Take Back Your Marriage Sticking Together in a World That Pulls Us Apart

All 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

William J. Doherty, PhD, is Professor and Director of the Minnesota Couples on the Brink Project at the University of Minnesota, and a practicing marriage and family therapist. Past president of the National Council on Family Relations, he received the Council's Margaret E. Arcus Award for Outstanding Contribution to Family Life Education. He is the author of numerous books for professionals and general readers. Married since 1971, he has two grown children and four grandchildren.

Introduction 1. Take Back Your Marriage 2. Resisting Consumer Marriage 3. Don\u2019t 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