Introduction : the scientific study of marriage -- For better or for worse : sizing up modern marriage -- Forsaking all others : the science of commitment -- To love and to cherish : flirting, attraction, and chemical passion -- The science of sex : what really happens in the marriage bed -- In sickness and in health : how does marriage impact your health? -- The science of your marriage : diagnosing the health of a relationship -- The science of conflict : marital spats and the rules of engagement -- The science of parenting : how to care for your marriage and your kids -- The chore wars : the science of housework -- For richer or for poorer : when money problems become marriage problems -- Your better half : overcoming gender roles and power struggles -- To have and to hold : assessing your risk for divorce -- The science of a good marriage : a prescription for marital health.