Happiness Book Club
Do we get our ideas about what a good relationship takes from fairy tales and Hollywood? We certainly put plenty of energy into finding a partner and the exciting early stages of a relationship but, once we are committed, our efforts tend to reduce and real life often doesn’t live up to the promise of ‘happily ever after’. The truth is, maintaining and building a strong, loving relationship takes attention and hard work, but that doesn’t always make a great movie. That’s where this month’s book aims to help – whether you are in a romantic relationship right now, looking for one or want to reflect on what has or hasn’t worked in the past.
Drawing on both research and philosophy, it starts by exploring what a ‘good’ relationship really means. Is it where the other person completes us? Or one which motivates and supports us both to grow into better versions of ourselves? The former, the authors posit, is actually self-, not other-focused, which can set relationships up to fail in the long run. Whereas actively seeing and appreciating the good in our partner – and them in us – and nurturing the context of the relationship to bring out the best in and between you, is more likely to lead to relationship satisfaction.