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Getting the Love You Want

summary ofGetting the Love You WantBook by Harville Hendrix, PhD, Helen LaKelly Hunt, PhD

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You’ll learn

  • The chemistry of love
  • To recognize your childhood traumas
  • How the unconscious mind rules your decisions
  • Why therapy is crucial
  • How the old and the new brains impact your relationships

first KEY POINT

It’s possible to have a happy relationship, no matter what you see happening around

Change is the only constant thing in life.This logic applies to marriage and relationships too. Romance has undergone many changes globally, and more to come as society advances. For instance, in the past, the average marriageable age for men ranged between twenty-three to twenty-four years and twenty to twenty-one years for women. However, recently, people starting around the ages of twenty to over twenty-five are in school or at work. Young people hardly think of getting married and starting a family at twenty. Another factor triggering a change in relationships is the fact that there are so many failed marriages in society which makes most young people scared.

The cliche is true: couples that spend more time together stay together. So, always create time for your partner, no matter how busy life gets.

But every shift in society comes with its upsides and downsides, some benefit and some victimized. Social media is a good example. It undoubtedly helps many couples stay in touch and grow their friendship — especially those in long-distance relationships. At the same time, more people rely on the internet for excitement instead of relating with their fellow humans, placing a strain on many marriages.We must realize that in relationships and marriages, what everyone earnestly desires is to find a love that is true and lasts. Humans innately need to unite with and stay connected to someone they consider special. Thankfully, it’s possible to build a relationship that stands the test of time no matter what has happened in your past or how the world has changed.The pages you’re about to read will expose you to ways you can keep your relationship pleasurable. You’ll also learn one wonderful solution to the problems of intimacy, marriages, and relationships in general: Imago Therapy, which we’ll start talking about in the next chapter.

Did you know? A 2016 survey by mobile analytics software Flurry shows that a lot of people in the U.S spend at least five hours a day on their smart devices and laptops.

second KEY POINT

Everybody brings an element of their past to current relationships

Imago Therapy suggests that most couple problems stem from their unconscious mind. In other words, the chances are that one person in every couple has experienced an occurrence that registered in the unconscious, which now affects their relationship.The unconscious mind keeps some memories so deeply that they seem almost nonexistent. Memories like these only come to the surface when something happens. Meanwhile, the unconscious mind is active at all times. The thoughts we think and actions we carry out while conscious cover its activities.Imago Therapy explains that the memories of the past brought to the forefront by the unconscious mind can create a need for several unrealistic expectations. For instance, a child who feels loved through touch but was barely held by the parents may have become an adult but still has the desire to have physical contact a lot.

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first KEY POINT

Socialization and childhood disconnection from parents are a reason for unmet expectations in adults

second KEY POINT

We all have voids we hope someone will help us fill

third KEY POINT

The old brain and the new brain ally to help give the right kind of love

fourth KEY POINT

Partners can avoid exits in relationships by practicing the Imago Dialogue

fifth KEY POINT

Therapy can help you readjust your reactions to situations and avoid conflict in a relationship

sixth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Harville Hendrix, PhD, and Helen LaKelly Hunt, PhD are couple's therapists, educators, speakers, and New York Times bestselling authors. They co-created Imago Relationship Therapy to help people overcome relationship problems.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples about?

Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples, authored by Harville Hendrix, focuses on helping partners understand each other better by exploring their relationship dynamics. The book provides practical tools for healing emotional wounds and creating deeper connections, making it a valuable resource for couples aiming to enhance their love life.

What are the key takeaways from Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples?

Key takeaways from Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples include the importance of communication, understanding each partner's emotional needs, and utilizing the 'Imago Dialogue' technique. These insights are designed to foster empathy and respect in relationships, ultimately leading to greater intimacy and satisfaction.

Is Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples worth reading?

Yes, Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples is worth reading for anyone looking to improve their romantic relationship. Its practical advice and proven methods can help couples navigate challenges and strengthen their emotional bonds.

How many pages is Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples and when was it published?

Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples is approximately 400 pages long and was first published in 1988. This timeless guide continues to resonate with readers seeking to cultivate healthier relationship patterns.

What techniques does Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples recommend for improving relationships?

The book recommends several techniques, including the 'Imago Dialogue' and understanding each other's childhood influences on adult relationships. These methods help couples communicate more effectively and develop a deeper awareness of their emotional triggers.