When Bad Things Happen to Good Marriages: How to Stay Together When Life Pulls You Apart

I ordered this book on CD and listened to it in the car when I was driving because I do not have a lot of time to read. Both author's voices were soothing. This book was very powerful to me. It has been about a month since listening to the book and I still find myself talking about it all of the time. There were even parts in this book that I started crying because the messages were deep.

"All adversity is really an opportunity for our souls to grow." ~ John Gray "When Bad Things Happen To Good Marriages" is a great book for couples who have experienced the honeymoon stage of marriage and have moved into a stage where they are experiencing slight dissatisfaction with their relationship. This book is a very honest look at common pitfalls within marriage. Are there ways to survive irritability, boredom, busyness, debt, addiction, infidelity, infertility and personal tragedies? Couples featured in this book have survived and with Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott's advice you can too. Stories of couples who made their marriage work are told throughout the inspiring text. One of the most helpful chapters is on developing a good attitude. Sometimes it is the only thing you seem to have control of when a marriage is breaking apart. In this book you will learn why love is not enough to keep a marriage good and why bad things are bound to happen to you when you least expect them too. For Christian couples there is a chapter on how to become more spiritually in synch. There is also an inspirational chapter on why marriage can actually make you happier, wealthier and perhaps more wise as you age. Marriage can even help you live longer so that is a good motivation to follow the excellent principles presented in this book. If you are looking for additional books that I found helpful in my own marriage, here is my current favorite list: Cracking the Communication Code: The Secret to Speaking Your Mate's Language How to Get Your Husband to Talk to You The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs For Women Only: What You Need to Know about the Inner Lives of Men Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus: The Classic Guide to Understanding the Opposite Sex The Love Dare The Secrets of Happily Married Women: How to Get More Out of Your Relationship by Doing Less 7 Stages of Marriage: Laughter, Intimacy and Passion Today, Tomorrow, Forever The Secrets of Happily Married Men: Eight Ways to Win Your Wife's Heart Forever ~The Rebecca Review

This book raises very good points; but I'd just like to remind people that just because you are married doesn't mean you married your soul mate. Also, just because you are married, doesn't mean it was a good marriage in the first place (just because it happened), or that is was ever meant to be. God didn't put everyone together; some people do it to themselves and make a big mess.

This is the best book I have ever read on marriage. It opened my eyes to so many of the everyday things that pull couples apart. I loved it!

I highly recommend this book. It's not just for couples struggling through something devastating. (Although I just recommended it to a friend facing infidelity). It was great for my marriage because the book also addresses the subtle things that eat away at relationships once the honeymoon is over! (Like how to avoid marital boredom or falling into a rut or reigniting passion after children come along!) I've heard the Parrotts speak at an arena event and they are dynamite. So down to earth and open about their own struggles. Their stories and practical advice are even entertaining. Get the accompanying workbooks. Great exercises to spark conversation with you spouse.