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Best Relationship Books

Topic List74 books curated73 recommendations total

Key Takeaways

  • Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg (1999) is the most recommended book on this list, with 11 recommendations.
  • Difficult Conversations (7 recommendations) and All About Love (6 recommendations) come next.
  • This page shows 74 books with 73 recommendations in total.
  • Recommenders include Mark Manson, Chris Messina and April Wensel.

Relationship books, including titles recommended by Emma Watson, Derek Sivers and Chris Messina. Most recommended here: Nonviolent Communication, Difficult Conversations and The 5 Love Languages.

Last updated

Curated list content

What are the most recommended Relationship Books?

The most recommended Relationship Books are Nonviolent Communication (11), Difficult Conversations (7) and All About Love (6), ranked by how many of the 47 people behind this list recommended each one.

Most recommended Relationship Books, ranked by number of recommendations
RankBookAuthorFirst publishedRecommendationsRecommended by
1Nonviolent CommunicationMarshall B. Rosenberg199911Esther Perel, April Wensel and Nicholas C. Zakas
2Difficult ConversationsDouglas Stone19997Nicholas C. Zakas, April Wensel and Jim Knight
3All About LoveBell Hooks—6Emma Watson, Juliana Castro Varón and Scottie Beam
4Mating in CaptivityEsther Perel20066Brian Earp, Dan Engle and Dan Savage
5The 5 Love LanguagesGary Chapman19905Mark Manson, Patrick BetDavid and Jay Shetty
6WeRobert A. Johnson19454Emma Watson, Dr. Andrew Weil and Andrew Weil
7Marriage RulesHarriet Lerner—3Brené Brown and Brene Brown
8AttachedAmir Levine20103Chris Messina and Heidi N. Moore
1
Book cover for “Nonviolent Communication” by Marshall B. Rosenberg
Nonviolent Communication

A Language of Life

by Marshall B. Rosenberg

11 recommendations

Recommended by Esther Perel, April Wensel, Nicholas C. Zakas and 5 others

Description

The latest edition of the communication guide that has sold more than 1,000,000 copies An enlightening look at how peaceful communication can create compassionate connections with family, friends, and other acquaintances, this international bestseller uses stories, examples, and…

2
Book cover for “Difficult Conversations” by Douglas Stone
Difficult Conversations

How to Discuss What Matters Most

by Douglas Stone

7 recommendations

Recommended by Nicholas C. Zakas, April Wensel, Jim Knight and 4 others

Description

Whether you're dealing with an under performing employee, disagreeing with your spouse about money or childrearing, negotiating with a difficult client, or simply saying "no," or "I'm sorry," or "I love you," we attempt or avoid difficult conversation every day.

3
Book cover for “All About Love” by Bell Hooks
All About Love

New Visions

by Bell Hooks

6 recommendations

Recommended by Emma Watson, Juliana Castro Varón, Scottie Beam and 2 others

Description

"The word "love" is most often defined as a noun, yet...we would all love better if we used it as a verb," writes bell hooks as she comes out fighting and on fire in All About Love.

4
Book cover for “Mating in Captivity” by Esther Perel
Mating in Captivity

Unlocking Erotic Intelligence

by Esther Perel

6 recommendations

Recommended by Brian Earp, Dan Engle, Dan Savage and 2 others

5
No coverThe 5 Love Languages
The 5 Love Languages

The Secret to Love that Lasts

by Gary Chapman

5 recommendations

Recommended by Mark Manson, Patrick BetDavid, Jay Shetty and 1 other

6
Book cover for “We” by Robert A. Johnson
We

Understanding the Psychology of Romantic Love

by Robert A. Johnson

4 recommendations

Recommended by Emma Watson, Dr. Andrew Weil and Andrew Weil

Description

Provides an illuminating explanation of the origins and meaning of romantic love and shows how a proper understanding of its psychological dynamics can revitalize our most important relationships.

7
Book cover for “Marriage Rules” by Harriet Lerner
Marriage Rules

A Manual for the Married and the Coupled Up

by Harriet Lerner

3 recommendations

Recommended by Brené Brown and Brene Brown

Description

Coupling up is complicatedDr. Harriet Lerners marriage rules are not. This marriage book provides couples therapy in a unique format perfect for todays world.

