5 Absolute Must-Read Relationship Books Every Couple Need

Today I am coming to you with 5 must-read relationship books that every couple should read. Are you single? Married? In a relationship? Know someone who is married? Know someone in a relationship? Then this blog post is for you! In today’s blog post I will share with you 5 books that everyone should read. Trust me when I tell you that these books are going to blow your mind! They are packed with value and a wealth of lessons.  I have personally read them all and reread some because they were that good!

So without any further ado, the five books are:

1. Men are from Mars Women are from Venus written by John Gray
2. 5 Languages of Love written by Gary Chapman
3. His Needs, Her Needs written by Willard F. Harley
4. The 4 seasons of Marriage written by Gary Chapman
5. Marriage on the Rock written by Jimmy Evans

As you can probably tell from their titles, each of these books tackles different areas of being in a relationship. I highly recommend that you read them in this order, each book will lay a foundation for the one following it. As you unveil the concepts and lessons in each book, you’ll see that the order makes so much sense and it will begin to feel like the books are sequels to one another.

So if you’re ready, lets jump in!

1. Men are from Mars Women are from Venus.

If you decide to never read another book about relationships, please do me a favor and read this book only! You won’t regret it! John Gary does a wonderful job in helping his readers understand how men and women think and react. I imagine him taking his readers by hand and seating them next him to listen and observe as he shares real life scenarios between couples. With each scenario comes a valuable lesson. John Gray delves into the thoughts, actions and words of both man and woman.  So if you are a woman reading this book, he will give you a replay of real life scenarios between couples and then explain to you what the man meant when he said x,y,z. What is he really trying to communicate and how you can effectively assure him that you’ve received his message. The same goes if you are a man reading this book. Gray will give you the perspective and thought process of a woman and how she can translate your actions.

 By the end of the book you’ll learn not only to understand what your partner means when he says or reacts a certain way, but you will also understand how your words and actions can mean one thing but be translated and heard by the opposite sex as another thing.

I can go on and on about this book because it is truly one of the best books I have ever read about relationships. It has helped me personally in my marriage and I recommend it to everyone I know.

2. Five Languages of Love

If you have not been living under a rock, then you’ve probably heard about this book in one way or another. It’s a book that has sold over 12 million copies! and it’s highly rated and it is often referenced. Simply put, this book talks about five languages of love that Gary Chapman has found to be universally needed during his years as a counselor.

The five languages are:

1. Words of affirmations
2. Quality Time
3. Acts of Service
4. Gifts
5. Physical Touch

In his book, Dr. Chapman walks you through each love language, he explains what is, how to communicate or “speak” it to your significant other and what practical actions you can take to speak each language. I fell in love with this book the first time I read it because it not only helped me understand my husband’s love language but also identify my own love language. I encourage you to read or listen to this book with your partner and discuss with them their love language and how you can speak it “more fluently”.

Dr. Chapman has a love language quiz on his website, that you can find here

3. His Needs, Her Needs

This book takes a different approach than the others mentioned above. In this book Willard Harley teaches you how to keep the romance alive in your marriage. He lays out 10 universal and vital needs for men and women and how one can fulfill his/her partner’s needs. You may think you already know what your partner needs, but believe me this book will challenge you and really open your eyes to discover what your spouse may be looking for.

4. The 4 seasons of Marriage

This is yet another gem written by Gary Chapman. In this book, Chapman discusses the secrets to a lasting marriage. He compares the seasons of marriage to the 4 seasons we know; winter, fall, spring and summer. He explains that each marriage goes through these 4 seasons. He describes the season of winter with discouragement, detachment, and dissatisfaction. The season of spring as one of openness, hope and anticipation. Other times, we may find ourselves experiencing the fall season which comes with its uncertainty, negligence, and apprehension. And finally, summer which we all hope to be in which resembles comfort, relaxation and enjoyment of life. Whats great about this book is that Chapman helps you understand each season and identify the one you may be currently in. He shows you how to embrace and enhance your marriage in all four seasons.

5. Marriage on the Rock

The best for last! In his book, Marriage on the Rock, Evans discusses real life scenarios and offers solutions on how to have a healthy and thriving marriage. As described on the books’ website, you’ll learn in this book the following:

“Why no person can meet your deepest needs. How to make marriage a top priority. How to understand and meet your spouse’s needs. The different ways men and women communicate. How to achieve maximum sexual satisfaction. Skills for raising great kids even in a blended family”.

This book is Evans way of changing the tide of divorce America. FYI, Evans has a ministry called “MarriageToday” that is aimed to help couples thrive in strong and fulfilling marriages. He also has written over seventeen other books.

I am always interested in reading new, relationship books! If you have read a book that you absolutely love, please share it below in the comments!