"Karl Pillemer asked hundreds of extraordinary men and women to share their hard-earned wisdom about love and what it takes to build a lasting, happy marriage. It is not only the largest study of its kind ever conducted, but also the most diverse, deliberately including people from varying religions, ethnic backgrounds, and income levels, gay and lesbian couples, unmarried couples in long-term relationships, and even individuals whose marriages were unhappy or ended in divorce"-- Provided by publisher.

1: Evening the odds : lessons for finding a mate. Follow your heart ; Follow your head ; Values come first ; You're marrying a family ; Three warning signs ; Five secrets for choosing your partner -- 2: Communication is the key. Talk, talk, talk ; No one is a mind reader ; Mind your manners ; All in good time ; Three danger signs ; Five secrets for great communication -- 3: Getting through the hard parts. Children: put your relationship first ; Work-family stress: make your home a safe haven ; In-laws: on good terms, without surrender ; Household chores: play to your strengths ; Money: deal with debt ; Five secrets for managing stress -- 4: Keeping the spark alive. Think small (and positive) ; Become friends ; Sexuality--the spark changes ; Give up grudges ; Get help ; Five secrets for keeping the spark alive -- 5: Thinking like an expert about love and marriage. Respect each other ; Be a team ; Make time ; Lighten up ; Accept your partner as is ; The last lesson: As long as you both shall live.