Ten Secrets for Achieving a Successful Celestial Marriage

Ten Secrets for Achieving a Successful Celestial Marriage by Laura Nielson Denke

In this book, Laura presents the ten secrets of a successful marriage to a youngish couple and we get to observe. The style helps bring the narrative. We are not just presented with advice to follow, but see the process of the couple taking it in. Sometimes it is easy to follow the advice. Other times it is much more challenging. We see their real-world challenges as well as the stories of others who have faced struggles related to the points being discussed. 

The target audience is members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that have been married in the temple for eternity. Some of the "secrets" are very specific for the audience. Other "secrets" are more general. There are numerous references to general marriage experts such as John Gottman as well as religious leaders. 

Marriage is a two-party institution. Both most work together for success. Trying to change the other person is an exercise in futility. However, changing the way you behave can bring about some success, even if the other person is not fully engaged. If both are living the "platinum" rule, there is the highest chance of success.

It is also interesting to see details from the life of the author and understand how it relates. The book was written in the late 1990s, so some parts of it do show their time. (It was interesting to read about them receiving something by fax!) It is interesting how the world has changed in 25 years, though the principles of a successful partnership remain similar.