Couples That Work

August 5, 2019
In her illuminating debut, Petriglieri, professor of Organizational Behavior at European graduate school INSEAD, lucidly analyzes the phases of contentment and consternation that professional couples experience. After conducting over 100 interviews with “dual-career couples,” Petriglieri identifies three challenging life transitions—job promotions, having children, and retirement—that are reported as the most difficult times during a relationship. Offering no easy tricks for avoiding relationship or career hardships, Petriglieri instead prepares readers for the difficulties couples will likely encounter and offers useful strategies that can assist any couple struggling with work and love, among them “career mapping” (setting out mutual career plans) and “couple contracting” (making specific, firm commitments). All of her advice revolves around the importance of open communication and kindness in sustaining healthy relationships. This helpful work’s strength lies in the clarity of Petriglieri’s observations and her closeness to the couples she describes. Petriglieri’s guidance will provide readers with practical strategies for establishing a healthy, supportive, and flexible bond with their partner.