As a psychologist who does a lot of couples counseling, I agree with many of the selections. I have taken ten days of training with John Gottman, and I think his approach is the most comprehensive and research-based of the books on the list. I'm not minimizing the importance of sex, but I'm surprised that 3 of 5 selections focus primarily on sex. I find that issues of "gridlock" (Gottman's term) over seemingly unresolvable issues (such as one is a spender, the other a saver of money) and learning to conflict with respect are more frequent reasons for marital discord.

More academic than these, but good for Pastors and Christian counselors: "Love and Sex in the Home" David Matzko-McCarthy

Gottman, Chapman, and the Parrot's are participants in the COALTION FOR MARRIAGE, FAMILY, AND COUPLES EDUCATION and an incredible volume of very useful researched material is available (no sign up) at their website smartmarriages.com --regarding the co-habitation situation, contact Mike or Harriett McManus at marriagesavers.com other sites to check: prepinc.com many research papers at the upper right tab (program has been adopted by several states) marrigebuilders.com Willard Harley of "His Need, Her Needs" compassionpower.com great for anger concerns buildhopeandlove.com simple overviews and things to try wikipedia.org look under "relationship education" for about 30 basic principles to review and pursue THERE ARE FAR MORE GOOD, SOLID RESOURCES TO PRESERVE AND than there were just a short time ago. That very secular psych business of universal drugs and pathology assignment is at long last, fading. Praise the Lord!

Also, anything by Les and Leslie Parrott.

Most of us have condemned same sex marriage, but I wonder if anyone anywhere has prepared a pre-marriage counseling package for same sex couples. After all, even opposite sex couples have found the wedding license, ceremony, and registration the easiest part of being married.