About the book
“To me, the goal of marriage is helping each other become better selves. Compromise is generally the way to go, but every once in a while, you need to get your way. Compromise too much, and you become less than yourself.”
From Making Marriage Happy: Hard-Won Wisdom from Real Couples
Why are some couples happy when so many others are not? Is it just the luck of the draw? Or do happy couples actually do things that make their happiness possible?
In this lively, encouraging, and occasionally irreverent book, author Claire Vande Polder interviewed real couples in happy marriages to learn what they do to make it work. What she discovered is collected here in short, readable segments on topics from romance to “roommate issues” like housekeeping and chores, conflict, money, life changes, gift giving, when to seek professional help, and more. And since the identities of those interviewed were kept anonymous, they felt free to dish on intimate truths through confessions, advice, and stories that readers will find both entertaining and inspirational.
Whether you’re newly engaged, in a long-term relationship, or celebrating decades of wedded bliss, there’s something here for everyone. Making Marriage Happy is a collection of hard-won wisdom from real people, a fresh and often-funny take on the joys and challenges of being in it for the long haul.
My wife really likes flowers, and I can never remember to get them for her. I hate to say this, but I have a reminder in my phone that goes off every so often that says, “buy flowers.” I usually look at it and think that I’ll get them tomorrow. Actually, the irony is that I think today is one of those days.
Yep, there it is. Shoot.
From Making Marriage Happy:
Hard-Won Wisdom from Real couples
What readers are saying about
Making Marriage Happy
Reading the book was most enjoyable and especially interesting from the perspective of an almost 53-year marriage. Very helpful were the insights on fighting and compromise, especially because these are utterly honest comments from couples in the trenches. At times, I had tears and also belly laughs, like over the mention of “spinach stems.” You have to read it to understand! I am eager to get copies to give to my girls and friends.
I enjoyed reading Making Marriage Happy! For someone who is already happily married, like me, the interviews provided moments of affirmation – that other couples use some of the same tactics that we do. But also, there were surprises, when I’d think, “Oh… I never thought of it that way,” or “I should ask my husband if he feels like that.” I think it would have been very useful if we had read it when we were first married – it gives you the chance to see things from a spouse’s perspective.
MORE PRAISE FROM READERS FOR
MAKING MARRIAGE HAPPY
Making Marriage Happy is full of bounce, discovery, welcome sly humor, and insight. At times I was nodding along, seeing myself or those I know (and/or love), and other times I’d be caught by surprise and go Huh, I never thought of it like that.
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