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Love for a Lifetime: Building a Marriage That Will Go the Distance
The bestselling Gold Medallion winner Love for a Lifetime has brought hope, harmony, and healing to millions of homes worldwide, giving men and women powerful and biblical insights for building lasting marital harmony. Encouraging and practical, this proven classic is perfect for every husband and wife who want to strengthen and celebrate their marriage relationship.
The joining of husband and wife in marriage is the most fulfilling human relationship possible. There is nothing like being loved unconditionally and intimately, decade after decade, by someone who promises to be there for better or for worse for the remaining days of your lives.
For this reason, nurturing and celebrating each other is the most important investment of time and energy you can make as a couple. And millions around the world can testify, the surest way to preserving a marriage is by applying the principles outlined in God's Word.
With Bible-based insights shared by today's foremost family advocate, Love for a Lifetime is a modern classic. This newly updated edition delivers the wisdom that will bring success to your marriage... for as long as you both shall live.
Story Behind the Book
For every ten marriages in America today, five will end in bitter conflict and divorce. And only one or two couples in ten will achieve what might be called "intimacy" in their marriages. This book helps keep readers from being passive victims in the unfolding drama of their lives together. They can build a stable, satisfying, intimate relationship that will withstand the storms of life. All they need is a little wise counsel...and a burning desire to succeed. Based on information from a panel of successfully married couples, on the research of respected experts in the field, and on the principles endorsed by the Creator of families Himself, Love for a Lifetime is designed to help couples do just that.
The joining of husband and wife in marriage is the most fulfilling human relationship possible. There is nothing like being loved unconditionally and intimately, decade after decade, by someone who promises to be there for better or for worse for the remaining days of your lives.
For this reason, nurturing and celebrating each other is the most important investment of time and energy you can make as a couple. And millions around the world can testify, the surest way to preserving a marriage is by applying the principles outlined in God's Word.
With Bible-based insights shared by today's foremost family advocate, Love for a Lifetime is a modern classic. This newly updated edition delivers the wisdom that will bring success to your marriage... for as long as you both shall live.
Story Behind the Book
For every ten marriages in America today, five will end in bitter conflict and divorce. And only one or two couples in ten will achieve what might be called "intimacy" in their marriages. This book helps keep readers from being passive victims in the unfolding drama of their lives together. They can build a stable, satisfying, intimate relationship that will withstand the storms of life. All they need is a little wise counsel...and a burning desire to succeed. Based on information from a panel of successfully married couples, on the research of respected experts in the field, and on the principles endorsed by the Creator of families Himself, Love for a Lifetime is designed to help couples do just that.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1987
80 people are currently reading
498 people want to read
About the author
James C. Dobson
253 books376 followersA licensed psychologist and marriage, family, and child counselor, Dr. James Dobson was a clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. For 14 years Dr. Dobson was an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine, and he served for 17 years on the attending staff of Children's Hospital Los Angeles in the Division of Child Development and Medical Genetics. He earned a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California (1967) in the field of child development.
He was the author of more than 50 books, including The New Dare to Discipline, The New Strong-Willed Child, When God Doesn't Make Sense, Night Light: A Devotional for Couples, Bringing Up Boys, and the New York Times bestseller Bringing Up Girls .
Heavily involved in influencing governmental policies related to the family, Dr. Dobson was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to the National Advisory Commission to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. He also served on the Attorney General's Advisory Board on Missing and Exploited Children, the Department of Health and Human Services' Panel on Teen Pregnancy Prevention, and the Commission on Child and Family Welfare. He was elected in 2008 to the National Radio Hall of Fame, and in 2009 received the Ronald Reagan Lifetime Achievement Award.
He was the author of more than 50 books, including The New Dare to Discipline, The New Strong-Willed Child, When God Doesn't Make Sense, Night Light: A Devotional for Couples, Bringing Up Boys, and the New York Times bestseller Bringing Up Girls .
Heavily involved in influencing governmental policies related to the family, Dr. Dobson was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to the National Advisory Commission to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. He also served on the Attorney General's Advisory Board on Missing and Exploited Children, the Department of Health and Human Services' Panel on Teen Pregnancy Prevention, and the Commission on Child and Family Welfare. He was elected in 2008 to the National Radio Hall of Fame, and in 2009 received the Ronald Reagan Lifetime Achievement Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 1, 2012
This is a book that every young couple should read together. When my wife and I were young, we would spend quality time reading aloud together. This is a very simple read. No great pearls of theology and no deep secrets for perfect relationships, just solid basics to build a relationship upon that can stand the test of time and the hardships of life.
