“Love never dies a natural death. It dies because we don’t know how to replenish its source. It dies of blindness and errors and betrayals. It dies of illness and wounds; it dies of weariness, of witherings, of tarnishings.” – Anais Nin

The syllabus is organized by category below. Some titles may fall into multiple categories, and that will be noted.

Some of these ideas are similar and fit well together. Other sources on the syllabus will be offering different perspectives from one another, and that’s okay. One framework that we teach people in academic librarianship is the idea of scholarship as a conversation. It illuminates how there can be disagreement and competing perspectives even among scholars.

It is my goal to suggest these resources based on their ideas, their support by research, and/or their ability to get you thinking about building a good relationship and also being a good partner. These have all been chosen from the pool of resources written for the general public.

For Information on locating the books, visit my Find These Resources page.

Most of the articles are going to be free online. If the article is not freely available, I will indicate that. In that case, check with your local librarians! Please first ask a librarian at your local library before buying online – many times you can get an article at no cost through one of your library’s databases or interlibrary loan.

Childfree

Consensual Non-Monogamy

Family of Origin

For Better….For Worse

Gender & Gender Identities

Grief

Infidelity

In-Laws

Interracial, Interfaith, & Intercultural Love

LGBTQ+

Mental Health

Parenting

Prepare for the Long Haul

Repair & Apologize

Sexuality

Stepfamilies

Trauma

Two Become Three (Or More)

Disclaimer: This site is informational only and its resources are not substitutions for professional therapy. If you need professional help, see the Find a Therapist page to locate a qualified mental health professional.