Relationship Resources

Me being the idealist that I am, Summer and I have worked some really cool resources into the development of our relationship. Because they've helped us and we've only just begun, I wanted to share. Whether you're single, dating, engaged, or married, you'll find something useful in the following list, I guarantee it!

All About Me
I can't remember the first time I heard about this, but it definitely piqued my interest and I bought one a year and a half ago or so to fill out just for my own benefit. I love taking time to really dig into myself and find out what makes me tick and what I really like or dislike. This book covers SO many things about you, your family, your friends, your viewpoints, your fears, etc. It'll take you a couple hours to fill out if you think through it, though the trick is to not overthink it but just write down the first few things that come to mind. Me and Summer each filled one out and gave it to each other and I have to say it was amazing to read through. It's a huge help in bringing things to light that may not come up in everyday conversation and really helped us learn about each other quickly. But enough promo. You need this. You'll need several copies as the years go by. So here's where to buy it...

Amazon link

For Women Only / For Men Only
Regardless of your relationship status, you NEED this. If you're single, get a head start and read this a few times. Then read it again when you get in a relationship. I highly suggest reading both books, too. Reading FWO really helped me understand my core feelings as a guy and helped me to understand why I think like that.

FWO Amazon link
FMO Amazon link

Trading Places
I already wrote a post about this, but it begged to be mentioned again. This'll help you understand how to better empathize with your significant other and will help you learn how to communicate your mood and feelings to them.

Amazon link

Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts
Don't let the title fool you - even if you're married, this will still be helpful. I just bought this today and have been dying to get it after reading the synopsis about it. Les and Leslie Parrott need to have several places in your home library and I'm expecting amazing things from this. They have workbooks for both women and men for this and with what I know of their work, I'm sure they're worth getting.

Amazon link

Love Talk
I just happened on this one yesterday, but the Parrotts are blowing my mind already. I ripped through 100 pages of this short book last night and was floored at all the helpful information they cram into just a few pages. They have a writing style that cuts the crap and gets to the core point without boring you or dragging it out. And let me tell you - they nailed me in the face several times already. YOU NEED THIS. And the workbooks, which from what I understand, have 20 or so exercises to help you better understand yourself and the way you interpret things and communicate. Once me and Summer get into those and the online assessment, I'm sure we'll be blown away with the effectiveness and helpfulness of this book. I know I already am and I've only done part of the reading portion of the process!

Amazon link

I Love You More
I haven't read this yet, but it's yet another Parrott-written resource. Seeing a pattern here? Ha, I don't hide my respect for them and give them props every chance I get lately.

Amazon link

Every Woman's Marriage / Every Man's Marriage
I don't know much about this besides the little I read on Amazon when I found these yesterday, but knowing how good Every Man's Battle was and how good the synopsis of both of these sounded, I'd bank that they're great resources.

EWM Amazon link
EMM Amazon link

Assorted others
Amazon link :: Love & Respect
Amazon link :: The Five Love Languages (there's also a men's edition)
Amazon link :: Does This Dress Make Me Look Fat?
Amazon link :: Yup. Nope. Maybe.