8
Book cover for “Attached” by Amir Levine
Attached

The New Science of Adult, Attachment and How It Can Help YouFind and Keep Love

by Amir Levine

3 recommendations

Recommended by Chris Messina and Heidi N. Moore

Description

We rely on science to tell us everything from what to eat to when and how long to exercise, but what about relationships Is there a scientific explanation for why some people seem to navigate relationships effortlessly, while others struggle According to psychiatrist and…

9
Book cover for “Committed” by Elizabeth Gilbert
Committed

A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage

by Elizabeth Gilbert

3 recommendations

Recommended by Taylor Swift and Janet Mock

Description

[Taylor Swift] said during the reception that she was enjoying [this book].

10
Book cover for “Getting the Love You Want” by Harville Hendrix
Getting the Love You Want

A Guide for Couples

by Harville Hendrix

3 recommendations

Recommended by Whitney Cummings, Derek Sivers and Julie Rice

Description

The New York Times bestselling guide to transforming an intimate relationship into a lasting source of love and companionship, now fully revised with a new forward and a brand new chapter.Getting the Love You Want has helped millions of people experience more satisfying…

11
No coverGetting the Love You Want
Getting the Love You Want

A Guide for Couples

by Harville Hendrix Ph.D.

3 recommendations

Recommended by Mark Manson

Description

"A very illuminating exploration of how we’re attracted to people who have the negative qualities of our primary caretakers." - Whitney Cummings

12
Book cover for “The Art of Loving” by Erich Fromm

by Erich Fromm

3 recommendations

Recommended by Brian Earp and Esther Perel

Description

The fiftieth Anniversary Edition of the groundbreaking international bestseller that has shown millions of readers how to achieve rich, productive lives by developing their hidden capacities for loveMost people are unable to love on the only level that truly matters: love that…

13
No coverThe AllorNothing Marriage
The AllorNothing Marriage

How the Best Marriages Work

by Eli J Finkel

2 recommendations

Recommended by Geoffrey Miller and Rand Fishkin

Description

"After years of debate and inquiry, the key to a great marriage remained shrouded in mystery. Until now..."Carol Dweck, author of Mindset: The New Psychology of SuccessEli J.

14
Book cover for “Models” by Mark Manson
Models

Attract Women Through Honesty

by Mark Manson

2 recommendations

Recommended by Nat Eliason and Noah Kagan

Description

Models is the first book ever written on seduction as an emotional process rather than a logical one, a process of connecting with women rather than impressing them.

15
Book cover for “The Mastery of Love” by Don Miguel Ruiz
The Mastery of Love

A Practical Guide to the Art of Relationship

by Don Miguel Ruiz

2 recommendations

Recommended by Dounia Tazi and Aubrey Marcus

Description

In The Mastery of Love, don Miguel Ruiz illuminates the fearbased beliefs and assumptions that undermine love and lead to suffering and drama in our relationships.

16
Book cover for “Codependent No More” by Melody Beattie
Codependent No More

How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself

by Melody Beattie

2 recommendations

Recommended by Whitney Cummings

Description

The healing touchstone of millions, this modern classic by one of America's bestloved and most inspirational authors holds the key to understanding codependency and to unlocking its stultifying hold on your life.Is someone else's problem your problem If, like so many others,…

Show 56 more books with a single recommendation
17
Book cover for “Fed Up” by Gemma Hartley
Fed Up

Emotional Labor, Women, and the Way Forward

by Gemma Hartley

1 recommendation

Recommended by Sheryl Sandberg

Book Summary

Gemma Hartley's Fed Up delivers a brisk, anecdote-heavy account of the unpaid emotional work many women shoulder. It supplies vivid household vignettes, first-person reflections, and simple phrases you can borrow when calling out imbalance. The most useful part is its practical vocabulary and relatable scenes for everyday conversations; the limiting part is repetition and a preference for moral urgency over technical policy proposals. Expect a campaigning, plainspoken tone that will rally some readers and irritate those who want analytic depth.

