Eight Dates: Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love Kindle Edition

I really enjoyed this book. For every book, no matter how great, there's always critics or things that don't appeal to some. I'm glad I didn't let those opinions stop me from purchasing this.Even prior to beginning a new relationship recently (my first one in several years after taking time for introspection and personal growth), I've been heavily interested in psychology, esp on relationships/sex. I've read many books on the subject, including at least one other by John Gottman, and still found this book well worth the read. It covers what I believe really are the key conversations that can make or break a healthy, happy, satisfying relationship, and provides a great variety of examples and scientific research for each area of focus. There's short exercises that help individuals get thinking about the topics at a deeper personal level prior to each date which helps make the dates themselves more productive and connective. There's also great instructions and tips, not just on how to keep each conversation positive, healthy, and even fun, but also how to communicate effectively in general. Many are simple things that I'm sure we've all heard at some point—active listening by making eye contact, rephrasing back, and asking questions; keeping an open, non-judging mindset; being kind and understanding to each other; etc—but are summarized together very succinctly and efficiently. The dates themselves (i.e. the topics of focus) are, imo, very thoughtfully laid out as far as order and build well. For example, date 1 begins with Trust & Commitment, a foundation that is necessary in order to make the following dates that cover more sensitive subjects (such as money/work and sex) successful.Additional highly important key points to happy relationships are emphasized throughout the book, such as cherishing each other, showing kindness, and focusing on positive, which align perfectly with my own experience and other research, yet are often overlooked or greatly undervalued by most couples. I appreciated this. I also appreciated that it was stated (and backed with examples/research) that aside from a few specific aspects (such as wanting children or not), differences in couples, such as interests and certain beliefs, does not corelate with level of happiness and satisfaction, and WHY, as well as tips on HOW to connect in these situations. This has been a fear of mine in my own relatively new relationship that is otherwise the happiest, healthiest one I've ever been in and truly see being a lifelong partnership; so I felt so grateful to read this.I loved that the authors also included small actions that can be immediately implimented. Kissing each other goodbye, finding small ways to show appreciation, committing to a dedicated time to be with each other each week, etc. Again, this is likely not new info for anyone who's read other relationship books but I still found it very well said and still found new takeaways in each chapter.I could go on. Highly recommend this book. Whether you're single, newly relationed, or have been together for years, I think everyone could gain something from this book.

It broad the thinking on important topics!

Recommend to anyone dating right now with an ultimate goal of partnership or lasting connection. This book gives instrumental advice on how best to communicate and learn and love each other. It is practical and a nice paced read. I am single but will be referring to this in future partnerships. Great collaborative writing from the authors and tools on embracing differences. I give it a 5 because I believe it will be helpful in most dating peoples lives. Give it a shot.

We love the ideas and thoughts of this book. The authors gave great insight for renewing those "butterflies" and how to keep them "fresh".

My boyfriend and I love this book. It has inspired us to start talking about the future, and facilitates important conversations. We have gotten closer because of it!

This book has helped my BF and I to understand each other in a much deeper level (and ourselves too). We have dated almost 7 years and lived together 2, wish we would have read it earlier in our relationship but I don’t believe it’s ever too late if you’re committed to bettering your relationship.

My boyfriend and I choose to give this book a try after a recommendation from a friend and boy did we love it. Easy to read, easy to follow instructions, and some of the best conversations we've ever had. We understand each other on a level we never could have reached otherwise. The authors' message is simple - commit to a lifetime of curiosity about your partner - and for those who don't know what that looks like, they give you all the questions to ask. All you have to do is show up with an open mind and an open heart

great gift for newlyweds!

Read this book for a book club, and it’s not too long, very practical, and an emotional intelligence book that’s fun to read. It made me think a lot about how. I cherish all relationships in my life (or don’t and why)

Wow voy a la mitad del libro y está buenísimo porque te explican los estudios que le han hecho a varias personas referente a los aromas , quien tiende ser más promiscuo como pareja y no te conviene o cómo comunicarte de nuevo con tu pareja, no no no les juro que es el mejor libro que me he comprado es una joya que todos los que tenemos una relación debemos leer

Um dos melhores livros sobre relacionamento que você vai encontrar no mercado. Ele não é apenas teórico e prático, ele lhe permite viver e experimentar os exercícios. Eu fiz um pequeno teste, apliquei durante 8 semanas todas as técnicas e meus clientes adoraram, perceberam muitas mudanças no casamento. Não satisfeito eu fui além, fiz 8 lives sobre o livro e meus seguidores trouxeram resultados positivos sobre a aplicação das ferramentas.É uma leitura simples, tranquila e que lhe permite ter muitas reflexões, ainda mais se você ler junto do seu parceiro ou parceira, apliquei boa parte das coisas que aprendi e isso tem ajudado na construção de um lar mais tranquilo, mais vivo, mais amoroso.

This is my first time reading a relationship advice book. I love how much this book is centered around not just learning but doing. Each chapter has a planned date with discussion questions to challenge you and your partner to learn from everything you've read in that chapter.Really insightful read on communication, trust, and intimacy. Would highly recommend for people in a long term relationship or new relationships wanting to take their relationship to the next level or deepen there connection. There comes a moment you know everything about one another, try keeping the conversation going. That’s the hard part. Book gave me a few tips that I can keep re-using.

Great advice, and very practical, stuffed with exercises and examples of how to use in practice