Realtionship Book on Communication

'Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus' is a good book for giving insight as to how men and women communicate differently. I wouldn't take the whole thing as gospel (as with most things, lol) but it definitely gives a different way of looking at things.

There are lots of us who don't care for "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus." I'm one of them.

I very much prefer "The 5 Love Languages" by Dr. Gary Chapman.

I also like "Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs" by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs.

Both of these books recognize that we are not just men and women, but individuals with unique pasts and needs. I think that's very important in communication.

ETA: I also loved "The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands." Dr. Laura is, as always, a bit on the preachy side...but she makes some amazing points.

Theory of Transactional Relationships (discusses inner child, inner parent, inner adult and scripts). Probably have to get that from the library - and there's some good links to related materials by googling the title.

We're currently reading The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands. Mainly because we saw people from "both" groups on here recommending (those we agree with and those we don't). :)

7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey.

"For women only" and "For men Only" both by Shaunti Fredman or Freedman. Very easy read, letting you know how most men think and what their needs are, etc. Not really 100% on "communication" but did make me go "Oh, so maybe that's why husband always ___."

BTW - in your question: Communication with husband, or Communication with kids?? I only replied about husband b/c that's what others suggested.

If both partners are willing to work together and are in agreement that there's a problem, "How To Get the Love You Want" and "Non-Violent Communication" are two good ones....

I've read most of the ones listed below and they each have something to offer, but go pretty far into the extremes about what "Men" are like and how "Women" communicate, when we really are all individuals. Try Gottman "The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work". It has specific exercises that you do WITH your spouse that improve your communication skills. Of all the books I have read and used to save my marriage (which is on an upswing now!) only this one provided concrete results.

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman.

I really enjoyed it and learned a lot. It wasn't a struggle to get through.

If it is relationships in general, I have skimmed through a book called "The Reluctant Rainmaker" written for lawyers (really any professional that relies on repeat clients) to help them build a form of relationship with their clients, and expand on that. It just doesn't come naturally to many folks. Lots of communication-based information and how to build on your relationships even if you are not naturally out-going, empathetic, etc.

But I think we are presuming you are talking about spousal communications if that is what you intended.

I've heard "how to talk so kids will listen" is good for not only talking to kids but to spouses, in the work force, etc.

I am reading "The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands." just because it keeps getting recommended... So far I am not likeing the authors hateful tone ..but I am trying to keep an open mind.