Not only was the material in the book helpful, but also the act of reading it (and other books) together deepened the bond between us.
This book makes an excellent wedding gift. I have also given it to couples struggling to find a way to recapture something that had been lost.
I think a marriage works best when a place is made in the marriage for a third party. A marriage with Christ at the center of it has an anchor to hang on to when buffeted about by the storms of life.
Not only was the material in the book helpful, but also the act of reading it (and other books) together deepened the bond between us.
This book makes an excellent wedding gift. I have also given it to couples struggling to find a way to recapture something that had been lost.
I think a marriage works best when a place is made in the marriage for a third party. A marriage with Christ at the center of it has an anchor to hang on to when buffeted about by the storms of life.
December 7, 2020
Despite being written in the mid-1970s/early 1980s, a lot of the advice and information in this book is still just as relevant and true as it was back then.
For example, being realistic in your expectations about your spouse-to-be, first-time intercourse, and marriage because expectations minus reality equals disappointment; working out an annual family budget; and noting how "the feeling of love is simply too ephemeral to hold a relationship together for very long", which is refreshing to hear.
The only thing that would've made this book better is if there had more advice or insights about men for female readers like myself. The book has a lot to say to men about what women want, but doesn't say nearly as much about men and what they want, and I'm curious to know more about the minds of men.
For example, being realistic in your expectations about your spouse-to-be, first-time intercourse, and marriage because expectations minus reality equals disappointment; working out an annual family budget; and noting how "the feeling of love is simply too ephemeral to hold a relationship together for very long", which is refreshing to hear.
The only thing that would've made this book better is if there had more advice or insights about men for female readers like myself. The book has a lot to say to men about what women want, but doesn't say nearly as much about men and what they want, and I'm curious to know more about the minds of men.
July 12, 2020
The name of the book could easily be: Suffering of a lifetime. Especially for women.
Read out of antropological curiosity. I am so blessed to live in the 21st century that won over Dobson's beliefs over womens place in the family and society.
Read out of antropological curiosity. I am so blessed to live in the 21st century that won over Dobson's beliefs over womens place in the family and society.
May 4, 2021
Initially, I thought this book was amazing. That's probably because I grew up in a conservative evangelical family that embodied a lot of what Dobson teaches. As an adult, and having now been married for a few years, this book is awful. Dobson starts out by telling readers that if you marry a non-virgin, your marriage will never been what it could have been. That is plainly not true. It is a lie that is incredibly hurtful, and though it didn't deter my virgin husband from marrying me, it instilled in me some serious anxiety.
Dobson then goes on to tell readers that if you divorce, your life is over and no one will ever want you. You may as well just stay in an abusive marriage because the other option is to be forever alone and unloved. Honestly, I don't know how I read this and thought it was good. I have come a long way in a short amount of time, and I can tell you that the things this book taught are not true.
He also goes on about how I need to be sexually available to my husband because if I'm not, he will have an affair and I'm partially responsible. Also, if he develops a pornography addiction, that's also my fault. Definitely do not waste your time with this. It places blame where it does not belong and absolves men of their responsibility to self-control.
Dobson then goes on to tell readers that if you divorce, your life is over and no one will ever want you. You may as well just stay in an abusive marriage because the other option is to be forever alone and unloved. Honestly, I don't know how I read this and thought it was good. I have come a long way in a short amount of time, and I can tell you that the things this book taught are not true.
He also goes on about how I need to be sexually available to my husband because if I'm not, he will have an affair and I'm partially responsible. Also, if he develops a pornography addiction, that's also my fault. Definitely do not waste your time with this. It places blame where it does not belong and absolves men of their responsibility to self-control.
October 10, 2019
Along with some solid recommendations for questions and considerations for people who want to marry, there is also some sexist b.s. and he includes "marry a virgin" in his list of recommendations. Is forgiveness only for a man you've already married? It's like there's this weird on/off switch. Put up with nothing before you're married, but once you're married, you have to forgive him for *everything.* I'm really tired of hearing that every man will come home to a wife he has no energy to talk to. Every man has a "certain number of words" and he will run out by the time they sit down at the end of the day and she has 25,000 words to go.
