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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Relationship Cure summary
John M. Gottman
Joan DeClaire
A 5 Step Guide to Strengthening Your Marriage, Family, and Friendships
24 mins
Brief summary
The Relationship Cure by John M. Gottman and Joan DeClaire is a guide that teaches couples how to improve their relationships by increasing their emotional intelligence. It offers practical exercises and tools to build stronger connections and communication skills.
Table of Contents
The Relationship Cure
Summary of 9 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 9
People don’t form close relationships by simply “opening up” to each other.
What’s the secret to having a happy, healthy, and close relationship with another person?
If you think it’s a willingness to share your deepest, most personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences, you’re not alone. Back in the early 1990s, many psychologists thought so too – including one of the authors. But then he conducted some research into the matter, and the results surprised both him and many others in the field of psychology.
The key message here is: People don’t form close relationships by simply “opening up” to each other.
In 1990, research psychologist Dr. John Gottman and his colleagues at the University of Washington set up an unusual scientific research center. They called it “the Love Lab.” On the inside, it looked like a normal studio apartment, with a kitchen, dining area, hide-away bed, TV, and waterfront views of a canal. Over the following year, they invited 60 married couples to spend a weekend in this cozy setting. Each couple was given one simple instruction: live life as you normally would.
Of course, there was a catch. The apartment was fitted out with four surveillance cameras and a two-way mirror, behind which observers watched the couples for 12 hours a day. The participants were also rigged with microphones and body sensors that watched for symptoms of stress, like increases in heart rate or levels of sweat.
Dr. Gottman collected hundreds of hours of video footage showing the couples’ everyday interactions in minute detail. He then reviewed the tape, searching for examples of partners baring their souls to one another. But though he looked and looked, he hardly found any instances of what psychologists call “self-disclosure.” Instead, most conversations went like this:
“Honey, could you grab me a cup of coffee?”
“Yes, dear.”
Or:
“Hey, check out this comic strip!”
“Shh, I’m trying to read.”
Pretty mundane stuff, right? That’s what Dr. Gottman thought, too. In fact, he feared the whole experiment had been a waste of time. But then, after reviewing the footage for a few months, he noticed something. The key to forming close relationships was staring him in the face, right there in all those banal conversations.
What mattered wasn’t so much what the couples were talking about, but how they were talking about it to each other. And it’s a lesson that applies to all relationships, whether romantic or otherwise.
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What is The Relationship Cure about?
The Relationship Cure (2002) prescribes a surprisingly simple solution to the problems that ail many of our relationships. Drawing on psychologist John M. Gottman’s extensive research, its insights and tips are equally applicable to relationships between romantic partners, friends, family members, and coworkers.
The Relationship Cure Review
The Relationship Cure (2001) delves into the art of building and maintaining strong relationships through effective communication techniques. Here's why you shouldn't miss out on this book:
- With its practical strategies and insightful advice, it equips readers with the tools to navigate conflicts and foster deeper connections in their relationships.
- By combining research-based insights with relatable stories, the book offers a valuable understanding of human behavior and the dynamics of successful relationships.
- Its fascinating exploration of emotional intelligence and the science behind healthy relationships leaves readers captivated, ensuring an engaging and enlightening read.
Who should read The Relationship Cure?
- Couples experiencing relationship problems
- People looking for ways to get closer to their friends, coworkers, or family members
- Anyone wanting to improve their communication and relationship-building skills
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The Relationship Cure FAQs
What is the main message of The Relationship Cure?
The main message of The Relationship Cure is that healthy relationships require communication and empathy.
How long does it take to read The Relationship Cure?
The reading time for The Relationship Cure varies. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Relationship Cure a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Relationship Cure is worth reading because it provides practical advice and strategies for improving relationships.
Who is the author of The Relationship Cure?
The authors of The Relationship Cure are John M. Gottman and Joan DeClaire.
What to read after The Relationship Cure?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Relationship Cure, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John M. Gottman and Nan Silver
- Connect by David Bradford and Carole Robin
- The Love Prescription by John Gottman & Julie Schwartz Gottman
- Loving Your Spouse When You Feel Like Walking Away by Gary Chapman
- Fight Right by Julie Schwartz Gottman
- Social Empathy by Elizabeth Segal
- Help Me, I Have No Discipline and Zero Self-Control by Vaughn Carter
- The Man's Guide to Women by John Gottman
- The Leading Brain by Friederike Fabritius & Hans W. Hagemann
- 30 Lessons for Loving by Karl Pillemer