13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do Book Summary - 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do Book explained in key points
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13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do summary

Healthy Habits for Love's Longevity

3.8 (212 ratings)
16 mins

Brief summary

13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do by Amy Morin teaches couples how to cultivate emotional resilience and maintain healthy relationships by avoiding common pitfalls like dwelling on the past or fearing change.

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    13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do
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    Growing together

    Finding love once is a blessing, but twice seems almost miraculous. Yet that was the journey of couples therapist Amy Morin – one full of both fairytale romance and unimaginable grief. After losing her beloved first husband at just 26 years old, Morin struggled through a painful decade of darkness before unexpectedly finding love again. Now remarried and living adventurously on a sailboat, she draws on her extraordinary personal experiences, as well as over twenty years as a therapist, to guide couples towards stronger and more resilient relationships.

    As both an individual and couples counselor, Morin has seen it all: the blame games, the futile attempts to change each other, the desperate bids for validation at a relationship’s end. She was initially reluctant to do couples work. Most people, she thought, went into couples therapy seeking permission to divorce rather than solutions to save the relationship. But over time, Morin came to recognize our core need for connection and the ripple effect relationships have on our mental health. Whether struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or other issues, individuals can rarely heal in isolation. More often, growth happens through improving support and communication within our closest relationships.

    The key is breaking counterproductive patterns by eliminating common bad habits that undermine relationships. Much like individual growth, progress within relationships is nonlinear, requiring persistence and commitment through the ups and downs. 

    While it’s not the case that every couple should stay together, each of us has the power to positively influence our relationships – whether partners do their own work alongside us or not. As in dancing, when we alter our steps, our partners instinctively adjust in response. By focusing inwardly on our own personal growth and mental resilience, we model the change we wish to see mirrored back to us. With consistent practice of more constructive behaviors, we stand a fighting chance of overcoming past hurts to build healthier bonds over time.

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    What is 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do about?

    13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don’t Do (2023) identifies thirteen common pitfalls that couples should avoid in order to nurture healthier and more resilient relationships. It provides concrete advice for improving communication, managing conflict, and ultimately fostering stronger mental fortitude – both individually and as a team.

    13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do Review

    13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do (2021) sheds light on common behaviors that can detrimentally impact relationships. Here's why this book is a worthwhile read:

    • It offers insightful guidance on fostering a healthy and resilient bond, equipping couples with tools to navigate challenges effectively.
    • By outlining avoidable pitfalls and providing strategies for improvement, it empowers couples to cultivate lasting and meaningful connections.
    • The book delves into practical solutions to strengthen relationships, ensuring that readers are engaged and enlightened throughout the journey.

    Who should read 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do?

    • Couples seeking to improve their communication and resolve conflicts
    • People looking for advice on nurturing healthy, secure relationships
    • Individuals interested in building mental resilience and fortitude

    About the Author

    Amy Morin is a licensed clinical social worker, psychology instructor, and psychotherapist who delivered one of the most popular TED Talks of all time, “The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong”, which has amassed over 22 million views. She also hosts the “Mentally Stronger With Therapist Amy Morin” podcast and has penned the bestselling book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do, which is being translated into over 40 languages.

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    13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do FAQs 

    What is the main message of 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do?

    Strengthen your relationship by avoiding common pitfalls and fostering mental resilience.

    How long does it take to read 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do?

    Reading time varies, but expect a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.

    Is 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do a good book? Is it worth reading?

    13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do offers practical advice and insights for nurturing a healthy relationship.

    Who is the author of 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do?

    The author of 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do is Amy Morin.

    What to read after 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do?

    If you're wondering what to read next after 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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