Short Synopsis
This fascinating new perspective on marriage—based on original scientific research—shatters conventional wisdom and presents invaluable guidelines on how to steer clear of marital "danger zones."

Full Synopsis
Psychologist John Gottman has spent twenty years studying what makes a marriage last. Now you can use his tested methods to evaluate, strengthen, and maintain your own long-term relationship. This breakthrough book guides you through a series of self-tests designed to help you determine what kind of marriage you have, where your strengths and weaknesses are, and what specific actions you can take to help your marriage.

You'll also learn:

• More sex doesn't necessarily improve a marriage
• Frequent arguing will not lead to divorce
• Financial problems do not always spell trouble in a relationship
• Wives who make sour facial expressions when their husbands talk are likely to be separated within four years
• There is a reason husbands withdraw from arguments—and there's a way around it

Dr. Gottman tells you how to recognize attitudes that doom a marriage—contempt, criticism, defensiveness, and stonewalling— and provides practical exercises, quizzes, tips, and techniques that will help you understand and make the most of your relationship. You can avoid patterns that lead to divorce, and Why Marriages Succeed or Fail will show you how.

"Even listeners in painful, incompatible marriages can change the tone with this step-by-step guide to resolving---or living with---conflicts. . . . [Costanzo's] vocal tone is reliably enjoyable, he never misses a phrase, and he adds an academic sort of energy that makes the entire work sound worthy of respect and consideration." ---AudioFile

"There's plenty of old-fashioned, helpful, and worthwhile advice here about gender differences, realistic expectations, love, and respect." ---Kirkus