Relationships require knowledge of oneself in addition to knowledge of other people. With enough reflection, introspection, and focus on your own emotions, you can begin to strengthen romantic relationships, family relationships, friendships, and even work relationships. “A healthy relationship allows the ability to balance being a strong individual with deep intimacy,” says psychotherapist and relationship expert Dr. Jamie Brodarick. Here are the best relationship books on the market, according to a licensed mental health counselor. Dr. Gottman describes the reasoning behind failed marriage therapy strategies and how to avoid them. He also dives into daily connection rituals that prevent couples from drifting apart. Most divorces occur when couples recognize problems too far into their relationship—Dr. Gottman offers advice to reconnect with your spouse, taking into consideration the challenges of modern-day life. Price at time of publication: $17 The book merges a guide with a workbook that makes it ideal for couples, classes, or book clubs. It also has a lot of useful tips and relationship strategies that are easy to follow. Price at time of publication: $12 Focusing on empathy, she teaches relationship concepts that are designed to help us love those closest to us more deeply. Price at time of publication: $15 With a variety of strategies available, you can choose the ones that are best suited for your needs. This book is also beneficial for those working in sales or customer service—industries that frequently handle complaints or require making connections. Price at time of publication: $16 While arguments tend to arise when relationship issues occur, Sorensen aims to help people strengthen and deepen their problem-solving skills instead. Written from the field of experiential and positive psychology, this conflict-resolution discipline is well-supported by scientific research. Price at time of publication: $15 Allowing couples to feel more connected, Gottman hopes these skills will aid in the avoidance and management of future conflicts. This is a great book for anyone in couples therapy or those wanting to dive deeper into their personal relationship connections. Price at time of publication: $26 Through further understanding of yourself, you can be more empathetic and accommodating to those you love. Instead of focusing strictly on the nine personality types, this book focuses on how to use that understanding to strengthen relationships. Price at time of publication: $16 Using data from more than 100 couples, the book focuses on how to create radical generosity and partnerships where both individuals thrive. The book also addresses modern challenges that come with a desire to establish old-fashioned connections. Price at time of publication: $26 Boundaries keep us safe and help us understand the needs of others, but people tend to avoid them in fear of being confrontational. This book teaches readers how to use loving and empathetic phrases to communicate honestly and directly with others—making it especially helpful for those with a people-pleasing personality. Price at time of publication: $19 Author Kim Scott explains how to be an effective boss and leader without losing your sense of humanity. Used by companies and businesses all over the globe, this book is endorsed by successful businesswomen such as Sheryl Sandberg. Price at time of publication: $30
Expert insights
Licensed mental health counselor GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC advises doing your research on the author of the book. ”Go for self-help books written by professionals in the field in which you’re seeking help,” Guarino says. Also, try to narrow your search down to books that were written in the last five years or so, to ensure they’re based on recent research and have updated references.
Helpful Techniques
From working on your listening skills to learning how to argue constructively, the best relationship books offer useful techniques to help you keep your relationship on the right track or get it back to its former glory. Experts recommend giving your relationship the same care you would give your health or even your car—so certain techniques can be part of that regular checkup. And if you need a little help with that, this is where a marriage therapist can be invaluable.
Why Trust Verywell Mind?
As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 15 years of experience working with clients to improve mental and emotional health, Mary K Tatum understands the importance of finding quality resources and techniques that work for each person. Not everyone will have the same kind of healing journey, therefore, having lots of options to choose from is vitally important in creating a lifestyle that combats mental illness and promotes health and wellbeing.
