Eight Dates: Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love

The four authors of Eight Dates bring substantial academic credentials and clinical experience to their relationship framework. John Gottman holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Wisconsin and served as professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Washington, where he established the renowned “Love Lab” that forms the empirical foundation of the book. Over five decades, he has conducted rigorous longitudinal studies tracking thousands of couples through observational techniques and physiological measurements, developing predictive models for relationship success that achieve significant statistical accuracy. Julie Schwartz Gottman, his wife and co-founder of The Gottman Institute, contributes extensive clinical expertise as a licensed psychologist specializing in couples therapy, trauma treatment, and family dynamics. Her research background includes groundbreaking studies on lesbian parenting and LGBTQ+ relationship dynamics, expanding the applicability of their methods beyond heterosexual partnerships.

The collaboration with Doug Abrams and Rachel Carlton Abrams adds complementary perspectives. Doug Abrams is a literary agent and author specializing in spirituality and relationships, bringing editorial skills and popular writing experience rather than clinical training. Rachel Carlton Abrams holds a degree in medicine from UC San Francisco with board certification in both family medicine and integrative medicine, contributing medical knowledge about physical health and sexuality.