I've been reading Steven Pinker's book "How the Mind Works", and even if you're not a particular Pinker fan like myself (apparently he's quite controversial in

I've been reading Steven Pinker's book "How the Mind Works", and even if you're not a particular Pinker fan like myself (apparently he's quite controversial in certain circles, though I'm not quite sure why), the book is really quite an impressive feat, and there are a bunch of great sections about theories behind the evolutionary bases for relationships (specifically romantic relationships and friendships), love and other emotions, and altruism. I learned a lot, and at the very least made me more aware of some of my subconscious mental feats that go on when navigating relationships. One thing I'd point out about the theories presented in the article is there is not much (if any?) evidence that says if you start with "People in successful relationships tend to have these traits" that then if you try to emulate those traits that you will find better relationships. The first in no way implies the latter, and I see this unwarranted leap a lot when discussing these types of sociological issues.