The 8 Essential Traits of Couples Who Thrive

By Susan Page

Book Overview

Formerly titled Now That I'm Married, Why Isn't Everything Perfect? , this wise and useful guide has gained extraordinary critical acclaim from the foremost experts in the relationship field, and has helped thousands of couples achieve more fulfilling relationships. Drawing on more than twenty years of couples' counseling experience, Dr. Susan Page explains the eight essential traits of a thriving marriage: Desire, belief, and commitment Goodwill Clear values Boundaries Perspective Relationship-enhancing communication Intimacy Pleasure This helpful, optimistic guide also reveals how husbands and wives can escape the crushing burden of unrealistic expectations that many people bring to a marriage, and what attitudes, techniques, and day-to-day pleasures will forge a happy, enduring relationship. With clarity, warmth and common sense to complement her profound insight, Susan Page delivers an extraordinary work for anyone who's in a relationship--and anyone who wants to be.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0440507820
• ISBN13: 9780440507826
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.6" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Lighten up and have fun in your marriage

I first read this book about 6 years ago, and it reinforced my desire to have a great marriage. I am serious about not settling for an almost good relationship and now my spouse thinks the same way. His first marriage ended after years of bitter conflict so he was not predisposed to thinking marriage was going to be great. We read this book together and talked about the ideas before we married. There are many concepts and ideas in this book, but one in particular is helpful for us: if one person isn't ready to discuss something we agree to a time and place later in the week when we will discuss the issue fully. This strategy allows both people to think about the issue and generally we actually end up agreeing by the "talk time."

A great relationship development tool!

I bought my first copy of this book 6 years ago, and have purchased dozens of replacement and gift copies since then. It's a wonderful reference for anyone in any situation... it's the one relationship book I've shared that men really appreciate.

Excellent guidance for a marriage beyond average

This book has been wonderful for my fiance and me. It has inspired us to make our relationship what we always dreamed it could be but were told was impossible. This is a very affirming book for couples who would like to stay in love.