Reddit reviews The 5 Love Languages Singles Edition

My advice may not be popular, but it's all I've got.

1. Don't get married. Unless you need to get hitched for spousal benefits (which you may be eligible for under Common Law), don't. Over 50% of marriages fail. Would you wager 1/2 your net worth (plus spousal support) on a bet that has less than 50/50 odds?
   
   
2. If you do decide to get married, practice honesty. I can't stress this enough. Hiding things from your partner will never turn out well. You may think you're clever, but your partner will figure things out.
   
   
3. If you or your partner have significantly more net worth than the other, get a pre-nup. Yes, a good lawyer can cut though a pre-nup like a hot knife through butter...but a good lawyer can also draw up an agreement that shows that one of you walked into the marriage with existing wealth that the other may not be entitled to. This is referring to things like a large savings account, family home, or any other asset that hasn't been earned by the other partner.
   
   
4. Talk often. Even if it's a little thing, talk it out. Don't get mad, rationally discuss things before they get out of hand. If you can't do this now, don't marry the person.
   
   
5. Be respectful of differences. We all see things in different ways, we can be looking at the same object and see totally separate things. We can go through the same experience and feel completely different about it. Understand that as a team you're stronger because of your differences. One person can pick up the slack for the other person in certain situations, and vice-versa.
   
   
6. Read the book The Five Love Languages. Have your partner read it. Figure out your way of communicating, and understand theirs. Understand that the way you express love isn't the same as the way they might, and appreciate the manner in which they show their feelings. Try to speak to them in their language, and have them try the same with you.
   
   
7. Above all, treat your partner with the same kindness and respect that you would expect from them.

I'm so sorry to hear that. I hope you can begin to rebuild your relationship with her.

A book that has really helped me is "The Five Love Languages: Singles Edition" by Gary Chapman. There are several versions of the book for different situations that you could look into, but even if you are not a single, this version focuses more on learning your own love language (how you give and receive love) as well as the love language of your family members, parents especially: whether it's words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, acts of service, or affectionate touch.

It's not going to be a walk in the park to learn how to connect with your mom, but it is possible. I hope the best for you. <3