January 10, 2025
What a great book
June 21, 2010
This book provided a lot of great pointers on how to help your marriage survive and go the distance.
It doesn't necessarily require two to make the marriage successful because if one will commit their life to following God and loving their spouse; the other spouse tends to change and walk with God too. This is not always the case, but learning to do what is right even when it is hard will help.
It doesn't necessarily require two to make the marriage successful because if one will commit their life to following God and loving their spouse; the other spouse tends to change and walk with God too. This is not always the case, but learning to do what is right even when it is hard will help.
June 10, 2013
Teens, Singles, Divorced, Married. This is a very good book for all to read. I so wish I had read this when I was a teenager and when in my 20's. I just recommended this to a couple in college and they both very much liked this book. This helps prepare one to mentally and emotionally prepare oneself for marriage way before they meet their special someone. This helps a couple as they consider marriage. This book gave me hope and direction as a divorced person. A must read!!
January 22, 2014
This book has many great insights and principles on marriage that most couples overlook. I only gave it a lower rating because much of what he said my husband and I are already putting into practice. This book could be a lifesaver for a marriage in trouble! I recommend it to every married couple, young and old, whether you're doing well or not. It can be life-changing, or even just a helpful reminder.
March 24, 2015
I have a respect for Dr. James Dobson and his knowledge base on Christianity and life in general, so I tend to "like" all of his writings. This is a very short and easy read for someone who is daunted by larger texts. However, concise as it is, I felt it offered some very good information for anyone in a serious relationship.
September 7, 2007
didn't really like the version of this book that I recieved as a wedding gift. It had some good parts but some of the "personal christian" views mr. dobson had were different then my own, I did not like this book at all.
July 10, 2008
I loved this book. I found great tips how to live life married. Marriage lasts forever when you make a commitment for life. Tips on what to expect, how to endure, how to love and how to give. Great for those planning a marriage or already married!
October 21, 2009
Great book if you are married or in a serious relationship. Dr. James Dobson really knows how to tell you like it is and give you good tips on making your relationship work. It is not your average self help book and it is so worth reading!!!
June 5, 2012
I would highly recommend this book for every married couple, old and young. Dr Dobson does an excellent job of encouraging couples to build a solid marriage founded on Christian principles. A must read for anyone interesting in building a strong marriage that will stand the tests!
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March 27, 2009Great book for married couples or singles looking to be married some day. Dr. Dobson knows how to help point you in a direction that will build a strong marriage and one that is fulfilling.
April 1, 2013
Although I read this after being married for a couple of years, the advice was still helpful.
July 27, 2013
Great read! Very informative for not yet married for the "what to expect." Definitely recommend it!
March 7, 2019
James Dobson’s Love For A Life Time does an excellent job speaking to couples that are either thinking of getting married or have been married for less than a decade.
Using the Bible and secular research Dobson gives many insights into how men and women think, feel and react to their partner. He also makes the reader aware of the other partners weakness es and the dangers and temptations that can damage or destroy a marriage.
Throughout the book Dobson makes it clear that when God in the work of Christ Jesus is the center of the marriage and/or the premarital relationship than the challenges, hazards and even the disappointments of marriage can be overcome.
As those that have been married for sometime know, marriage works best when both partners are flexible, understanding and selfless with the other. Unfortunately, it is our inflexibility, lack of or unwillingness to understand, and ultimately our selfishness that causes most of the problems faced in marriage.
Finally, at the end of this book Dobson gives a long list of ideas couples can do for their Anniversary. This list might be most helpful for us men out there to spice up the romance and deepen the relationship with our wives.
Using the Bible and secular research Dobson gives many insights into how men and women think, feel and react to their partner. He also makes the reader aware of the other partners weakness es and the dangers and temptations that can damage or destroy a marriage.
Throughout the book Dobson makes it clear that when God in the work of Christ Jesus is the center of the marriage and/or the premarital relationship than the challenges, hazards and even the disappointments of marriage can be overcome.
As those that have been married for sometime know, marriage works best when both partners are flexible, understanding and selfless with the other. Unfortunately, it is our inflexibility, lack of or unwillingness to understand, and ultimately our selfishness that causes most of the problems faced in marriage.
Finally, at the end of this book Dobson gives a long list of ideas couples can do for their Anniversary. This list might be most helpful for us men out there to spice up the romance and deepen the relationship with our wives.
November 9, 2018
Realmente no tengo queja de este libros.
