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30 Lessons for Loving summary
Advice from the Wisest Americans on Love, Relationships and Marriage
13 mins
Brief summary
'30 Lessons for Loving' by Karl Pillemer is a one-of-a-kind guide to finding and keeping lifelong love. Drawing on the wisdom of hundreds of older Americans, Pillemer offers practical advice and heartwarming stories that will inspire readers of all ages.
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30 Lessons for Loving
Summary of 6 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 6
Looking to previous generations for relationship advice is sage, as they’ve essentially seen it all.
It’s a question as old as humanity itself: how can two people build a relationship that lasts a lifetime?
While this quest may seem challenging, there are some concrete answers out there.
The author conducted the largest, in-depth study of long-term marriages, interviewing people who had been together for 30 years or more. This collection of highly nuanced, real-life experiences and advice on relationships, love and marriage applies to heterosexual and same-sex couples alike.
Interestingly, many books on commitment and marriage lack a personal voice of lived experience, focusing simply on either the good or the bad in partnerships. But we all know that love, just like life, is complicated, and understanding it requires perspectives from both sides.
Thus the author spoke with over 700 Americans, aged 65 or older, many of whom experienced solid marriages and others who were less successful. The author noted too that there was hardly any difference between the advice given by same-sex couples and by heterosexual pairs.
Yet what can we learn from an older generation, considering that they lived and loved in a time of entirely different values?
Even if times have changed, you can’t discount the knowledge and perspective that older people have been able to accumulate. The last generation in particular has had more extreme experiences, such as serious illness and war, that tested endurance as well as cultivated wisdom.
This generation too has been through more of the everyday problems that keep many young couples awake at night, and because of this, are an indispensable resource for offering relationship guidance.
Ready to learn how to find the right partner, establish a foundation for your relationship that’s built to last and maintain that romantic spark? Well, read on!
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What is 30 Lessons for Loving about?
30 Lessons for Loving (2015) shares advice from hundreds of elderly people to reveal the secrets of building a long-lasting relationship, from first encounter to “happily ever after.” You’ll learn how to tell if your current crush might be “the one,” how to communicate in a healthy way and how to keep the passion alive in a long-term relationship.
30 Lessons for Loving Review
30 Lessons for Loving (2014) by Karl Pillemer is an insightful book that offers valuable advice on navigating the complexities of romantic relationships. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Featuring interviews with hundreds of couples, the book provides practical wisdom and real-life stories that offer a deeper understanding of love and commitment.
- With its actionable advice on maintaining a successful relationship, the book equips readers with the tools and knowledge to build and cultivate lasting love.
- Through humorous and relatable anecdotes, 30 Lessons for Loving engages readers and ensures that learning about relationships is anything but boring.
Best quote from 30 Lessons for Loving
Falling in love means that intuition tells you that this is the right thing to do. – Dave Nelson, 64 years old
—Karl Pillemer
Who should read 30 Lessons for Loving?
- People looking for a stable life partner for a fulfilling relationship
- Couples struggling with communication, respect or keeping romance alive
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30 Lessons for Loving FAQs
What is the main message of 30 Lessons for Loving?
The main message of 30 Lessons for Loving is that love requires work and commitment, but it is worth it.
How long does it take to read 30 Lessons for Loving?
The reading time for 30 Lessons for Loving varies based on each individual's reading speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is 30 Lessons for Loving a good book? Is it worth reading?
30 Lessons for Loving is worth reading as it provides valuable insights into building and maintaining successful relationships.
Who is the author of 30 Lessons for Loving?
Karl Pillemer is the author of 30 Lessons for Loving.
What to read after 30 Lessons for Loving?
If you're wondering what to read next after 30 Lessons for Loving, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- How to Be an Adult in Relationships by David Richo
- Relationship Goals by Michael Todd
- Daring to Trust by David Richo
- The High-Conflict Couple by Alan E. Fruzzetti
- A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson
- Loving Your Spouse When You Feel Like Walking Away by Gary Chapman
- The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
- Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
- Conscious Uncoupling by Katherine Woodward Thomas
- Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche