"With his usual pragmatic good sense and down-to-earth wisdom, Dr. Doherty reassures us that we can face the 'core challenge of our time'/m-/how to make a loving, long-term marriage work. He lays out an intentional path to lasting love with elegance and persuasiveness. This is a message that we all need to hear." - Sue Johnson, EdD, author of Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love "Dr. Doherty presents a unique and impassioned analysis of how our consumer culture erodes our dream of having the lasting union that we want so much. His practical suggestions for rituals that restore love and commitment are immediately applicable and alone are worth the price of admission. My son said, 'This book changed my life!' I suspect you, the reader, will say the same." - Harriet Lerner, PhD, author of Marriage Rules: A Manual for the Married and the Coupled Up

William J. Doherty, PhD, is Professor and Director of the Minnesota Couples on the Brink Project at the University of Minnesota, and a practicing marriage and family therapist. Past president of the National Council on Family Relations, he received the Council's Margaret E. Arcus Award for Outstanding Contribution to Family Life Education. Dr. Doherty is the author of numerous books for professionals and general readers. Married since 1971, he has two grown children and four grandchildren.

Introduction. Take Back Your Marriage. Resisting Consumer Marriage. Don't Lose Your Marriage to Your Kids. Take Back Time for Your Marriage. Resist Family and Friends Who Would Undermine Your Marriage. Resist Therapists Who Threaten Your Marriage. Preventing Unnecessary Divorce. Intentional Marriage: Connection Rituals in Everyday Life. Intentional Marriage: Love Rituals. Intentional Marriage: Anniversaries and Other Special Occasions. Every Marriage Supported by a Community. Taking Action for Your Marriage.