Making Intimate Connections: 7 Guidelines for Great Relationships and Better Communication

This book is unique because it teaches concrete skills that people can use to improve their relationships. The point is that if people are responsible for themselves and their own thoughts and emotions and unilaterally accept others, they will feel happier in their relationships, be more open to improving their own weaknesses with their partner's help, influence their partners positively, and accept their own and their partner's flaws. It's probably most helpful for people who are already in committed relationships but have reached a kind of "standoff" or withdrawal from their partners, but know they still love them and want to re-connect. On the other hand, the 7 basic skills presents in this book would benefit us all and are useful in all types of relationships, from friendship to parent/child and spouse.