Every couple hits rough patches. Maybe conversations turn into arguments, or the spark feels dimmer than it used to. The good news? Relationship advice tools can help partners reconnect, communicate better, and build a stronger bond.
These tools range from smartphone apps to therapy platforms to classic workbooks. They give couples practical strategies to address issues before they become bigger problems. Whether partners want to improve daily communication or work through deeper conflicts, the right relationship advice tools can make a real difference.
Key Takeaways
- Relationship advice tools—including apps, online therapy, and workbooks—help couples improve communication and resolve conflicts before they escalate.
- Couples who actively use relationship-building resources report 30% higher satisfaction, according to a 2023 American Psychological Association study.
- Communication apps like Gottman Card Decks, Lasting, and Paired offer daily exercises that take just 10 minutes to strengthen your connection.
- Online therapy platforms such as BetterHelp, Talkspace, and ReGain provide affordable, flexible access to licensed couples counselors.
- Choose relationship advice tools based on your situation: apps and books work for minor issues, while professional therapy suits deeper challenges.
- Consistency matters most—ten minutes of daily engagement with any relationship tool produces better results than occasional marathon sessions.
Why Relationship Tools Matter for Couples
Relationships require effort. Even the happiest couples face challenges, stress from work, parenting disagreements, or simply growing apart over time. Relationship advice tools provide structured ways to address these issues.
Think of these tools as a gym for your partnership. Just like physical fitness needs regular exercise, emotional connection needs consistent attention. Relationship tools offer exercises, prompts, and frameworks that help couples stay in shape together.
Research supports this approach. A 2023 study from the American Psychological Association found that couples who actively use relationship-building resources report 30% higher satisfaction than those who don’t. The key is regular engagement, not just pulling out a workbook during a crisis.
These tools also reduce the stigma around getting help. Many people hesitate to see a therapist, but downloading an app or reading a book feels more accessible. Relationship advice tools meet couples where they are and provide entry points into deeper work.
Communication and Conflict Resolution Apps
Communication apps have become popular relationship advice tools in recent years. They turn smartphones into relationship coaches.
Gottman Card Decks offers digital versions of conversation starters based on research from the Gottman Institute. Partners can use prompts during dinner or long drives to spark meaningful discussions.
Lasting provides personalized sessions based on each couple’s specific needs. The app covers topics like trust, intimacy, and conflict styles. Users complete short daily exercises that take about 10 minutes.
Paired focuses on daily questions and quizzes that help partners learn more about each other. It gamifies the experience with streaks and achievements, which keeps couples engaged over time.
For conflict resolution, apps like Fair Play help couples divide household responsibilities more equitably. Many arguments stem from feeling overburdened, and this tool addresses that root cause.
These relationship advice tools work best when both partners commit to using them. One-sided effort rarely produces lasting results.
Online Therapy and Counseling Platforms
Sometimes couples need professional guidance. Online therapy platforms have made relationship advice tools more accessible than ever.
BetterHelp and Talkspace offer couples counseling through video, phone, or text. Partners can connect with licensed therapists from home, which removes barriers like scheduling conflicts or geographic limitations.
ReGain specializes specifically in relationship counseling. The platform matches couples with therapists who have expertise in areas like infidelity recovery, premarital counseling, or blended family dynamics.
Ours takes a different approach by combining live video sessions with structured coursework. Couples work through modules between therapy appointments, which reinforces what they learn.
Online therapy costs less than traditional in-person sessions. Most platforms charge between $60 and $100 per week for unlimited messaging plus weekly live sessions. Many insurance plans now cover these services too.
These relationship advice tools suit couples facing serious challenges. They provide professional support while offering flexibility that busy schedules demand.
Self-Help Books and Guided Workbooks
Books remain powerful relationship advice tools. They let couples learn at their own pace and revisit concepts as needed.
“The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work” by John Gottman remains a classic. It translates decades of research into practical exercises couples can do together.
“Hold Me Tight” by Sue Johnson introduces Emotionally Focused Therapy techniques. The book helps partners understand their attachment styles and emotional needs.
“Eight Dates” (also by the Gottmans) provides structured conversation guides for eight essential topics. Each “date” comes with discussion questions and activities.
Guided workbooks take things further. “The Relationship Cure Workbook” includes fill-in exercises that help couples identify patterns and build new habits. Partners complete sections individually, then compare answers together.
These relationship advice tools cost less than apps or therapy. A $20 book can provide months of material to work through. The challenge is follow-through, many couples buy books but never finish them.
Setting a weekly “book date” helps. Partners commit to reading one chapter and discussing it over coffee or wine.
How to Choose the Right Tool for Your Relationship
Not all relationship advice tools fit every couple. Choosing the right one depends on several factors.
Assess the situation honestly. Couples experiencing occasional communication hiccups might benefit from an app or book. Those dealing with betrayal, addiction, or persistent conflict should consider professional therapy.
Consider both partners’ preferences. If one person loves reading and the other prefers interactive content, a workbook-style app might bridge the gap. Both partners need to feel comfortable with the chosen tool.
Start simple. Free apps and library books provide low-risk entry points. Couples can upgrade to paid platforms or therapy if basic tools aren’t enough.
Look for evidence-based approaches. The best relationship advice tools draw from established research. Methods from the Gottman Institute, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Attachment Theory have strong track records.
Commit to consistency. Any tool works better with regular use. Ten minutes daily produces better results than occasional marathon sessions.
Relationship advice tools are just that, tools. They require effort from both partners to produce results.
