Being single is what you make of it. But if you’re tired of being single and want to meet someone new, read the 12 best relationship books for singles below.
Relationship books for singles cover a lot of ground. There are books that are aimed at helping you get back on the dating scene and others that will help you practice self-love. Yet, others are great for relationship anxiety. Some books can even be read by both singles and couples alike.
Relationship books for singles zhelp you understand why you’re single right now. They also show you what you can do to change the situation and get back in the dating game.
Written by experts, these books offer wise, practical advice. In a way, they can act as your very own relationship coach. Each one comes highly recommended, but it’s important that you take the time to find one that best applies to your current situation.
Let’s see what we’ve got!
Disclaimer: I may receive affiliate commissions at no cost to you for purchases made through links below.
It’s long been said that we shouldn’t be in a relationship until we’re happy with our own company first. Unless we love ourselves, we’ll never be able to truly connect with someone else.
Single On Purpose is one of the top 10 books on building relationships that teaches you to get comfortable with being single first. Once you understand yourself and your purpose in life, you can then share your life with someone else.
If you’ve never really been single for very long and you’re feeling scared right now? This book will show how to purposely be single, thrive as a single person - and prepare yourself for a relationship.
Good Vibes, Good Life has a similar premise to Single on Purpose. That’s to say, it’s a book that’s all about being comfortable in your own skin and loving who you are.
Many of us seek out a relationship because we hate being by ourselves. The problem here is that we then become co-dependent, which leads to a toxic relationship.
Read this book to learn the meaning of true (self)-love. Become the person your future partner needs you to be before you’ve even met them. It might sound crazy but this is absolutely essential for a rock-solid relationship.
I have to admit that I wasn’t sure about the title of this one. But Men Don’t Love Women Like You! is actually one of the most helpful relationship books for women available. Not only has it won awards, it’s also got a huge amount of positive reviews - and for a good reason.
Author G.L. Lambert has essentially written a guidebook for women who have been single for far too long - and who want to change that situation. And while we might not always want to admit it, we’re sometimes the reason we’re single in the first place.
This book will show you what you’ve been doing wrong, as well as what you can do right from now on. It will open your eyes to who you are, how you’ve been behaving around men, and what needs to change.
By the end of the book, you should be in a position to land better dates, meet more men - and maybe even meet Mr Right.
Have you ever seen happy couples and thought to yourself, “how do they do it?”
Or maybe you’ve got a friend who is - shall we say - dating someone you’d assume is way out of their league.
Again, how do they do it!?
Atomic Attraction answers all your questions about the psychology of attraction. If you’ve so far struggled to attract the right kind of person, this book will show you how to boost your self-esteem. It will make you more desirable to the opposite sex, too. It’s easily one of the bst best relationship books of 2021.
Atomic Attraction will also teach you about body language, how to maintain attraction with someone - and how to be the best version of yourself.
In short, it will show you that - as long as you do the right things - you, too, can go out on dates and meet the person of your dreams.
Maybe you’re tired of dating books and podcasts that talk endlessly about “the art of seduction.” Maybe instead you’re on the lookout for self-help books on relationships and communication that are written by experts.
If so, Deeper Dating might be for you. This is a book that shows you how to be emotionally available, vulnerable and passionate. It won't show you how to play “the game” and manipulate someone to get into a relationship with you.
Ultimately, Deeper Dating is all about forging meaningful connections that actually last. It’s ideal if you’ve been dating for a while but got nowhere and it will highlight what perhaps you’ve been doing wrong so far. The book will also illuminate your “core gifts” that you can use to help you find the love of your life who appreciates you for who you are.
Few (if any) of us want to die alone. It’s a scary thought. It’s often such a scary thought that some of us will do whatever it takes to get into a relationship.
How to Not Die Alone first of all demonstrates that you’re not alone. There are plenty of people just like you who are searching for the One. It also demonstrates that there are reasons we’re single right now.
In short, this book is a practical handbook that shows you why you’ve not succeeded in dating so far. It also teaches you what it takes to make a relationship last, how to meet someone new and how to enjoy being with someone.
Of course, a book alone can’t help us build relationships. But its friendly, helpful voice and practical advice will allow you to understand what you want out of a relationship. Then, it’s up to you to go after it.
Wired for Dating might sound a tad overwhelming (neurobiology, anyone?) - but it actually isn’t.
In fact, despite its somewhat scientific approach to helping you find love, this book is hugely practical and simply written.
Sure, psychology and neuroscience are at the core of the author’s premise. But he also uses a range of real-life anecdotes to help you understand how our brain works when it comes to attraction. With this knowledge, you’ll learn how to start dating smarter so that you attract the right people into your life.
Then, well, who knows? You might find dating is easier, more productive - and you might even find love.
Hold Me Tight is by far one of the best relationship books for couples. I’ve added it to this particular list because it should also be read by single people who have loved and lost, and want to learn what went wrong.
It can also be read by those who have either broken up with someone or who are “on a break.”
Whatever your current situation is, Hold Me Tight is like a toolbox that you can dip in and out of to help you fix things in a relationship. This might mean communication and romantic gestures (lack of). It also might mean dealing with your emotions (and your partner's emotions).
Dr Sue Johnson writes with compassion. She introduces you to the 7 key conversations that all couples (and single people) must have in order to enjoy a long-lasting relationship.
Not “Just Friends” could also be termed another of the top-rated relationship books for couples - but it can definitely be read by single people, too.
At its heart, this is a book anyone who’s been cheated on needs to read. If you’re with an adulterous partner or if you’ve left them, Not “Just Friends” can help you heal.
Of course, being betrayed by our partner can feel like the worst thing in the world. Author Shirley P. Glass knows this, which is why she doesn’t mince her words. Her language is direct at times and even a tad blunt. But she gets to the point quickly and can either save your relationship or certainly help you regain your trust so that you can meet someone new.
Is actress and comedian Whoopi Goldberg a relationship expert?
Well, she’s a bestselling author, talk show host and political activist. She’s met countless numbers of people, she’s had relationships of her own and there’s no reason not to listen to what she has to say.
I won’t lie - her book If Someone Says “You Complete Me” RUN! isn’t for everyone. But Whoopi Goldberg writes candidly about the importance of being YOU and asserting your values as a single person.
In other words, make sure you’re happy with who you are first. Never seek out a relationship just so someone else can complete you. Be unashamedly who you are, enjoy life and never settle for second best.
And - hey - if the love of your life does come along? Embrace it.
If it remains your dream to one day get married and live happily ever after, Single, Dating, Engaged, Married might be for you. In it, pastor Ben Stuart shows you the four different “love” stages all couples go through on their journey together.
It all starts with being single (and being comfortable being single). Then, Stuart shows you how to make the transition to the next stage and the stages after that. Challenges and obstacles are highlighted, and the wisdom in this book is precious and timeless.
In short, this book is essential reading for preparing yourself for that one relationship that will last a lifetime.
I’m always a bit skeptical of books that use phrases like ‘dummy-proof’ in the title. But Online Dating For Men is an exception to the rule. It really is dummy-proof, and it’s one of the standout relationship books for men.
Essentially, it’s readymade for the modern dating man who struggles with dating apps. If you’re getting no matches and spending a small fortune on trying to land more dates, this book will show you what you’re doing wrong. Importantly, it will show you what to do right.
Of course, online dating is a minefield. We all know this. What’s more, it doesn’t always matter how good your profile is if a girl simply isn’t right for you.
But what we also all know is that an optimised dating site profile at least gives you a fighting chance.
Dating guru Jayden Norman gives you that fighting chance and his step-by-step advice can be implemented by any guy who uses dating apps.
The answer to this question depends entirely on the person. Some people are perfectly happy being single, while others thrive better in a relationship.
Experience helps. If you’ve been in relationships before but always struggled, it might be the case that you’re better on your own. This is especially true if you enjoy lots of space and find it hard to share your life with someone.
However, it also might be the case that you simply haven’t met someone who’s right for you yet. And if you’re naturally a selfish person, this is something you could work on if you truly want to be with someone else.
The truth of the matter is that being in a relationship often completes us and enhances our life. What’s more, if you ever plan on having a family with children, you’ll need to at some point give yourself up to another person.
Talk to someone who’s been single for years. Ask them how they’ve coped with being single and how they’ve managed to enjoy life.
Being OK with being single means being okay with who you are. It helps to focus on self-development. Learn a new skill, start a hobby and improve yourself.
Being single doesn’t mean you have to be alone. If you want to be single but don’t want to feel lonely, stay in touch with friends. Make new platonic connections and meet people often. Share stories on social media. Don’t cut yourself on from the world.
Research has demonstrated that single people might be healthier than married people. However, there’s no doubt that every situation is different. If you’ve met the love of your life who you want to start a family with, marriage is a fantastic option. If, on the other hand, you feel that you’d fare better in life alone, being single is a better option.
Single people, of course, get to live life on their own terms. Married people, on the other hand, have to make sacrifices and compromises in almost every aspect of their lives. On the flip side, they also get to enjoy more intimacy, create memories with their partner and revel in a fulfilling love.
Single people certainly have fewer responsibilities than those in a committed relationship. They have fewer obligations, fewer commitments to any one person and can live life as they want. There’s no need to make extreme sacrifices or compromises. There’ll also be fewer arguments and fights (if any).
That said, those who are in a relationship have someone to share life’s challenges with. They have someone who’s there to support them when things go wrong, as well as someone to work problems out with.
Studies have shown that married people live longer than single people on average. However, the jury is still out as to whether being married actually encourages us to be healthier. It might be that healthier people are more inclined to get married than unhealthy people.
Every single person has a different reason for avoiding a relationship. Some have had several relationships in the past and have simply given up. Others are just more comfortable with being by themselves.
There are also those who have no interest in having a relationship right now. Over time, they may change their minds. It’s the same with those who have been on multiple dates but haven’t met someone compatible yet. The time hasn’t been right - so far.
Some people have relationship anxiety, such as commitment issues. If this is the case, reading books for relationship anxiety can help.
Some women feel under pressure to find a relationship as soon as possible. But a woman can totally stay single forever if that’s what she wants. It’s possible to enjoy a deeply fulfilling life as a single person. You’ve got more time to develop your passions and hobbies. You can surround yourself with friends and family you care about, too.
Also see: 15 Best Relationship Books For Guys (Sex and Love)┃14 Best Psychology Books About Relationships ┃12 Best Relationship Books On Audible┃The 10 Best Books on Relationships ┃10 Best Self-Help Books on Relationships and Communication┃10 Best Relationship Books For Couples