As we celebrate LOVE and family this month, I’ve been thinking about books I’ve read over the years that have helped me in my personal relationships.
Today I wanted to share five of my favorite books about relationships with you!
1. The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
I first heard about The Five Love Languages from my grandparents, who said that even after many years of marriage, this book was a game changer for their relationship!
It has been so helpful to identify and discuss my family member’s primary love languages so that I can express my love in ways that are most meaningful to them.
You can take a quick test online to learn your love language. I made my husband take it while we were dating and learned so much about what he truly appreciates and values!
2. Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
While going through therapy a couple of years ago, I discovered that I needed to set some boundaries in my relationships in order to help them thrive!
Boundaries has helped me to learn the importance of setting clear boundaries, and doing so has allowed me the space to love my people better.
Saying no is absolutely healthy and necessary, and setting limits is super empowering.
3. Sister Strong by Hailey & Mandi Gardiner
LOOK MA!! THAT’S THE BACK OF MY CURLY LITTLE HEAD!!
Shameless plug!
I had to include the book that my sister Mandi and I wrote together called Sister Strong!
Being the oldest in a family of six girls (and two boys- bless my little brothers), I have learned so much about how to love and appreciate the women in my life!
Mandi and I hope that our book will help enrich your relationships with your sisters, moms, grandmothers, aunts, cousins, girl friends and all of the women you come in contact with.
Female friendships are so important, and feeling the unity of sisterhood is possible even with women who are totally different from you!
4. Things I Wish I’d Known Before We Got Married by Gary Chapman
This book is more specific to marriage, obviously, but I appreciated Gary Chapman’s honesty, and felt that this book helped me go into marriage with my eyes wide open to some of the common challenges we might face as newlyweds and in the years to come.
He covers everything from improving your communication to resolving conflict to breaking the unhealthy patterns you’ve observed in your parents and others in order to establish your own healthy, thriving marriage.
5. The Anatomy of Peace by The Arbinger Institute
The Anatomy of Peace is a different sort of relationship book, told as a narrative, and it is one of the most influential books I’ve ever read!
I took peace building classes while in college that were based around Arbinger principles, and loved the opportunity those classes gave me to work through relationship struggles by taking full responsibility for what I could control- ME!
If you ever have a chance to attend an Arbinger seminar or workshop, I highly recommend it.
Do you have any favorite books that have helped you improve your relationships? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below or on Instagram!