A Couple's Guide to Communication

Although the book is now over 30 years old and some of the examples seem a bit foreign, "A Couple's Guide to Communication" helps partners take the emotional charge out of arguments and get to the heart of the issue. I am extremely impressed by techniques that help to check the intent of your message against the impact it makes on your partner, leveling and editing conversations, verification of each others feelings... and more! We now recognize that a single word used in an argument can change the entire message, how to remove the emotional charge when conversing, how to make our point without offending each other and how to succeed in validating and respecting your partners persons position without necessarily having to agree. This book puts daily bickering in perspective and gets to the heart of why the bickering occurs with activities and discussion directives to guide conversations that you and your partner would have had anyway, but are now productive and not destructive. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to feel closer to your partner through real transcendental conversation - and may provide new fulfillment in your physical relationship as a result!

this is a fantastic book, and has helped save and improve many marriages and relationships with both myself and people I know, and have known. first loaned to me by an American counsellor roughly 30 years ago. I have had many copies over the years, loaning them as appropriate, I almost never ask for them back, and they rarely return. family members have acquired copies from me as 'needed'. they are still on their bookshelves. their lives and interactions are noticibly better. I never ask.

Many of the problems tackled in the book did not apply to me. It was dated. Some things gave us a laugh but at least it opened the door to discussion and that is the whole point.

This book has a lot of practical help, but I feel the terms for aspects of communication are hard to internalize. I had to read it slowly to understand the different tools and communication problems.The methods the author proposes do work though.

It was delivered in very good condition and it was quick.

A good solid book for any couple who wants to make their relationship better with each other. Breaks down the communication patterns that couples can get into when dealing with differences of style and opinion. Dr Gottman has a lot of other books about communicaiton between couples, children and families that are just as good.

This helps in relationship maintenance. I counsel couples and frequently refer to this book for advice and guidance. It is a must in your library regardless of whether you use it for your job or your own relationships.

Did not help