10 Relationship Books You Should Read As A Couple

Reading together as a couple is more than just having a pastime; it is a powerful tool that can enhance your relationship. 

It offers a unique opportunity to engage with each other on a deeper level, fostering communication and intimacy. 

Relationship books provide valuable insights and strategies that can help couples go through the complexities of love, trust, and partnership. 

Engaging with literature allows couples to explore new ideas and perspectives, which can lead to more profound discussions about their relationship. 

This shared experience can foster a sense of teamwork and collaboration, as both partners work together to understand the book and apply it to their lives.

Moreover, reading relationship books can help couples identify and address their challenges. 

Whether it’s improving communication, resolving conflicts, or understanding emotional needs, these books provide frameworks that can guide couples through difficult conversations. 

By tackling these topics together, couples can create a safe space for meaningful discussions, challenge perspectives, vulnerability and growth.

This article presents 10 relationship books you should read as a couple, each selected for its potential to strengthen your bond and improve your understanding of one another.

10 Relationship Books You Should Read As A Couple

Here are 10 relationship books you can read as a couple in order to nurture and strengthen your relationship:

1. The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts by Gary Chapman

Overall Rating on Amazon: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Gary Chapman’s The 5 Love Languages introduces the concept that individuals express and receive love in different ways. Understanding these languages can bridge communication gaps between partners.

Chapman identifies five distinct love languages: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. 

Each person has a primary love language that dictates how they feel loved and appreciated. 

By learning to speak your partner’s love language, you can foster a deeper emotional connection. 

The book emphasizes that love is not just a feeling but a choice that involves understanding and meeting your partner’s emotional needs. 

Couples who read this book together can engage in discussions about their love languages, enhancing their ability to express affection and appreciation effectively.

2. Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence by Esther Perel

Overall Rating on Amazon: 4.6 out of 5 stars

In Mating in Captivity, Esther Perel explores the paradox of intimacy and sexual desire, questioning whether monogamy can coexist with passion.

Perel argues that long-term relationships often struggle to maintain sexual attraction due to the comfort and familiarity that intimacy brings. 

She encourages couples to embrace the tension between security and desire, suggesting that maintaining a sense of mystery and individuality can reignite passion. 

The book is filled with case studies and practical advice, making it an excellent choice for couples looking to deepen their understanding of each other’s sexual needs. 

Reading this book together can lead to insightful conversations about desire, boundaries, and the dynamics of attraction.

3. The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John M. Gottman, Ph.D., and Nan Silver

Overall Rating on Amazon: 4.7 out of 5 stars 

John Gottman’s The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work is a research-based guide that offers practical strategies for couples to strengthen their relationship.

Gottman divides his extensive research into seven principles that promote a healthy marriage: nurturing fondness and admiration, turning towards each other, letting your partner influence you, solving solvable problems, overcoming gridlock, and creating shared meaning. 

The book also discusses the “Four Horsemen” of relationship breakdown—criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling. 

Couples who read this book can learn to identify these destructive patterns and replace them with healthier communication strategies. 

Engaging with this material together can empower couples to build a stronger foundation for their marriage.

4. Mindful Relationship Habits: 25 Practices For Couples by S. J. Scott and Barrie Davenport

Overall Rating on Amazon: 4.6 out of 5 stars 

Mindful Relationship Habits offers practical exercises designed to help couples cultivate a deeper connection and enhance intimacy.

Scott and Davenport present 25 mindful practices that encourage couples to be present with each other, fostering a sense of closeness and understanding. 

These habits range from simple daily rituals to more profound exercises that promote emotional vulnerability. 

By incorporating these practices into their daily lives, couples can create a nurturing environment that supports their relationship. 

Reading this book together can inspire couples to commit to intentional actions that enhance their emotional bond.

5. No More Fighting: 20 Minutes A Week To A Stronger Relationship by Alicia Munoz

Overall Rating on Amazon: 4.3 out of 5 stars 

Alicia Munoz’s No More Fighting provides a structured approach to conflict resolution, emphasizing the importance of communication in relationships.

The book outlines a simple yet effective method that involves dedicating just 20 minutes a week to discuss issues and feelings in a constructive manner. 

Munoz offers tools for couples to express their thoughts without escalating conflicts, promoting understanding and empathy. 

