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Every relationship has its cobwebs. Do yourself a favor this Valentine’s Day and brush up on some skills to help fuel the spark that got things started in the first place. Here are three reading suggestions I think might just do the trick:
1. LOVE IS A CHOICE: MAKING YOUR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY STRONGER
– LYNN G. ROBBINS
This book is all about…you guessed it, the choice of love. Never mind “falling in love” which implies involuntary action. Robbins reminds us that even if we don’t notice, we definitely choose who, how, and when we love.
Don’t compare your love, and marriage to others. You never really see the whole story. Besides, the only marriage you should focus on is your own.
This is a great read that reminds us to choose to love our spouse and family with a pure and intentional love. Robbins put it best, “A pure love is a love that puts one higher than one’s self.”
With the helps in this book you can do as Thomas S. Monson put it, “Choose your love and love your choice.”
2. HIS NEEDS, HER NEEDS
– WILLARD F. HARLEY, JR
It probably didn’t take you long to realize that the differences in your relationship go well beyond your individual preferences for food, TV shows, and music.
The physical and emotional needs in a relationship can be just as different but oftentimes much more damaging if they aren’t recognized and addressed.
Just as importantly, Harley also sheds light on the damaging effects of intentionally and selfishly ignoring the very legitimate needs of our loved ones. This is a great book to read with your spouse. By applying its tools, you both will quickly improve your relationship by learning how to love much smarter.
3. FOR ALL ETERNITY
– JOHN L. LUND
Saved the best for last! This one is just that good. Hands down the favorite of my family. Now if you are a do or die page-turner, grab the book
for some awesome insights. However, we highly HIGHLY suggest the audio version
. (We like to listen to it in the car on road trips WITH our spouse. Hilarious.)
Dr. Lund’s witty and enthusiastic way of addressing the many communication woes of marriage will have you laughing the whole way through. You will see your spouse in his examples, and maybe even more shocking – yourself as he explains some of the most common mistakes we make in our marriage relationships and how to fix them.
Don’t be alarmed if at the end you find yourself wanting to listen to it again. We have. Because like we said, It is just that good.
Happy Valentine’s Day! Happy Marriage!
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