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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work summary
John M. Gottman
Nan Silver
A Practical Guide from the Country’s Foremost Relationship Expert
20 mins
Brief summary
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work is a self-help book that offers practical advice for building strong and lasting relationships. Written by John Gottman and Nan Silver, it provides effective strategies for couples who want to improve their relationships and maintain a healthy, happy marriage.
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The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
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Key idea 1 of 9
Principle One: Functioning couples have a richly detailed love map.
If you have a husband or wife, you’ll likely be wise to plenty of special, private or sensitive information about them. But did you know this information is actually stored in our minds in a love map?
The more developed your love map, the stronger your love.
In several recorded cases of divorce, partners weren’t actually that familiar with each other; they didn’t dedicate enough space in their brain for the marriage. With no love map, you can’t fully know your partner, and without really knowing your partner, how can you truly love them?
Take the example of Rory, a pediatrician who ran an intensive care unit for babies. Being a workaholic, he often slept at the hospital overnight. At work he got along well, but his homelife was a different story. He didn’t know the family dog’s name or where his house’s back door was. In fact, he had become so tangled up in work that his emotional connection to his wife and children had deteriorated. His love map left a lot to be desired.
It’s important to be aware of your love map because it contains your own and your partner’s aspirations and life philosophies. But it can change. Having a baby can radically alter a woman’s life purpose or direction, and thus change her love map.
Take Maggie and Ken, who had been together only a little while before they chose to marry and start a family. They were aware of each others’ beliefs, hopes and fears; Ken understood that Maggie was dedicated to her career as a computer scientist. However, when Maggie gave birth to her daughter, she put her career aside in order to stay home and look after the baby. Ken saw that his wife had changed.
This is not unusual; becoming a parent changes your values and identity. Maggie’s love map had changed to fit her new priorities, and Ken had to realign his own love map accordingly.
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What is The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work about?
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work (1999) draws on data from relationship studies and interviews to do exactly what it promises in its title. These blinks take you through the key changes you can make to overcome the common problems that damage relationships and build a supportive, romantic marriage.
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work Review
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work (1999) explores the key principles behind maintaining a happy and successful marriage. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Provides research-based strategies and practical exercises to help couples build and strengthen their relationship.
- Offers insightful examples from real couples, showcasing how the principles can be applied in everyday life.
- Gets to the point quickly and doesn't waste time with unnecessary details, delivering valuable advice in a concise and accessible manner.
Best quote from The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
The more you can imbue your relationship with the spirit of thanksgiving and the graceful presence of praise, the more meaningful and fulfilling your lives together will be.
—John M. Gottman and Nan Silver
Who should read The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work?
- Couples who want to get the best out of their romantic relationship
- Newlyweds who want a harmonious, long-lasting marriage
- Anyone going through or considering divorce
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The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work FAQs
What is the main message of The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work?
The main message of The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work is that successful marriages are built on trust, understanding, and effective communication.
How long does it take to read The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work?
The reading time for The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work is a valuable read for anyone looking to improve their relationship. It provides practical advice and insights that can help couples strengthen their bond.
Who is the author of The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work?
The authors of The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work are John M. Gottman and Nan Silver.
What to read after The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Relationship Cure by John M. Gottman and Joan DeClaire
- The Love Prescription by John Gottman & Julie Schwartz Gottman
- The All-or-Nothing Marriage by Eli J. Finkel
- Connect by David Bradford and Carole Robin
- The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller with Kathy Keller
- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
- Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
- Eight Dates by John Gottman
- The Man's Guide to Women by John Gottman
- Hold Me Tight by Sue Johnson