More than half of all marriages currently end in divorce. Yet most newlyweds vow that they won't make the same mistakes their parents did, or their friends-- that this time, love will last forever. From renowned family therapist William J. Doherty (named one of America's 10 most innovative therapists by the Utne Reader), this indispensable book helps couples of any age break free of the pervasive attitudes and assumptions that can chip away at even the happiest marriage. Readers learn how to stay alert to marital drift and how to restore a relationship worth saving, even when it seems too late. Dr. Doherty illuminates such common commitment eroders as treating marriage like a consumer purchase, confusing desires with needs, becoming overtime parents and part-time spouses, and giving in to unintentional sabotage from family, friends, or helping professionals. He shows instead how couples can take positive steps to nurture their marriage by creating relationship rituals that stand the test of time.

The book includes self-tests that pinpoint hidden marital problems--and solutions --as well as examples that illustrate how these commonsense ideas can be applied to the complexities of real life.