Eight Dates

This is a great book for couples - there is a lot of really good information here! I think this book is applicable to new relationships as well as established long-term relationships. It contains helpful information about relationships as well as advice on big conversations to have with your partner.

The introduction was a bit lengthy and potentially overwhelming. It reviewed lots of data, numbers, and statistics. While helpful, this may be off-putting to a more causal reader.

Following the introduction, the book walks you through 8 dates/conversations to have/explore with your partner. The chapters start with examples from test couples who underwent the dates in the “love lab.” Most chapters then include various tools for you to use on the dates: questionnaires for you to fill out, scenarios to consider before the date, and checklists. The chapters end with a “speed dating” section for those who are not inclined to read the entire chapter, and summarizes the main points. Finally, the date is laid out for you: purpose of the date, location, trouble shooting, questions to ask your partner, and an affirmation to read to one another once the date is over.

The dates cover a variety of topics that are important to discuss in a relationship: trust/commitment, addressing conflict, sex/intimacy, work/money, family, fun/adventure, growth/spirituality, life dreams.

I must say that I really enjoyed this book. There were a number of typos (I assume/hope these will be cleaned up by publish time) but overall, the information and advice was extremely helpful. I found myself highlighting things in almost every chapter. At first, the set up of the dates seemed a little awkward - they jump right into examples from the test couples with no explanation of what that chapter is about. Initially, I thought it would be more helpful to have a brief (even 1 short paragraph) introduction before getting into examples, but as I continued reading it seemed to flow better. Maybe I just got used to it.

And I really like the “speed dating” section - I want to do these dates with my husband, and I image he’ll be more amenable to reading the one-page billeted summery then reading the entire 230 page book.

One last thought - the book is very inclusive. The authors take into consideration couples having kids and not having kids, new relationships and long established relationships, and LGBT+ couples. I thought they did a great job including all types of couples and relationships.

*I received an advance review copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.*