This book is particularly beneficial for couples who struggle with communication during disagreements. 

By reading and practicing the techniques together, couples can transform their approach to conflict, leading to a more harmonious relationship.

6. The Ultimate Relationship Workbook For Couples by Ari Sytner

Overall Rating on Amazon: 4.4 out of 5 stars

The Ultimate Relationship Workbook For Couples is a comprehensive guide filled with exercises and reflections designed to strengthen relationships.

Sytner’s workbook covers various aspects of relationships, including communication, intimacy, and conflict resolution. 

Each chapter includes practical exercises that couples can complete together, fostering collaboration and mutual understanding. 

This hands-on approach encourages couples to actively engage with the material, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer interactive learning. 

Reading this workbook as a couple can facilitate meaningful discussions and help partners work through challenges together.

7. The Four Laws Of Love: Guaranteed Success For Every Married Couple by Jimmy Evans

Overall Rating on Amazon: 4.8 out of 5 stars 

In The Four Laws of Love, Jimmy Evans outlines essential principles that can lead to a successful and fulfilling marriage.

Evans presents four foundational laws: the law of priority, the law of pursuit, the law of partnership, and the law of purity. 

Each law emphasizes the importance of commitment, effort, and mutual respect in a relationship. 

The book provides practical advice and biblical insights, making it a valuable resource for couples seeking to deepen their connection. 

Couples who read this book together can reflect on how these laws apply to their relationship, fostering a shared vision for their future.

8. I Hear You: The Surprisingly Simple Skill Behind Extraordinary Relationships by Michael S. Sorensen

Overall Rating on Amazon: 4.6 out of 5 stars 

Michael Sorensen’s I Hear You focuses on the art of validation, highlighting its importance in building strong relationships.

Sorensen argues that effective communication involves not just speaking but also listening and validating your partner’s feelings. 

The book provides practical techniques for expressing empathy and understanding, which can significantly enhance emotional intimacy. 

Couples who read this book can practice these skills together, leading to more meaningful conversations and a deeper emotional connection. 

This book is especially beneficial for couples looking to improve their communication skills and foster a supportive environment.

9. Communication Miracles For Couples by Jonathan Robinson

Overall Rating on Amazon: 4.5 out of 5 stars 

Communication Miracles For Couples offers practical tools for enhancing communication and resolving conflicts in relationships.

Robinson presents a variety of techniques designed to help couples communicate more effectively, including active listening, expressing needs, and resolving misunderstandings. 

The book emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in fostering a supportive relationship. 

Couples who read this book can learn to navigate difficult conversations with greater ease, improving their overall communication dynamics. 

Engaging with this material together can empower couples to create a more harmonious and fulfilling relationship.

10. The New Rules of Marriage: What You Need to Know to Make Love Work by Terrence Real

Overall Rating on Amazon: 4.6 out of 5 stars

Terrence Real’s The New Rules of Marriage challenges traditional notions of marriage and offers a fresh perspective on partnership.

Real emphasizes the importance of equality and mutual respect in modern relationships, advocating for open communication and vulnerability. 

The book provides practical strategies for couples to walk through the complexities of marriage in today’s world. 

By reading this book together, couples can reflect on their own relationship dynamics and explore ways to foster a more equitable partnership. 

This book is particularly valuable for couples seeking to redefine their roles and expectations within their marriage.

What To Look For In Relationship Books As A Couple

When selecting relationship books to read as a couple, consider the following factors:

• Relevance: Choose books that address specific issues or topics that resonate with your relationship.

• Practicality: Look for books that offer actionable advice and exercises that you can implement together.

• Engagement: Select books that encourage discussion and reflection, allowing both partners to share their thoughts and feelings.

• Diversity of Perspectives: Explore books that present various viewpoints on relationships, helping you to broaden your understanding of each other.

• Author Credibility: Consider the background and expertise of the authors to ensure the information is reliable and well-founded.

Conclusion

Reading relationship books together can provide numerous benefits, including enhanced communication, deeper emotional connection, and improved conflict resolution skills. 

By choosing books that resonate with your relationship, you can foster ongoing learning and growth as a couple. 

Remember, a commitment to understanding each other and nurturing your bond is essential for a fulfilling relationship. 

Start reading relationship books today as a couple, and watch your relationship flourish.