A pesar de que es un libro que, según el autor, puede ser para todo tipo de parejas (prometidos, recién casados, casados de años) me parece que los consejos que da son muy importantes y de impacto para los recién casados más que nada.
En cada capitulo que leía me sorprendía de cuantas áreas son las que se deben de cuidar en el matrimonio, desde el área económica, la sexualidad, la amistad, la intimidad, la espiritual, el respeto, etc.
Desde el primer momento la lectura me ha enganchado y el final es muy conmovedor. No quisiera revelar más detalles, además que considero que cada uno debe rescatar las lecciones personalmente.
A pesar de que es un libro que, según el autor, puede ser para todo tipo de parejas (prometidos, recién casados, casados de años) me parece que los consejos que da son muy importantes y de impacto para los recién casados más que nada.
En cada capitulo que leía me sorprendía de cuantas áreas son las que se deben de cuidar en el matrimonio, desde el área económica, la sexualidad, la amistad, la intimidad, la espiritual, el respeto, etc.
Desde el primer momento la lectura me ha enganchado y el final es muy conmovedor. No quisiera revelar más detalles, además que considero que cada uno debe rescatar las lecciones personalmente.
December 24, 2020
My husband and I were given a copy of Love for a Lifetime by Dr. James Dobson when we were expecting our first child.
The book was intended to “provide guidance [for] single adults, engaged couples and to [spouses] who have not yet celebrated their 10th anniversaries”.
When I stumbled across our copy the other day, I thought it would be fun to look back & see how far Michael & I have come since our wedding in September 1994.
Through the rereading, I made the decision to pass along our copy of the book to our son, Mark & his fianceè Jade. I pray that it will give them some strategies to ensure that the share “love for a lifetime”.
The book was intended to “provide guidance [for] single adults, engaged couples and to [spouses] who have not yet celebrated their 10th anniversaries”.
When I stumbled across our copy the other day, I thought it would be fun to look back & see how far Michael & I have come since our wedding in September 1994.
Through the rereading, I made the decision to pass along our copy of the book to our son, Mark & his fianceè Jade. I pray that it will give them some strategies to ensure that the share “love for a lifetime”.
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June 19, 2025“We have but one short life to live, yet we contaminate it with bickering and insults and angry words. If we fully comprehended the brevity of life, our greatest desire would be to please God and to serve one another.”
Thought-provoking, honest, Biblical advice for making a lasting marriage. While some statistics are dated, the truths remain.
Thought-provoking, honest, Biblical advice for making a lasting marriage. While some statistics are dated, the truths remain.
May 9, 2022
Siempre hay algo para aprender, más en esta aventura del matrimonio. Sin embargo, es probable que si entendiéramos que solo estamos de paso en este mundo, nos tomaríamos las cosas con más calma y viviríamos más tranquilos.
September 8, 2023
Es un libro homofóbico y machista escrito desde un punto de vista cristiano demasiado conservador, no pierdan su tiempo leyendo esto.
May 8, 2025
Lengvai, paprastai, teisingai, gal tik kiek perdaug paviršiumi.
February 23, 2017
A very good book for couples, before and during marriage.
August 17, 2015
I read this book in 2001 and 14 years later I picked it up and decided to read it once again, even though I have been married now for 47 years. Even after all this time, I still found that there were things that I could learn from it. It is well-written, with lots of illustrations, stories and step by step help in how to prepare for a marriage and to resolve issues within a marriage. Dr. Dobson ended with "Alas, married life is a marathon, too. It is not enough to make a great start toward long-term marriage. You will need the determination to keep plugging, even when every fiber in your body longs for the infield. (based on his previous story, infield meaning 'get out of the race') Only then will you make it to the end."
I would highly recommend this book to dating couples, engaged couples, young married couples and "old married couples". :) There is still lots to learn and it is easy reading and great for couples to read together.
I would highly recommend this book to dating couples, engaged couples, young married couples and "old married couples". :) There is still lots to learn and it is easy reading and great for couples to read together.
May 28, 2011
I think this book was meant more for engaged couples and even newlyweds, but some of the later chapters were pretty informative for already married couples. My favorite chapter was the sex chapter because it had me cracking up! If anything, if you're a woman, read that chapter for a good laugh.
December 15, 2007
Rated: B
January 28, 2008
I give this book to newly married couples.
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March 20, 2008248.84
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews