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Did you bingewatch Love is Blind as quickly as I did? Are you sad it’s over? It doesn’t have to be!
Netflix aired a unique dating show earlier this year to test if love really is blind. Contestants went on speed dates, picked who they wanted to spend more time with, and have dates in pods without ever seeing the opposite sex. The show’s premise questioned if emotional bonds are strong enough to withstand societal pressures on things like age, race, and physical attraction. The ten-episode season ended with some contestants getting married and others ending up back at square one.
The show resonated with so many of us because it offered an alternative to dating apps—where we’re making judgment calls on strangers based on nonessential information like whether they’re a coffee or tea drinker. How does this help you figure out if this person is the one? It doesn’t. The contestants on Love is Blind talked about everything from their family dynamic to religion to their insecurities before choosing the one. All the cast members brought an interesting perspective to the show and we all saw bits and pieces of ourselves on the screen.
Check out the books below to keep those connections alive!
Featured image by Robert Driscoll
If you’re indecisive about love like Jessica…
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Marry Him
Lori Gottlieb
Throughout the show, Jessica struggled to choose between two guys—Barnett and Mark. Barnett, the playboy, appeared to be the kind of guy that Jessica has normally gone after, whereas Mark, the sweetheart, was willing to give Jessica a long-lasting sustainable relationship. However, Mark was not Jessica’s typical type—he was younger, shorter, too emotionally available. Lori’s book in no way says we should settle for less but offers an eye-opening perspective on how having a checklist hinders us from meeting our potential mates. She discusses what’s important by distinguishing between wants and needs. Great read from the author of You Should Talk to Someone for anyone wondering why they can’t find the one.
If you’re an idealist like Mark…
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The Psychology of Romantic Love
Nathaniel Branden
Mark knew he found the one as soon as he heard Jessica’s voice. They connected over their shared hometowns, familial love, and religion. However, Jessica chose Barnett over Mark then came back to Mark once Barnett rejected her. There were a lot of mixed signals coming from Jessica that Mark wholeheartedly wanted to work through. While we applaud Mark on wanting to try to make it work with Jessica…he was getting shortchanged. The Psychology of Romantic Love explores what love is, how it grows, how it dies, and how we can make it last. Perfect for those trying to better understand what love could look like.
If you’re a commitment-phobe like Barnett…
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Decisive
Chip Heath
In the beginning of the show, Barnett struggled to commit to one of three women—Amber, Jessica, and LC. At one point, he told Jessica he was ready to marry her only to tell her the next day that his feelings had changed overnight. Indecisive or what? If you find yourself in situations like these often, check out Decisive. While it’s not solely written for matters of the heart, it offers insight into how decision-making works, as well as a four-step process to help you overcome biases that may lead you astray.
If you’re a wild child like Amber and ready to enter the next phase of your life…
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You Are a Badass at Making Money
Jen Sincero
Amber is a no-nonsense kind of person who knows what she wants and goes after it—in this case, Barnett. She never once doubted that he’d choose her, and well, she was right. However, once the two start prepping for their wedding, we learn that Amber does not have it together financially, looking to rely on Barnett to support her while she figures it out. You Are a Badass at Making Money is a book that lays out a roadmap for financial independence in an accessible step-by-step approach. The book offers advice to uncover what’s holding you back from making money and change what you know about money and saving. Bonus: Jen Sincero is just as funny and straight-talking as Amber is.
If you are constantly self-sabotaging like Gigi…
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Why Are We Yelling?
Buster Benson
Gigi is a passionate firecracker who wears her emotions on her sleeves. If something bothers her, you’ll know. This often pushes her match Damien to retreat and to say she’s self-sabotaging. Sure, that could be true but maybe Gigi never learned how to diffuse tense situations and have a productive disagreement with someone she cares for. Why Are We Yelling divulges that conflict can be used to deepen relationships and solve problems if channeled properly. Check this out if you’re looking for ways to communicate more effectively when you feel you’re put on the defensive.
If you always avoid hard conversations like Damien…
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Emotional Agility
Susan David
Damien and Gigi’s relationship is the epitome of opposite’s attract. Damien keeps to himself; doesn’t overshare. He does open up about losing his job by coming on the show but keeps us at an arm’s length. We see him compartmentalize feelings and avoid digging into them with Gigi. If this sounds like you, Emotional Agility may be a great read—offering insight on how to address and adapt to change and setbacks. It offers an alternative way of thinking and approaching the stresses in life so that we can allow our true potential to manifest.
If you’re analytical like Cameron…
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Love Match
Shaelyn Pham, Ph.D.
Cameron and Lauren’s relationship made us swoon and believe in fairytales. Cameron is an analytical scientist that came onto the show to test a hypothesis. He didn’t think he’d walk away with his soulmate from a reality TV show. Cameron is emotionally available, considerate, and attentive. If you find yourself resonating with Cameron or even wanting to find a Cameron, Love Match may be a good book to pick up. It discusses everything from the different types of intimacy to attachment styles to the five love languages—all of which will help prepare you find and nurture love.
If you’re a strong, independent woman like Lauren…
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More Than Enough
Elaine Welteroth
Lauren is funny, down-to-earth, and genuine. You can’t help but root for her and Cameron. They both came on the show with no expectations and walked away winning big. Lauren is independent and owns her space—as she should! If you want to read about a similarly strong woman, check out More Than Enough. The author writes a motivating biography that unpacks lessons on race, identity, and success. Something both women share is their desire to trust their gut and recognize they are more than enough to handle any obstacle that comes their way.
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