18
No coverThe State of Affairs
The State of Affairs

Rethinking Infidelity

by Esther Perel

1 recommendation

Recommended by Chris Messina

Description

Iconic couples? therapist and bestselling author of Mating in Captivity Esther Perel returns to paperback with a provocative look at relationships through the lens of infidelity.An affair: it can rob a couple of their relationship, their happiness, their very identity.

19
No coverHow to Be an Adult, in Relationships
How to Be an Adult, in Relationships

The Five Keys to Mindful Loving

by David Richo

1 recommendation

Recommended by Chris Messina

Description

"Most people think of love as a feeling," says David Richo, "but love is not so much a feeling as a way of being present." In this book, Richo offers a fresh perspective on love and relationshipsone that focuses not on finding an ideal mate, but on becoming a more loving and…

20
No coverLove & Respect
Love & Respect

The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs

by Emerson Eggerichs

1 recommendation

Recommended by Dave Ramsey

Description

A New York Times bestselling marriage book with more than one million copies sold!Based on over three decades of counseling, as well as scientific and biblical research, Dr.

21
Book cover for “The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work” by John Gottman
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work

A Practical Guide from the Country's Foremost Relationship Expert

by John Gottman

1 recommendation

Recommended by Mark Manson

Description

Just as Masters and Johnson were pioneers in the study of human sexuality, so Dr. John Gottman has revolutionized the study of marriage.

22
Book cover for “Hold Me Tight” by Sue Johnson

by Sue Johnson

1 recommendation

Recommended by Mark Manson

Description

Heralded by the New York Times and Time as the couples therapy with the highest rate of success, Emotionally Focused Therapy works because it views the love relationship as an attachment bond.This idea, once controversial, is now supported by science, and has become widely…

23
Book cover for “Course Of Love” by A. de. Botton

by A. de. Botton

1 recommendation

Recommended by Harry Styles

Description

Modern love is never easy. Society is obsessed with stories of romance, but what comes after happily ever afterThis is a love story with a difference.

24
No cover201 Relationship Questions
201 Relationship Questions

The Couple's Guide to Building Trust and Emotional Intimacy

by Barrie Davenport

Description

Question Your Way to Lasting Love and IntimacyWouldn't it be great to have a relationship counselor on call to help you and your love partner have the most joyful, loving relationship possibleWhat if you had someone who knew exactly what to ask to draw out your deepest desires…

25
No coverIntellectual Foreplay
Intellectual Foreplay

A Book of Questions for Lovers and LoverstoBe

by Eve Eschner Hogan

Description

This solutionsoriented guide offers problem solving and behavior changing strategies for people working on their most intimate relationships.

26
No coverThe Highly Sensitive Person in Love
The Highly Sensitive Person in Love

Understanding and Managing Relationships When the World Overwhelms You

by Elaine N. Aron

27
Book cover for “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man” by Steve Harvey
Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man

What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment

by Steve Harvey

28
No coverDeal Breakers
Deal Breakers

When to Work On a Relationship and When to Walk Away

by Bethany Marshall

29
No coverHow to Be a Person in the World
How to Be a Person in the World

Ask Polly's Guide Through the Paradoxes of Modern Life

by Heather Havrilesky

Description

A New York Times Love and Relationships BestsellerA hilarious, frank, and witty collection of allnew responses, plus a few greatest hits, from the author of the beloved advice column "Ask Polly" in New York magazine's The Cut.

30
Book cover for “The SexStarved Marriage” by Michele Weiner Davis
The SexStarved Marriage

Boosting Your Marriage Libido

by Michele Weiner Davis

Description

Bring the spark back into your bedroom and your marriage with gutsy and effective advice from bestselling author Michele WeinerDavis.It is estimated that one of every three married couples struggles with problems associated with mismatched sexual desire.

31
No coverWhy We Love
Why We Love

The Nature and Chemistry of Romantic Love

by Helen Fisher

Description

A groundbreaking exploration of our most complex and mysterious emotionElation, mood swings, sleeplessness, and obsessionâ??these are the telltale signs of someone in the throes of romantic passion.

