Five books couples should read for a better relationship

Often times the underlining cause of relationship troubles amongst couples is misinterpretation by either partner or both. On paper, this might not make sense however, in reality, this manifests in scenarios such as; an unsatisfied woman who complains that her partner never listens when in fact, he claims he does, and an irritated man who complains that his partner complains about her problems.

Again, if the above paragraph makes little or no sense, here’s another piece of thought to consider: do you feel misunderstood or not clearly understood by your partner?

If your answer to the preceding questions is “no”, then maybe, this article isn’t for you after all. However, if your answer leans towards a positive, then you’re probably in the right place.

Walt Disney rightly says that, “There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.” Relationship books are no exception to this quote as they’re not just treasures, but functional and practical books which can change the way a person handles their romantic relationship.

Below, we break down only briefly, our top five picks of useful reads couples should digest:

• Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus

This 1992 book by John Gray discusses side by side, the differences between men and women. He starts off the book by establishing two fictional planets; Mars [where men are from], and Venus, where women come from.

The entire read, explores through research, and personal experiences, the reason why men act a certain way and women a certain other way.

In summary, the author reminds the reader that women function differently from men and that during conflicts, it’s best to be equipped with this information so as not to harm themselves emotionally, by misinterpreting situations which may just be their partners acting according to their nature.

This book makes it to the top of our recommendations since it’s two-sided [discussing men and women]. An eye-opener for couples who which to be better partners.

• The Five Love Languages [Gary Chapman]

Another 1992 book by Gary Chapman. The Five Love Languages breaks down the five different expressions and experience of love.

There are: Words Of Affirmation, Acts Of Service, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, and Physical Touch. Chapman gives this breakdown based on his years of counselling. According to him, people usually have one secondary and one primary love language.

The way to discover a partner’s love language is usually by observation of how the person expresses love and what they usually complain about or demand from their partner.

For instance, if your partner will usually spend a lot of quality time with those closest and dearest to them, this could be their way of expressing love. Additionally, if they typically ant to spend as much time with you, this may truly be their love language.

This is a great read for couples willing to deepen their understanding for each other. Understanding the concept of love languages will better help an individual be a better lover, spouse, and even friend.

• Money Rules: The Simple Path to Lifelong Security

This book makes it to this list for some good reasons one of which is building financial literacy with loved ones.

Published in 2012 and written by Jean Chatzky, this book written in a witty manner, is a manifesto containing more than 90-wealth building tips.

According to the author, money is simple but people make it complicated. For couples wishing to grasp a better understanding of wealth creation, this is a great place to start. Some other financial literacy books include; Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, Money Won’t Make You Rich: God’s Principles for True Wealth, Prosperity, and Success by Sunday Adelaja, Broke Millenial by Erin Lowry, The Psychology Of Wealth by Charles Richards and many more.

• The Wholebrain Child

In this book by neuroscientist Daniel J. Siegel and parenting expert Tina Payne Bryson, they explain how a child’s brain develops.

The duo offer the reader strategies to raise kids who’ll grow to become well-balanced adults. Some strategies the book proposes include;

Name It to Tame It: Corral raging right-brain behaviour through left-brain storytelling, appealing to the left brain’s affinity for words and reasoning to calm emotional storms and bodily tension

Engage, Don’t Enrage: Keep your child thinking and listening, instead of purely reacting.

Move It or Lose It: Use physical activities to shift your child’s emotional state.

Let the Clouds of Emotion Roll By: Guide your children when they are stuck on a negative emotion, and help them understand that feelings come and go.

SIFT: Help children pay attention to the Sensations, Images, Feelings, and Thoughts within them so that they can make better decisions and be more flexible.

Connect Through Conflict: Use discord to encourage empathy and greater social success.

Couples looking to raise kids will find this read useful in raising responsible children.

• Why You Act The Way You Do

This popular book by Tim LaHaye explains to the reader the temperaments exhibited by humans. These temperaments guide the behaviour of a person affecting the manner in which they work, handle conflict, express joy, and even have sex.

The four major temperaments according to this book are; a Sanguine, Choleric, Melancholy, and Phlegmatic. Typically,  a person will possess a blend of these temperaments in certain percentages.

Couples willing to understand themselves and then their spouses or partners, will find this book useful in doing so.

Liked our recommendations or want to recommend a relationship-related book to us? Let us know.