"A book for those in a relationship to refresh and assess their foundations and an interesting read for those looking for a relationship to guide them moving forward."
Drawing on a variety of sources including scientific studies and anecdotes from his personal life and professional life as a psychotherapist, Enrico Gnaulati delivers a clear and comprehensive guide to flourishing long-lasting intimate relationships. Taking a secular approach, moving away from what religion and tradition may lead you to believe about the path to a successful marriage / long-term partnership, Gnaulati delivers his advice in a witty and approachable style. The book is broken down into chapters that focus on a range of key topics from surviving domesticity to the importance of humour, lust and even getting the right help when needed. ‘Flourishing Love: A Secular Guide to Lasting Intimate Relationships’ is a frank and grounded self-help book. The use of cultural references, comedian’s quips and anecdotes opens up the conversation while highlighting that anyone that may be experiencing these problems are far from alone. The guidance offered promotes mutual respect and communication, the path to a flourishing relationship is laid out in a way that feels not only approachable but achievable. I wouldn’t say that there were any ground-breaking claims made throughout the book, but it serves as a potent reminder that not neglecting the little things is vital in a successful relationship. A book for those in a relationship to refresh and assess their foundations and an interesting read for those looking for a relationship to guide them moving forward.
Flourishing Love is a secular defense of marriage and long-term intimate partnership. It rejects a moral-religious code to govern love lives and instead puts its faith in the human potential for couples to be benevolent, loyal, and forgiving to preserve and enhance their romantic union. Dr. Gnaulati draws on a variety of sources to present the joint emotional upkeep necessary to make an intimate relationship not just satisfactory, but vital, and to illustrate what these lasting bonds look like. Science, anecdotes from his own 30-year marriage and his psychotherapy practice, musings from ancient and contemporary philosophers, and real-life interviews from longterm partners are used to reveal the secrets to a successful romantic union. The result is a how-to of engaging in attentive and sensitive communication; employing a fair outlook on housework, childrearing, and finances; optimally moving through and beyond conflict; using humor to enhance closeness; keeping an erotic spark alive; and handling urges to stray. A must-read for those who crave meaning, happiness, and fulfilment in life and need their romantic partnerships to help, not hinder, in this endeavour.
