Psychologist John Gottman has spent twenty years studying what makes a marriage last. Now you can use his tested methods to evaluate, strengthen, and maintain your own long-term relationship. This breakthrough book guides you through a series of self-tests designed to help you determine what kind of marriage you have, where your strengths and weaknesses are, and what specific actions you can take to help your marriage.You'll also learn:More sex doesn't necessarily improve a marriageFrequent arguing will not lead to divorceFinancial problems do not always spell trouble in a relationshipWives who make sour facial expressions when their husbands talk are likely to be separated within four yearsThere is a reason husbands withdraw from arguments-and there's a way around itDr. Gottman tells you how to recognize attitudes that doom a marriage-contempt, criticism, defensiveness, and stonewalling- and provides practical exercises, quizzes, tips, and techniques that will help you understand and make the most of your relationship. You can avoid patterns that lead to divorce, and Why Marriages Succeed or Fail will show you how.