* It’s important to be prepared before taking the next step in your relationship
* Expert perspectives on the different stages of commitment
* From questions to strategic advice, cover all your bases
It’s often said that if relationships aren’t moving forward, they’re moving backwards. While every couple is different, the next step for you and your partner may be moving in together, getting married, buying a shared pet or something as simple as exchanging keys. Whatever the next move may be, being fully informed and prepared for the change is crucial. Here are five books offering different perspectives on commitment and relationships with plenty of helpful tips to consider before taking that leap.
1. The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts
The book that launched a thousand BuzzFeed quizzes, this insightful book by Dr. Gary Chapman is a go-to classic for a reason. It explores how different people express love in different ways, and suggests that by focusing attention on this type of communication can foster lasting relationships.
2. Negotiating the Nonnegotiable: How to Resolve Your Most Emotionally Charged Conflicts
First comes love, then comes fighting. Regardless of how much you care about each other, most people will always have little disagreements with their partner, and this book written by negotiation expert Daniel Shapiro helps teach you the best ways of dealing with these conflicts.
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3. Before the Next Step: Questions Before “I Do”
Before diving head-first into marriage, ask each other these questions posed by marriage experts Ashley and Carrington Brown. The book focuses on looking past yourselves as individuals, and teaches you how focus more on your union.
4. The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness
From New York Times best-selling author Dave Ramsey, this book offers a complete guide on how to re-tool your finances. Filled with straight-forward advice that leads to practical outcomes. Because money is one of most common topics couples fight about, it’s a good idea to make sure that you and your partner on the same page with financial goals.
5. The Love Game: 36 Questions For Falling in Love
Written by Dr. Arthur Aron, this book is designed to be read with your partner, prompting you to ask one another the important questions you’re too afraid to do on your own, or simply haven’t thought of yet.
6. Before You Live Together
Before taking the next major step of commitment in your relationship, you must evaluate whether it will bring you closer or push you apart. This book is designed to present a variety of topics to consider before shacking up with your S.O. before you sign the lease.