32
No coverHappiness Is a Choice You Make
Description

A New York Times Bestseller!An extraordinary look at what it means to grow old and a heartening guide to wellbeing, Happiness Is a Choice You Make weaves together the stories and wisdom of six New Yorkers who number among the "oldest old"those eightyfive and up.In 2015, when the…

33
No coverHow to Fall in Love with Anyone
34
No coverNo More Fighting
No More Fighting

The Relationship Book for Couples

by Alicia Muñoz Lpc

35
No coverBecome Your Own Matchmaker
Become Your Own Matchmaker

8 Easy Steps for Attracting Your Perfect Mate

by Patti Stanger

36
No coverLove At The Speed Of Email
Description

Lisa looks as if she has it made. She has turned her nomadic childhood and forensic psychology training into a successful career as a stress management trainer for humanitarian aid workers.

37
Book cover for “The Marriage Counseling Workbook” by Emily Cook Lcmft
The Marriage Counseling Workbook

8 Steps to a Strong and Lasting Relationship

by Emily Cook Lcmft

38
Book cover for “The Science of Happily Ever After” by TY Tashiro
The Science of Happily Ever After

What Really Matters in the Quest for Enduring Love

by TY Tashiro

Description

In this playful and informative exploration of the science behind compatibility, Dr. Ty Tashiro explores how and why we fall in love. Dr.

39
Book cover for “Love More, Fight Less” by Gina Senarighi Cpc
Love More, Fight Less

Communication Skills Every Couple Needs

by Gina Senarighi Cpc

Description

Learn to communicate effectively, meaningfully, and lovingly with your partnereven in tense situations.Conflict is part of every relationship, even the healthiest ones.

40
No coverThe Love Dare
41
No cover47 Little Love Boosters for a Happy Marriage
47 Little Love Boosters for a Happy Marriage

Connect and Instantly Deepen Your Bond No Matter How Busy You Are (Amazingly Simple Little Things Successful Couples Do Series) (Volume 1)

by Marko Petkovic M. Sc.

Description

Discover the 47 Amazingly Simple Little Things Successful Couples Do To Connect and Have a Happy Marriage In Just Minutes a DayWhy do you need to read this bookWhether your relationship is a new romance, or one that has passed the test of time, there might be days when you…

42
No coverConscious Loving
Conscious Loving

The Journey to CoCommitment

by Gay Hendricks

Description

Here is a powerful new program that can clear away the unconscious agreements patterns that undermine even your best intentions.

43
Book cover for “I'll Push You” by Patrick Gray
I'll Push You

A Journey of 500 Miles, Two Best Friends, and One Wheelchair

by Patrick Gray

Description

Two best friends, 500 miles, one wheelchair, and the challenge of a lifetime.Friendship takes on new meaning in this true story of Justin and Patrick, born less than two days apart in the same hospital.

44
No coverLoving Bravely
Loving Bravely

Twenty Lessons of SelfDiscovery to Help You Get the Love You Want

by Alexandra H. Solomon

45
No coverSacred Marriage
Sacred Marriage

What If God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy

by Gary Thomas

Description

Happy is good. Holy is better.Your marriage is more than a sacred covenant with another person. It is a spiritual discipline designed to help you know God better, trust him more fully, and love him more deeply.

46
Book cover for “Soppy” by Philippa Rice
Soppy

A Love Story

by Philippa Rice

47
Book cover for “Eight Dates” by John Gottman
Eight Dates

Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love

by John Gottman

48
No coverI Hear You
I Hear You

The Surprisingly Simple Skill Behind Extraordinary Relationships

by Michael S. Sorensen

Description

What if making one tweak to your daytoday conversations could immediately improve every relationship in your life In this 3hour, conversational read, you'll discover the whats, whys, and hows of one of the most valuable (yet surprisingly littleknown) communication…

49
Book cover for “Love, Sex and Staying Warm” by Neil Rosenthal
Love, Sex and Staying Warm

Creating a Vital Relationship

by Neil Rosenthal

50
No coverMr. Unavailable and the Fallback Girl
Mr. Unavailable and the Fallback Girl

The Definitive Guide to Understanding Emotionally Unavailable Men and the Women that Love Them

by Natalie Lue Nml

Description

Are you the Fallback GirlIf you've ever found yourself in a relationship that feels and seemingly looks like one but you're struggling with commitment or you've been in the ambiguous territory of a 'casual relationship', you've likely tried to change them, wondered what you…

