Based on an unprecedented survey of the romantic lives of more than 100,000 people, most of them in couple relationships, The Normal Baridentifies what is "normal" for the most satisfied partners, and provides effective tools for shifting one's normal if one so desires. This book's team of expert authors uses a powerful interactive survey tool known as OnQ to compare relationships around the world, sorting for such criteria as ethnic differences, age, gender, and income. What is delivered is the ultimate resource for anyone who wants to learn the keys to satisfaction and contentment in areas such as communication, sex, affection, and financial cooperation. The Normal Baris the first book to give readers a snapshot of what relationships look like from the inside--from the typical couple's surprising embrace of bedroom kinkiness to the real factors that sour marriages to the role played by friends, family, and children. Most important, it insightfully charts the alternative paths that readers can take to improve their own romantic situation.