Take Back Your Marriage: Sticking Together in a World That Pulls Us Apart [Paperback]

William J. Doherty Phd (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2003

Today's divorce epidemic reflects the rise of many social forces that can pull even the happiest couple apart. In fact, many of us hold deeply ingrained attitudes and assumptions that work against long-term marital happiness. From renowned family therapist Dr. William J. Doherty, this book helps couples pinpoint hidden marital problems and take positive steps to stay close and connected every day. Readers learn to break free of such common traps as confusing desires with needs, applying a trade-in-the-old-model consumer mentality to one's own spouse, or becoming overtime parents instead of full-time partners. They get suggestions for creating relationship rituals that stand the test of time; from mundane to celebratory, sexy to silly. For young couples who want to hold tight to happily-ever-after, or longtime marrieds on the brink of breakup, this book shows how to fight back to restore a marriage worth saving.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

To ensure that one's marriage lasts "as long as we both shall live" as opposed to the increasingly popular "as long as we both shall love," William J. Doherty (Take Back Your Kids) recommends that couples undertake daily "connection rituals" that facilitate "intentional marriage." In Take Back Your Marriage: Sticking Together in a World That Pulls Us Apart, Doherty, the director of the Marriage and Family Therapy Program at the University of Minnesota, advises couples to avoid family and friends who undermine their marriage and to avoid sacrificing their relationship to their kids.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"While it is primarily for married couples and those considering marriage, this book is also beneficial for therapists and professional leaders....it is applicable to those who are considering any type of partnership/relationship....chapters are inviting, engaging, and readable....a book for couples and can be used as a companion for those in therapy. It will also serve as an excellent text for marriage enrichment programs. Pastors and church educators will find Doherty's approach to marriage and family affirming of the work of their community of faith and practical for ministry within the congregation."--"Family Ministry"
"Doherty's book offers solutions."--"St. Croix Valley Press" and "White Bear Press"

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Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: The Guilford Press; 1 edition (June 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572308796
• ISBN-13: 978-1572308794
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #116,822 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book that will help ANY marriage!!!!, August 2, 2005

By 

S. Richman (Roosevelt, Utah USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Take Back Your Marriage: Sticking Together in a World That Pulls Us Apart (Paperback)

I am a graduate student, this book was an assignment that required me to design a marriage enrichments program. So I approached this book with a very critical eye, wanting to find all the pros and cons. With that being said, I loved this book. The author William J. Doherty does an excellent job addressing issues and attitudes in marriage in a way that I have never thought of. The concept of a consumer attitude is a profound idea, and better yet it makes sense. The book is well written (but on a level that anyone can read and understand), with great examples, and ideas to apply the concepts presented in this book. This is a book that everyone should read; it is not just for marriages that are struggling. I feel that I have a very healthy and happy marriage, yet this book has helped me improve a relationship that I thought did not need improvement. It can also help newly weds who are juts starting out on their journey together. Over all this is a great book that will help any marriage as much as the reader is willing to allow it.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outlines outside forces which tend to drive couples apart, September 6, 2001

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Take Back Your Marriage: Sticking Together in a World That Pulls Us Apart (Hardcover)

Plenty of titles provide marital advice; but few so clearly outline the outside forces which tend to drive couples apart as William Doherty's Take Back Your Marriage, which tells how to stick together in a world which pulls people apart. Family therapist Doherty says today's divorces are the result of conflicting demands on time and money - troubles which can be overcome by determined couples. This tells how.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Deeply insightful - how to fix things pull apart marriages, May 30, 2005

By 

M. Stewart (Texas, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Take Back Your Marriage: Sticking Together in a World That Pulls Us Apart (Paperback)

A wonderful exposé on the current trend of friends, marriage counselors, etc., encouraging those in marriages to leave "if you aren't getting your needs met." He skillfully shows that with a small change in both partners' (and sometines just one), many divorces could be avoided. He is careful to point out there are still cases that would require a divorce, such as abuse and repeated infidelity. But great hope is given that many can take back their relationships and enjoy each other.