Recommended books on Relationships

These are some of our favorite books on relationships and relationship issues. If you have a book that you think should be included on this list, please send us an e-mail and if we think it fits with these topics we will be happy to list it.

• The Shared Heart by Barry and Joyce Vissell 1984 Ramira Publishing
  This is one of our favorite books because it shares in the philosophy that we do; namely that if two people are truly drawn to living spirit, then all that they share, from changing diapers to making love, all become grist for the mill of awakening. Your relationship is merely a vehicle to show you where you are and what you have to learn to continue your growth.
• Two Hearts Are Better Than One by Bob Mandel 1986 Celestial Arts Publishing
  This is our other favorite book which addresses the same theme as above. It's the description of one man's journey on the road to a conscious and loving relationship. Along with many personal stories, he describes the principles that help create the kind of satisfying relationships that we all want.
• Magic of Conflict by Thomas Crum, 1987.
  Written by a Black Belt Aikido Master, this book is based upon the Japanese martial art of Aikido. The underlying premise of this book is that conflict may be viewed as an opportunity for us to improve our relationships and our results.
• Getting The Love You Want by Harville Hendrix, Ph.D. 1988 HarperPerennial Publishing
  This is for those of you who would like a little more psychological understanding into why we behave the way we do in relationships. In it Dr. Hendrix explores his Imago Theory which says that in your search for your ideal mate, you relied on an unconscious picture of the opposite sex that you had been forming since birth. This picture or "imago" is a composite picture of the people who most influenced you at an early age.
• Do I Have To Give Up Me To Be Loved By You by Drs. Jordan and Margaret Paul 1989 CompCare Publishers
  Following along on our theme here, this book and workbook explore the theme that, "the intention to learn is the path not only of growth but, more important, of loving behavior." The premise of the authors is that in relationships, "loving behavior nurtures your own and another's emotional and spiritual growth, promotes personal responsibility, and increases self-esteem."
• Journey of the Heart by John Welwood Ph.D. 1990 HarperPerennial Publishing
  This is a very spiritual book on Love and relationships. It covers such topics as; intimate relationship as a practice and a path, conscious committment, the awakening power of sex, and much more.
• Men are From Mars, Women Are From Venus by John Gray Ph.D. 1992 HarperCollins Publishing
  This book has been on the best seller list for many years. It gives incredible insight into the inner workings of both men and women, letting you actually understand the opposite sex. Dr. Gray uses a metaphor that men and women are from different planets and you actually need some help in order to understand them.