Includes bibliographical references.

Acknowledgments -- Foreword -- Introduction -- Notes on the practices -- Happy partnerships. Relationships are messy -- The sweet life -- Creating a refuge -- When you're so mad -- Change and transitions -- Resentments and forgiveness -- The past is present -- Spiritual partners -- Sickness, loss, and grief -- Planting the seeds for happy partnerships -- Happy families. Be kind -- Creating boundaries -- Navigating anger -- Dealing the addiction -- Loving difficult family members -- No good and no bad parents -- Creating a loving home -- Planting the seeds for happy families -- Happy friendships. A lucky life -- Embracing differences -- Sharing loss and sorrow -- The animal friendships -- The difficult friend -- Transforming envy and jealousy -- Planting the seeds for happy friendships -- Afterword: Where will you leave it? -- Appendix A: Mindfulness meditation instructions -- Appendix B: Lovingkindness meditation instructions -- Appendix C: Meeting difficult emotions exercise -- Appendix D: The four immeasurables -- Appendix E: Dedication fo merit practice -- Notes -- About the author.

"A relatable and useful guide with practical applications to help readers stay attuned with their dearest people. Using simple tools drawn from the Buddhist tradition, readers can cultivate appreciation, set wise expectations, and create meaningful and intimate bonds of mutual support and kindness with their partners, families, and friends"-- Provided by publisher.