THE SCHOOL OF LIFE
The Secrets of Successful Relationships by Alain de Botton
It can sometimes seem a mystery why some couples stay together and thrive – while many more split up or drag on scratchily. While we might think happy love is left to chance, there are some identifiable secrets that underpin good relationships that we can learn and put into practice.
The Secrets of Successful Relationships teaches us the key ingredients of contented love. In chapters that include “Learning to Love Oneself”, “Knowing What to Overlook”, “Good Listening” and “The Importance of Bad Dates” , we are prompted to reflect on the varied moves we will need to make to ensure emotional success. In a tone that’s warm, encouraging and occasionally darkly funny, we learn how to communicate effectively, how to manage our differences, what to do when sexual problems arise, how to air grievances, the best way to share a home and – when things grow truly problematic – how to judge whether or not we should stay or leave.
This elegant handbook shows us how to take a range of necessary, careful and wise steps towards the contented love we deserve. Including questionnaires and exercises, it will suit both those embarking on new relationships and those seeking to deepen their established bonds.
