Part 1. Preparing for your marriage meetings. Marriage meeting basics: Overview and techniques ; Debunking marriage myths -- Part 2. Conducting the four parts of a marriage meeting. Expressing appreciation ; Coordinating chores ; Planning for good times ; Addressing problems and challenges -- Part 3. Communication skills for effective meetings. I-Statements ; Self-talk ; More communication techniques for marriage meeting -- Part 4. Transforming relationships with marriage meetings. Opposites attract, and then what? Ken and Lauren ; Resolving an in-law issue: Ned and Amy ; Handling a money conflict: Sally and Michael ; Couple progresses from verbal abuse to healthier relating: Wendy and Zack ; Marriage meeting techniques support couple therapy: Oliver and Robin -- Conclusion -- Appendix A. The marriage meeting agenda: A quick reference guide -- Appendix B: The feelings inventories and needs inventory

Outlines a simple format for spouses, partners, or members of a couple to use to meet weekly, facilitating good communication about schedules, finances, and parenting, as well as love, trust, and shared goals. The meeting elements are appreciation, responsibilities, planning for good times together, and working through challenges