The fundamental necessity in any good relationship is simple: both parties must first tend to their own spiritual growth. David Wolf understands this intimately, and his book elucidates that approach to relationships by revealing an effective and accessible model for self-fulfillment. By applying the strategies of conscious living, and leaving behind limiting patterns of thought and behavior, one becomes able to bring about positive change in ones' self and ones' environment. The effect that these positive changes has on a relationship can be transformative, leading to sustained happiness and growth.
Reflective listening and empathy are the key to avoiding relationship roadblocks. Assertive (Both you and me), not passive (You> Me), nor aggressive (Me > You).
A genius book that I have read 6 or 7 times; that has been instrumental in my journey of self awareness... that has escorted me into a relationship with self-love and radical responsibility for my experience. It is an incredible guide for conscious communication which I now use every single day with everyone in my life, from the cashier at the store, to my mother who challenges me in my emotional triggers! I love this book so much that I created a book club with my friends to co-read it and practice the exercises provided inside for communicating with people in different situations... and then eventually offered to help the author create a 2nd edition which we did this year! I also designed a book website that has a downloadable guide for creating your own book study group in a series of 6 meetings with step by step instructions. See relationshipsthatwork-book.com.