For Better
How the Surprising Science of Happy Couples Can Help Your Marriage Succeed
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- $13.99
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
“The most credible and interesting marital self-help book of all time.”—Newsweek
Editor of The Washington Post's Wellness Department and former New York Times columnist Tara Parker-Pope is one of the most popular and e-mailed journalists in the nation. In this eye-opening—and ultimately optimistic—look at marriage today, Parker-Pope reveals the heart behind the statistics to bust the myths and share the true secrets to marital happiness.
Among her surprising findings:
• most marriages today are succeeding
• newlywed couples who don't fight are at a higher risk for divorce than those who do
• how couples divide household chores influences how often they have sex
Whatever their stage of life or marital status, readers will be fascinated and buoyed by this classic in the making.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Marriage today is stronger than it has been in decades, writes Parker-Pope (The Hormone Decision), author of the New York Times's Well blog. Interviewing biologists, neuroscientists, psychologists, and sociologists, she explores the science that can explain why a marriage succeeds examining such areas as monogamy, love, sex, children, money, and housework and translates the science into practical advice. For instance, while monogamy is not the norm among animals, it's certainly possible for some animals and for humans to remain sexually and socially faithful to one partner. Further, regular sex should be part of a good marriage even if it occurs less frequently over time. As for conflict, learning how to fight fairly allows partners to air differences without damaging their relationship. Describing the unhappy end of her own marriage, she looks at those relationships at high risk for divorce, such as the pursuer-distancer marriage (with the pursuer usually the woman) and the operatic marriage ( characterized by dramatic highs and lows ). Although the scientific research adds depth, much of the relationship advice is familiar and commonsensical, but married couples will still benefit from this refresher course.
