Love can be a hard feeling. Whether its self-love, romantic love, familial love, or the absence of love, interpersonal relationships can be kind of tricky at times. Here is a list of books that can help you understand and navigate emotions that might arise when working on relationships.
These titles have been recommended by folks in our community, including counsellors and people who have first-hand experience with hard feelings.
Click here to browse other book recommendations by topic.
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Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself
By Nedra Glover Tawwab Licensed counselor, sought-after relationship expert, and one of the most influential therapists on Instagram Nedra Glover Tawwab demystifies this complex topic for today's world. In a relatable and inclusive tone, Set Boundaries, Find Peace presents simple-yet-powerful ways to establish healthy boundaries in all aspects of life. Rooted in the latest research and best practices used in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), these techniques help us identify and express our needs clearly and without apology, and unravel a root problem behind codependency, power struggles, anxiety, depression, burnout, and more. |
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The Body is Not An Apology 2nd Ed.: The Power of Radical Self-Love By Sonya Renee Taylor The Body Is Not an Apology offers radical self-love as the balm to heal the wounds inflicted by violent systems. World-renowned activist and poet Sonya Renee Taylor invites us to reconnect with the radical origins of our minds and bodies and celebrate our collective, enduring strength. |
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Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make - and Keep - Friends By Marisa G. Franco |
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Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How it Can Help You Find and Keep Love By Amir Levine and Rachel Heller |
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Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself By Melody Beattie |
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Mating In Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence By Esther Perel |
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Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love By Sue Johnson |
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Messages: The Communication Skills Book By Matthew McKay |
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Getting the Love You Want: A Guide For Couples By Harville Hendrix & Helen LaKelly Hunt |
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Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close By Aminatou Sow |
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Hard to Do: The Surprising, Feminist History of Breaking Up By Kelli Maria Korducki |
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Ace: What Asexuality Reveals About Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex By Angela Chen |
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Salvation: Black People and Love By bell hooks |
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Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar By Cheryl Strayed |
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Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good By Adrienne Maree Brown |
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Communion: The Female Search for Love By bell hooks |
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The Self-Love Experiment: 15 Principles for Becoming More Kind, Compassionate, and Accepting of Yourself By Shannon Kaiser |
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True Refuge: Finding Peace and Freedom in Your Own Awakened Heart By Tara Brach |
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Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life By Emily Nagoski |
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More Than Enough By Elaine Welteroth |