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The Happy Couple

How to Make Happiness a Habit One Little Loving Thing at a Time
ksoles
Feb 03, 2015ksoles rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Multi-award winning psychotherapist, Barton Goldsmith, believes that the secret to a satisfying partnership lies in little things. In his diminutive but powerful new book, Goldsmith explains how couples can transform their bad habits into good ones and rebuild a relationship from the ground up. Goldsmith asserts that bad habits start with complacency; you get used to your partner bringing you a coffee and eventually stop thanking him/her. And if the coffee-bearer doesn't point out the omission of gratitude, bad habits continue and resentment builds. Couples often take each other for granted after a period of time but the antidote comes in small gestures: hellos, goodbyes, hugs and kisses. "The Happy Couple" only refers to heterosexual relationships though its advice and exercises could certainly benefit any demographic. The opening chapter on communication, for example, teaches the silent types both how to open up by asking clarifying questions and how to develop emotional expression. If a couple struggles to find fun things to do together, Goldsmith suggests easy, smile-inducing moments: take a walk, trade massages, have tea together on the couch. Remember to be nice. Ultimately, the book boils down to simple but often forgotten advice: love each other every day and don't fear saying "I'm sorry."