51
Book cover for “Tell Me More” by Kelly Corrigan
Tell Me More

Stories About the 12 Hardest Things I'm Learning to Say

by Kelly Corrigan

Description

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A storydriven collection of essays on the twelve powerful phrases we use to sustain our relationships, from the bestselling author of Glitter and Glue and The Middle Place"Kelly Corrigan takes on all the big, difficult questions here, with great warmth…

52
Book cover for “The Man's Guide to Women” by John Gottman
The Man's Guide to Women

Scientifically Proven Secrets from the Love Lab About What Women Really Want

by John Gottman

53
Book cover for “Too Good to Leave, Too Bad to Stay” by Mira Kirshenbaum
Too Good to Leave, Too Bad to Stay

A StepbyStep Guide to Help You Decide Whether to Stay In or Get Out of Your Relationship

by Mira Kirshenbaum

Description

Mira Kirshenbaum (I Love You, But I Don't Trust You), an international bestselling author and worldrenowned therapist, draws on years of counseling experience to lead readers through relationship ambivalence.

54
Book cover for “Wired for Love” by Stan Tatkin Mft
Wired for Love

How Understanding Your Partner's Brain and Attachment Style Can Help You Defuse Conflict and Build a Secure Relationship

by Stan Tatkin Mft

Description

"What the heck is my partner thinking" is a common refrain in romantic relationships, and with good reason. Every person is wired for love differently, with different habits, needs, and reactions to conflict.

55
Book cover for “His Needs, Her Needs” by Willard F. Jr. Harley
His Needs, Her Needs

Building an AffairProof Marriage

by Willard F. Jr. Harley

Description

In the classic bestseller His Needs, Her Needs, Willard F. Harley, Jr., identifies the ten most vital needs of men and women and shows husbands and wives how to satisfy those needs in their spouses.

56
No coverI Love You But I Don't Trust You
I Love You But I Don't Trust You

The Complete Guide to Restoring Trust in Your Relationship

by Mira Kirshenbaum

Description

A guide to restoring trust in broken relationships from a renowed couple's therapist. Is my relationship worth savingWill the trust ever come backHow can things be good between us againWhether broken trust is due to daily dishonesties, a monumental betrayal, or even a history of…

57
No coverThe HighConflict Couple
The HighConflict Couple

A Dialectical Behavior Therapy Guide to Finding Peace, Intimacy, and Validation

by Alan E. Fruzzetti

58
No coverWhen Sorry Isn't Enough
When Sorry Isn't Enough

Making Things Right with Those You Love

by Gary Chapman

59
No coverWhen the Past Is Present
When the Past Is Present

Healing the Emotional Wounds that Sabotage our Relationships

by David Richo

60
No coverWhy Marriages Succeed or Fail
Why Marriages Succeed or Fail

And How You Can Make Yours Last

by John Gottman

Description

Psychologist John Gottman has spent twenty years studying what makes a marriage last. Now you can use his tested methods to evaluate, strengthen, and maintain your own longterm relationship.This breakthrough book guides you through a series of selftests designed to help you…

61
No coverCommunication Miracles for Couples
Communication Miracles for Couples

Easy and Effective Tools to Create More Love and Less Conflict (For Fans of More Love Less Conflict or The Five Love Languages)

by Jonathan Robinson

Description

Create lasting harmony and keep love alive with psychotherapist and bestselling author Jonathan Robinson's powerful and simple methods for effective couples' communication.

62
No coverDate Night In
Date Night In

More than 120 Recipes to Nourish Your Relationship

by Ashley Rodriguez

Description

Rekindle the romance at home with a weekly date night, one on one, over an absolutely delicious meal for two. Sweethearts, spouses, and parents Ashley and Gabe Rodriguez found themselves deep into marriage and childrearing when they realized they were missing the connection of…

63
No coverDear John

by Nicholas Sparks

Description

An angry rebel, John dropped out of school and enlisted in the Army, not knowing what else to do with his lifeuntil he meets the girl of his dreams, Savannah.

