5 Must-Read Relationship Books
Holiday Reads to Help with your Relationships
As the holidays get near, it's difficult to keep daily routines running smoothly and this is a problem for people who don't like their days disrupted. It's particularly difficult when you have friends or family staying for long periods through the holiday season.
I've listed some books below that will help us understand the complexities in a range of relationships, and help us to see the perspective of the other person, or people, as well.
The following books relate to aspects of our relationship with:
- Ourselves
- Our parents
- Partner
- Children
- Extended family, friends or even colleagues.
We'll start with our relationship with ourselves, because ultimately, that's where our interactions stem from, in every single relationship we encounter.
Hector and the Search for Happiness by Francois Lelord
Our relationship with ourselves is our primary relationship. The way we engage, react, respond and interact with others originates within. If we feel that happiness eludes us, it's because we are looking for outward gratification.
That's the premise in Hector and the Search for Happiness as the main character travels far and wide looking for things and/or people to make him happy. It's the ultimate realisation of his own inner peace that returns him to his home where he feels deeply grateful for all that he has.
It's written in an easy-to-read style which you should be able to finish in a few days BUT the simple lessons he instils will remain with you for a long time.
Available here.
Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast
I feel that our relationship with our parents is our second-most important one (see above), because the parent/child relationship shapes us in ways we are sometimes not even aware of.
Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant? Covers the aspect of our parents' old-age in a light-hearted comic-style prose. It's a memoir and therefore very relatable to many families.
It helps us understand the perspective of our aging parents with acceptance. It lessens the angst of knowing how to care for our older generation and brings a bit of humour into the awkward dynamics of this golden age era.
You can buy it at this link.
The Greatest Gift by Rachael Johns
Though written in a fictional holiday-read prose, The Greatest Gift touches deeply on the relationship we forge with our life partner. Decisions that we make depend on their goals and affect their future too.
Whether to start a family or not, is a personal choice and this story reveals aspects from both sides. But more than that, is the effect that ALL of our decisions (not only parenthood), have on our partners' lives. Some are irreversible, others are salvageable, either way, the effects last forever.
[Having children can be a sensitive topic so tread lightly if you decide to read this one].
Grab a copy with a click.
Understanding Your Child's Temperament by Beverly LaHaye
This book helped me so much when my children were in the 9-10 year age bracket. They undergo many hormonal changes in that 'tween' stage, verging on a leap into maturity.
Not only does the author of Understanding Your Child's Temperament discuss personality traits but also how they relate to specific situations. Plus, she goes on into their young adult lives as well, and how they adjust to the working world within the dynamics of their characteristics.
It's an invaluable book if you're looking to strengthen your bond with your child before the teen years, as those teenager days can be confusing for all concerned.
You'll find copies over here.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Gail Honeyman writes with dry humour as we follow Eleanor's daily life through workdays, home-days and her ever-widening social circle. Her relationships with co-workers and parents is enough to make you want to reach into the book and give Eleanor a great big comforting hug.
A wonderful way to explore the idiosyncrasies we each have and the understanding that we should give each other in a wide berth of acceptance.
Snap it up at this link.
How to Make the Holidays More Fun
If you're looking for ideas to enhance your guests' stay over the holiday period, you could try some of these ideas:
- A cultural food cook-off
- Learn a new dance
- Online Escape Room game
- In-home scavenger hunt
- Make a family holiday memento - I had everyone trace the outline of their hand onto a solid piece of wood that I had and then write a short message in their handprint, ending with the year, eg 2021
Articles more your jam?
Look no further than these links:
And remember:
Holidays are more fun when you're occupied!
Happy holidays if yours have already begun!
Before you go, just one last thing; have you read any of the books recommended above?
Are there any other relationship books you would recommend? I love me a good read!
10 Most Important Characteristics of Healthy Relationships, the important characteristics of healthy relationships that are equally vital in making sure that your relationship stays fresh and long-lasting.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the link above. The info was really helpful and interesting.
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