All couples walk to the altar dreaming of happily-ever-after, but many forces in our society work against healthy lifelong commitment. Renowned family therapist William J. Doherty reveals how cracks can develop in even a rock-solid marriage, and what steps you can take to keep your love strong. Learn ways to break free of common traps like confusing desires with needs, comparing your spouse to your fantasies of other relationships, or becoming overtime parents instead of full-time partners. You'll get suggestions for creating relationship rituals--from mundane to celebratory, sexy to silly--that build closeness and connection every day. The updated second edition incorporates Dr. Doherty's ongoing experience counseling couples, plus the latest information on marriage and health, how divorce affects kids, the impact of new technologies on family life, and more. Winner--Best Self-Help Book, ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year Awards

Introduction1. Take Back Your Marriage2. Resisting Consumer Marriage3. Don't Lose Your Marriage to Your Kids4. Take Back Time for Your Marriage 5. Resist Family and Friends Who Would Undermine Your Marriage6. Resist Therapists Who Threaten Your Marriage7. Preventing Unnecessary Divorce8. Intentional Marriage: Connection Rituals in Everyday Life9. Intentional Marriage: Love Rituals10. Intentional Marriage: Anniversaries and Other Special Occasions11. Every Marriage Supported by a Community12. Taking Action for Your Marriage