Because of this improved approach, Eight Dates has quickly become a resource that I have recommended to my own patients. However of the majority of the examples given at the beginning of each chapter involve heteronormative couples, along with a handful of same sex couples.

This book is short and not super deep, but the real depth should come in the conversations with your partner that the dates are meant to cultivate. I think largely because of my age and COVID-induced introspection, my friends in recent months have turned their focus towards topics like emotional maturity and personal life. Doug Abrams is an editor, literary agent, president and founder of Idea Architects (book and media company), and author of many bestselling books. Even if it feels awkward at first, the more you can open up about sex, the better your sex life will be (and it will only become more comfortable the more you do it). This book is for any couple: those just starting to date, about to get married, or have been in a 20 year marriage.What we did:The book suggests a fancy, candlelit dinner, but that sort of contrived romance never felt authentic to us. He’s an only child and I have a sister, and we both want to recreate the sibling dynamic (or lack thereof) we had growing up. Everyone had in-laws, everyone had children, everyone went mountain climbing or skiing, and had time for dates. I am eager to go through the whole process - I am certain the talks will strengthen our relationship. The dates cover eight of the most meaningful, important, and, often, contentious topics that couples deal with: trust and commitment, conflict, sex, money, family, fun and adventure, growth and spirituality, and dreams.

Therefore, in relationships, we must respect and support our partner’s growth (as individuals, we also must be self-aware of our own growth).

The following eight chapters each cover a different date or conversation prefaced by a story about a couple who went on the date and what they learned. This date is designed to help couples build a more intimate and loving relationship by exploring each other’s deepest desires and fantasies. Someone who snaps their fingers at a server, may not be the person to preach conversations for a lifetime of love.

Or that, if you and your partner had these eight life-changing conversations, you would significantly strengthen and deepen your love? They can also learn how to manage their own emotions and needs in conflicts, and how to effectively negotiate and compromise with each other.Eight Dates: Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love is a book by John Gottman that provides a guide for couples to deepen their understanding of each other and strengthen their relationship through eight conversations. For example, we love working out, and we used to do TRX on Saturday mornings but the ritual faded when our favorite teacher switched studios. Eight Dates expands on positive elements and leaves out the demoralizing content of 7 Principles by including more enjoyable and exploratory questions for the dates and eliminating data that predicts divorce.

Although I won’t kiss and tell, it’s important to know that sometimes these conversations aren’t easy. You will discover (or rediscover) your partner like never before—and be able to realize your hopes and dreams for the love you desire and deserve. Eight Dates is like having two of the world’s leading relationship scientists at your table coaching you on how to address the topics—from trust to money to dreams—that make or break relationships.The ancient Roman calendar was believed to be an observational lunar calendar, based on the cycles of the moon's phases.