64
No coverListen, Learn, Love
Listen, Learn, Love

How to Dramatically Improve Your Relationships in 30 Days or Less

by Susie Albert Miller

65
No coverLove Is Never Enough
Love Is Never Enough

How Couples Can Overcome Misunderstandings, Resolve Conflicts, and Solve Relationship Problems Through Cognitive Therapy

by Aaron T. Beck

Description

Love Is Never Enough: How Couples Can Overcome Misunderstandings, Resolve Conflicts, and Solve Relationship Problems Through Cognitive Therapy

66
No coverMen Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus
Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus

The Classic Guide to Understanding the Opposite Sex

by John Gray

67
No coverMindful Relationship Habits
Mindful Relationship Habits

25 Practices for Couples to Enhance Intimacy, Nurture Closeness, and Grow a Deeper Connection

by S. J. Scott

Description

Feel disconnected from your spouse or partner Struggle to keep your relationship fresh Worried that everything will end in heartbreak It's easy to fall in love.

68
Book cover for “Stop Walking on Eggshells” by Paul T. T. Mason Ms
Stop Walking on Eggshells

Taking Your Life Back When Someone You Care About Has Borderline Personality Disorder

by Paul T. T. Mason Ms

Description

Do you feel manipulated, controlled, or lied to Are you the focus of intense, violent, and irrational rages Do you feel you are 'walking on eggshells' to avoid the next confrontation If the answer is 'yes,' someone you care about may have borderline personality disorder (BPD).

69
No coverThe Relationship Cure
The Relationship Cure

A 5 Step Guide to Strengthening Your Marriage, Family, and Friendships

by John Gottman

70
No coverThings I Wish I'd Known Before We Got Married
Description

?Most people spend far more time in preparation for their vocation than they do in preparation for marriage.?With more than 35 years of experience counseling couples, Gary has found that most marriages suffer due to a lack of preparation and a failure to learn to work together…

71
No coverTo Date a Man, You Must Understand a Man
To Date a Man, You Must Understand a Man

The Keys to Catch a Great Guy (Dating and Relationship Advice for Women) (Volume 7)

by Gregg Michaelsen

Description

To Date a Man, You Must Understand a Man: The Keys to Catch a Great GuyFinally, The JEWEL and the companion book to compliment of all my best sellers!

72
Book cover for “woulda. coulda. shoulda.” by Jennifer Hurvitz
woulda. coulda. shoulda.

A divorce coach's guide to staying married

by Jennifer Hurvitz

Description

Imagine if there were a "secret recipe" to a successful and everlasting marriage, would you want it Of course you would! And who better to stir it up than a woman who figured it all out just a bit too late ... after she signed her divorce papers.

Which Relationship Books does Mark Manson recommend?

Mark Manson recommends 5 books on this list. See all book recommendations by Mark Manson

Which Relationship Books does Chris Messina recommend?

Chris Messina recommends 3 books on this list. See all book recommendations by Chris Messina

Which Relationship Books does April Wensel recommend?

April Wensel recommends 2 books on this list. See all book recommendations by April Wensel

Relationship Books: common questions

What are the most recommended relationship books?
Nonviolent Communication, Difficult Conversations and All About Love are the most recommended relationship books on BookMentions, ranked by how many people recommended them.
Who recommends relationship books?
Mark Manson, Chris Messina, April Wensel and Brian Earp are among the people who recommend books on this list. Each name links to their full set of book recommendations.
Which of these relationship books should I read first?
Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg is the most recommended here with 11 recommendations, which makes it the safest place to start.

Built from recommendation data, category signals, and source-backed book records. Use this list as a starting point; open any book to see proof, context, and Amazon options where available.

Recommendation dataCategory signalsSource-backed book recordsOpen book pages for proof/context

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How is the Relationship Books list built?

The Relationship Books list is built from public recommendation sources and category memberships. Books are ranked by how many distinct people recommended each one; recommendation counts and ratings are shown where available. Open any book to see source-backed recommendation proof, editorial context, and Amazon options — the per-book detail page is where the trust signals live.

Who recommends Relationship Books?

Relationship Books are recommended by the people below, including Mark Manson, Chris Messina and April Wensel. Open a profile to see everything they recommend, with the source behind each pick.