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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Love Prescription summary
John Gottman & Julie Schwartz Gottman
Seven Days to More Intimacy, Connection, and Joy
18 mins
Brief summary
The Love Prescription by John and Julie Gottman is a relationship guidebook that explores the common issues couples face. It provides practical advice on how to improve communication, understanding, and intimacy in a relationship.
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The Love Prescription
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Key idea 1 of 7
Look for small moments to connect.
Here’s something you’ve probably heard before – “Find ways to connect with your partner.” Standard advice, right? But maybe easier said than done.
Perhaps you can relate to Jeremy and Alison who came to a couples retreat organized by the Gottmans. They knew they had to fix their relationship, but they were completely burned-out.
This was in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jeremy and Alison were both working from home while trying to supervise their young children as they studied remotely.
“When do the two of you have opportunities to connect?” the Gottmans asked.
Jeremy and Alison blinked, incredulous. There weren’t any opportunities. They just didn’t have the time to connect with each other.
That’s how many couples feel. But actually, it’s not true. There are countless opportunities for meaningful connection throughout the day. We just have to spot them.
The Gottmans call these opportunities “bids for connection.” A bid for connection might be something really subtle. For example, when your partner sighs. Maybe that’s an invitation to ask, What’s wrong?
When your partner makes a bid for connection, you have three options. You can turn toward the bid, responding positively. You can turn away, not reacting at all. Or you can turn against, responding negatively.
Picture this. You’re sitting next to your partner, who’s scrolling through articles on their phone. “Hey,” says your partner. “This is interesting.”
That casual remark is a bid for connection. So how are you going to react?
You could easily ignore the bid, or say something like “Not now – I’m in the middle of work.”
Or, you could turn toward the bid. Look at your partner and ask, “What’s the article about?”
Of course, it’s difficult to respond in the right way every single time. But you should try to turn toward your partner’s bids for connection as much as possible.
Because here’s the thing. Over time, these moments add up. How you respond to your partner can make or break the relationship.
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What is The Love Prescription about?
The Love Prescription (2022) is a practical guide to creating more intimacy and connection in romantic relationships. Based on 40 years of research, the authors offer simple actionable advice that will help couples in any phase of their relationship.
The Love Prescription Review
The Love Prescription (2003) is a valuable read for anyone wanting to improve their relationships. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- With its expert insights and research-backed strategies, it provides practical tools to enhance your romantic connections.
- By exploring the four principles for making love work, the authors offer actionable advice that can transform even the most troubled relationships.
- With its relatable stories and real-life examples, the book is engaging and relatable, ensuring that readers won't be bored while diving into its content.
Who should read The Love Prescription?
- Busy people struggling to find time for their relationship
- Couples who feel the spark has gone
- Anyone who wants to know how to make love last
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The Love Prescription FAQs
What is the main message of The Love Prescription?
The main message of The Love Prescription is to improve your relationship using evidence-based strategies.
How long does it take to read The Love Prescription?
The estimated reading time for The Love Prescription varies depending on the reader. However, you can read the Blinkist summary in just 15 minutes.
Is The Love Prescription a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Love Prescription is worth reading as it provides practical guidance backed by research to enhance your relationship.
Who is the author of The Love Prescription?
The authors of The Love Prescription are John Gottman and Julie Schwartz Gottman.
What to read after The Love Prescription?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Love Prescription, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Everyday Hero Manifesto by Robin Sharma
- The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John M. Gottman and Nan Silver
- Eight Dates by John Gottman
- Starry Messenger by Neil deGrasse Tyson
- The NFT Handbook by Matt Fortnow and QuHarrison Terry
- The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan with Benjamin Hardy
- The Relationship Cure by John M. Gottman and Joan DeClaire
- The Man's Guide to Women by John Gottman
- Intimacy & Desire by David Schnarch
- The Five Core Conversations for Couples by David Bulitt and Julie Bulitt