Marriage Benefit: The Surprising Rewards of Staying Together

deepen your relationship

This is a fabulous book. It tells stirring stories of real people who, in their 40s, 50s, 60s, have found creative ways to go beyond the pain of infidelity, the threat of illness, the weight of habit, and the bitterness of old misunderstandings. O'Connell says 'celebrate your differences'---develop your own selfhood by coming up against another person's perspective. He says 'have real sex'--messy, funny, human sex that's part of a private conversation, in contrast to the kind of ritualized performance and sexual athleticism the outside culture promotes. He shows how adventure, play, discovery, and a deeper intimacy are the ultimate benefits of a long-term marriage. This book is a must-read for anyone working on the most important relationship they will ever have.

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