The All-or-Nothing Marriage Book Summary - The All-or-Nothing Marriage Book explained in key points
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The All-or-Nothing Marriage summary

Eli J. Finkel

How the Best Marriages Work

3.7 (160 ratings)
20 mins

Brief summary

The All-or-Nothing Marriage by Eli J. Finkel explains how the meaning of marriage has changed over time and why modern marriages demand more from spouses. It gives advice on how to improve relationships using this new perspective.

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    The All-or-Nothing Marriage
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    The attitudes of men and women have significantly changed when it comes to marriage.

    It wasn’t too long ago that marriage was considered a standard procedure with few complications to worry about. Rewind a few generations and marriage was strictly an agreement between a man and a woman, wherein the man was expected to work a steady job while the woman kept the household in order.

    But over the last few decades, things have changed quite a bit.

    In particular, women’s attitudes toward love and marriage have shifted considerably. Wives are no longer willing to sacrifice their own dreams and personal development for the sake of a relationship and marriage.

    This shift is readily apparent in any of today’s best-selling books that feature women going on quests of self-discovery. Perhaps the most famous example is Eat, Pray, Love, the popular memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert that described how a series of disappointing relationships lead to her setting off on a journey around the world. Along the way, Gilbert discovers what really matters in life and gains a stronger sense of her own identity. By the novel’s end, she enters a new relationship that allows her to be both a strong individual and a caring partner.

    The popularity of Eat, Pray, Love indicates that, for modern women, it’s paramount that relationships not hinder personal freedom and growth.

    As for the modern man, we can also see signs of how there is less willingness to compromise in a marriage.

    Much like women, men are also looking for partners who will respect their nature, rather than forcing them to follow societal rules.

    In Neil Strauss’s popular book The Game, the author explores how focused men are on the art of sexual conquest. In his follow-up book, The Truth, Strauss decides to settle down in a monogamous relationship, but not before he’s satisfied his curiosity about open relationships.

    The point seems to be that men also need the freedom to explore different relationships before they can find contentment in marriage.

    How have these new attitudes changed the modern American marriage? Let’s find out in the blinks ahead.

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    What is The All-or-Nothing Marriage about?

    The All-or-Nothing Marriage (2017) shows us the many ways in which the institution of marriage has changed over the years. Supported by a wealth of data and sociological studies, these blinks explain what makes the best marriages work and what causes the vulnerable ones to fall apart.

    The All-or-Nothing Marriage Review

    The All-or-Nothing Marriage (2017) by Eli J. Finkel uncovers the secrets to achieving a thriving and fulfilling marriage. Here's why this book is a worthwhile read:

    • Offering insightful perspectives backed by extensive research, it illuminates the evolving nature of modern marriages and provides practical advice for building stronger connections.
    • By exploring the concept of self-expansion, the book introduces a new framework that helps couples grow together and create a more satisfying relationship.
    • With its engaging case studies and relatable examples, it takes readers on a thought-provoking journey, challenging conventional notions of marriage and inspiring personal reflection.

    Best quote from The All-or-Nothing Marriage

    Many marriages ultimately dissolve, but theres no evidence that people bolt as soon as things get difficult.

    —Eli J. Finkel
    example alt text

    Who should read The All-or-Nothing Marriage?

    • Married people
    • Couples considering marriage
    • Singles who want to improve their relationship skills

    About the Author

    Eli J. Finkel, an award-winning researcher of social relationships, is a professor of psychology at Northwestern University. As the director of Northwestern’s Relationships and Motivation Lab, he’s published over a hundred scientific papers. He’s also a regular contributor to the editorial section of the New York Times.

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    The All-or-Nothing Marriage FAQs 

    What is the main message of The All-or-Nothing Marriage?

    The main message of The All-or-Nothing Marriage is about redefining our expectations and creating thriving marriages.

    How long does it take to read The All-or-Nothing Marriage?

    The reading time for The All-or-Nothing Marriage varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is The All-or-Nothing Marriage a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The All-or-Nothing Marriage is worth reading as it provides insights into modern relationships, challenges our assumptions, and offers practical advice for building stronger marriages.

    Who is the author of The All-or-Nothing Marriage?

    The author of The All-or-Nothing Marriage is Eli J. Finkel.

    What to read after The All-or-Nothing Marriage?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The All-or-Nothing Marriage, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John M. Gottman and Nan Silver
    • The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller with Kathy Keller
    • Daring to Trust by David Richo
    • Eight Dates by John Gottman
    • Connect by David Bradford and Carole Robin
    • The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga
    • The Four Noble Truths of Love by Susan Piver
    • The Shortest History of Economics by Andrew Leigh
    • The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma
    • 12 Rules For Life by Jordan B. Peterson