John and Julie Gottman have been studying interpersonal relationships and writing books on the subject for decades. Their latest book - "Eight Dates: Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love" - focuses on helping those in a long-term relationship.

After years together, a couple may fall into a routine in which they take one another for granted. The Gottmans recommend keeping things interesting by continuing to date. One does not need money for a successful date. In fact, one does not even need to leave home. The important thing is to dedicate some time to focus on each other and on your relationship.

This book suggests ideas for eight different dates. The topics of each date are Trust and Commitment; Addressing Conflict; Sex and Intimacy; Work and Money; Family; Fun and Adventure; Growth and Spirituality; and Dreams. Each chapter covers one of these ideas, but only a small part focuses on the date itself. Each chapter opens with a description of the topic and how it can potentially lead to conflict or misunderstanding, and how couples can resolve these issues. The authors illustrate many of their lessons with anecdotes of couples they have observed. The Schwartzes have been married for nearly forty years, and they have used their own experiences as examples on multiple occasions. They follow each case study with a set of questions for the couple to go through together, answering each in turn. Finally, we read a description of the date, which usually involves finding a private place to talk and discuss the chapter's ideas, and compare their answers to the questions.

My partner and I each read this book. We did not go on every date described, but we held many of the conversations suggested in the chapters. It helped our communication, and we learned things about one another during these conversations.

This book will not repair broken relationships, but it will provide a starting point and spark conversations that can remind you why you fell in love in the first place.