhile advice here about gender differences, realistic expectations, love, and respect." ( Kirkus)

What listeners say about Why Marriages Succeed or Fail

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Very insightful

This book gave me an outside professional look at the thoughts and behaviors of my wife and I and the patterns that emerged as a result. It was worrisome discovering how destructive these had become and the path it was leading, yet relieving to know we are not alone and there is a way through as long as we both try.

I am grateful to have found this book to help break the patterns and overcome this period in our 11 year relationship along with children aged 3 and 6. It will take time and effort to adjust to the different styles that come natural to us - I prefer validating while she avoidant.

This is not the magic pill that solves everything, but it does offer great insight on how to manage, adapt and grow. It has presented more relatable and valuable information than 4 months worth of therapy.

I highly recommend this book for all partnerships in all stages of a relationship as it presents many variations and plenty of opportunity to learn and grow.

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Simple and practical advice

This book is full of simple and practical, yet effective advice and guidance on how to make your marriage successful, even when it looks hard or even impossible.
Conflict resolution handling, plus love and respect for each other, and introducing positivity is what is needed to make any marriage a strong and happy bond.

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