7 Books That Will Improve Your Relationship Today

Relationships are beautiful, messy, complicated, and downright rewarding. But they don’t thrive on autopilot. Whether you’re in a fresh romance or have been together for decades, there’s always room to grow—and the right book can open doors you didn’t know existed.

So, why not learn together? Let’s dive into 7 books that can seriously upgrade your relationship—starting today.

1. “Tiny Beautiful Things” by Cheryl Strayed

Drawing on real-life letters from readers and her own vulnerable insights, Strayed tackles love, heartbreak, forgiveness, infidelity, and everything in between. Her responses are brutally honest yet deeply compassionate, filled with poetic truths and emotional clarity. Each story becomes a mirror for the reader, reflecting the universal struggles of human connection. It’s not a “how-to” manual—it’s a soul-stirring reminder of what it means to love, hurt, and heal. Every couple should read this together at least once.

2. “Attached” by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller

It identifies three main attachment styles: secure, anxious, and avoidant. Understanding your style (and your partner’s) helps you navigate common issues like clinginess, withdrawal, or fear of intimacy. The book is especially useful for recognizing unhealthy relationship patterns and changing them. With relatable stories, science-backed research, and self-assessment tools, "Attached" helps you build stronger, more secure relationships. It's perfect for anyone struggling with emotional distance, over-dependence, or just wanting to love and be loved better.

3. “Hold Me Tight” by Dr. Sue Johnson

Emotionally focused therapist Dr. Sue Johnson lays out seven transformative conversations to help couples reconnect and feel emotionally safe. “Hold Me Tight” is grounded in the science of attachment and offers tools to break toxic cycles of conflict, criticism, and withdrawal. Johnson’s gentle approach shows couples how to recognize their emotions, express vulnerability, and rebuild trust. Rather than focusing only on fixing problems, she encourages deeper emotional connection as the real solution. This book is especially helpful for couples who feel distant, unheard, or stuck in repetitive fights. It’s an intimate, heartfelt guide to creating lasting love and closeness.

4. “Mating in Captivity” by Esther Perel

Why does long-term commitment sometimes kill desire? Esther Perel tackles this uncomfortable question head-on. With wit, boldness, and cultural insight, she explores the tension between security and eroticism in relationships. “Mating in Captivity” explains how emotional closeness can sometimes reduce passion—and what to do about it. It’s not just about reigniting the spark; it’s about understanding desire as a form of creative energy. Perel encourages readers to embrace curiosity, fantasy, and individuality in their intimate lives.

5. “Deeper Dating” by Ken Page

Deeper Dating turns the typical dating advice on its head by focusing on authenticity over game-playing. Ken Page invites readers to embrace their “Core Gifts”—those deep parts of ourselves we often hide—to create real intimacy. Whether you’re single, newly dating, or in a long-term relationship, this book helps you connect on a soul level. It’s especially useful for people who feel stuck in shallow or unfulfilling patterns. Page offers reflection exercises and personal stories to encourage vulnerability, emotional risk-taking, and lasting connection.

6. “Fair Play” by Eve Rodsky

In “Fair Play,” Eve Rodsky tackles this problem with humor, insight, and a practical system to divide responsibilities fairly. She introduces a card game approach that helps couples identify invisible labor, redistribute tasks, and foster mutual respect. “Fair Play” helps prevent burnout and resentment while building a more balanced, joyful partnership.

7. “The State of Affairs” by Esther Perel

In this provocative follow-up to Mating in Captivity, Esther Perel explores the complex, emotional world of infidelity. The State of Affairs asks: What if cheating isn’t always the end, but a window into deeper relationship truths? With empathy and nuance, Perel reframes betrayal as an opportunity for understanding and growth—not just shame and blame. She shares stories from her therapy practice to challenge moral judgments and open conversation about commitment, honesty, and desire. Whether you’re healing from an affair or want to understand the emotional undercurrents of monogamy, this book is an enlightening, healing companion.

Why These Books Matter

Let’s face it—relationships aren’t easy. They don’t come with a manual... or do they?

These books aren’t just shelves of theory or pages of fluff. They’re written by experts who have studied thousands of couples, dissected patterns, and distilled life-changing insights into relatable, actionable advice. They give voice to what we often feel but can’t articulate. They remind us that love isn’t just a feeling—it’s a skill, a choice, and an evolving practice.

Whether you're navigating a rough patch, looking to deepen your connection, or just want to keep things fresh, these books give you the tools to do it.

Reading them isn’t a sign that your relationship is broken—it’s a sign that you care enough to grow. That you’re not settling. That you believe your connection is worth investing in.

Because sometimes, the right words on the page can lead to the right words in your relationship—and that can change everything.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes, all it takes is the right book and a willingness to grow. When you invest in learning about love, you’re telling your partner, “We’re worth it.” And honestly? You are.