Not so long ago, it was believed that marriages were made in heaven. Now, so many marriages are ending in divorce that people are starting to question that belief. Sociologists and psychologists warn that the social fabric of a community starts to disintegrate unless it is founded on stable family units. Many of these professionals have written books to help couples keep their marriage on a firm footing. Here is a selection.

1. The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John M. Gottman,Ph.D and Nan Silver
This relationship expert has counselled many troubled couples. He has based his book on his experiences.
2. The Case for Marriage:Why Married People are Happier, Healthier, and Better off Financially by Linda Waite and Maggie Gallagher 
Divorce is so common that young people hesitate to marry. The authors convincingly argue that marriage has immediate as well as long term benefits.
3. How to Improve Your Marriage Without Talking About It: Finding Love Beyond Words by Patricia Love and Steven Stosny
The authors believe that talking about a relationship alienates males. They demonstrate how partners can grow closer in ways that are in tune with their nature.
4. Anatomy of Love by Helen Fisher
The author is an anthropologist. She provides biological and cultural explanations of the emotions we feel at different stages of an intimate relationship.
5. Mad About Us: Moving from Anger to Intimacy with your Spouse by Gary Oliver and Carrie Oliver
This husband- wife couple have vast counselling experience. They consider anger to be the root cause of marital break ups. They recommend channelling that anger in healthy ways to strengthen the relationship.
6. The Art of Intimacy by Thomas Malone MD and Patrick Malone MD
This book has been written by a father-son duo. They are practising therapists, and have used case studies to illustrate their theories.
7. His Needs, Her Needs: Building an Affair Proof Marriage by Willard F. Harley Jr.
With so many marriages ending in divorce, this psychologist was determined to find ways to keep couples together. He has suggested ways that husbands and wives can satisfy each other’s needs.
8. The Book of Marriage: The Wisest Answers to the Toughest Questions by Dana Mack and David Blankenhorn
Each chapter of this anthology deals with a different problem commonly faced by married couples. The authors draw on ancient as well as contemporary wisdom.
9. Marriage Fitness by Mort Fertel
Many readers have testified that following this 4 step program has helped their marriages. It contains a 14 week ‘marriage fitness’ plan and is full of practical advice.
10. The Art of Loving by Erich Fromm
This classic book deals with all kinds of love. The author, a well known psychoanalyst, explains how one must know and love oneself in order to give love to another.
11. Hold Me Tight:
Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love by Dr. Sue Johnson Emotionally Focussed Therapy has been endorsed by therapists from all over. Dr. Johnson elaborates on the principles of this therapy so that couples can re-establish their emotional bond.
12. Beyond the Myth of Marital Happiness by Blaine Fowers Ph.D
Unrealistic expectations of marriage may contribute to marital discord. The author exhorts couples to take a new look at marriage, and suggests ways in which we can better ourselves through our relationships.
13. Your Time Starved Marriage:How to Stay Connected at the Speed of Light by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott 
Nowadays, having less time with each other is a common problem with married couples. The authors help couples to find their time styles and compare them with their spouses’ time styles. They can then find ways to maximise the time they spend together.
14. Getting the Love You Want:A Guide for Couples by Harville Hendrix 
The author has been a therapist for more than 30 years. He gives his readers insights he has gained from his experience. He explains how many conflicts arise from suppressed childhood memories and suggests practical exercises to deal with these issues.
15. Spousonomics: Using Economics to Master Love, Marriage, and Dirty Dishes by Paula Szuchman and Jenny Anderson
As the title suggests, the authors use common economic approaches to solve the usual domestic problems.