In "Can Love Last?", Stephen A. Mitchell delves deep into the heart of what makes romantic love both exhilarating and perilous. With the insight of a seasoned psychoanalyst, Mitchell challenges the conventional wisdom that love's intensity is destined to fade over time, proposing instead that the real threat to enduring affection lies within our own defenses against its inherent vulnerabilities. Through a compelling blend of psychological theory and relatable examples, Mitchell invites readers on a transformative journey to understand how the very attempts to safeguard our hearts can lead to the erosion of intimacy. This book stands as a beacon of hope for anyone seeking to navigate the complex dynamics of sustaining love in a long-term relationship. Mitchell masterfully argues that the path to lasting love requires a courageous willingness to embrace its risks rather than a retreat to safety. "Can Love Last?" illuminates the nuanced ways in which love evolves, defying the myth of its inevitable decline. By advocating for a deeper awareness of our self-protective instincts and how they shape our connections, Mitchell offers invaluable insights for cultivating relationships that not only endure but flourish. Embraced by critics as a work of profound optimism, this book promises to empower readers with a more wise and enduring approach to love.