Sex Relationships Books

In this book, author Dr. Ellen Wachtel gives advice on what she has seen work in couples therapy sessions that she refers to as "The 4 Truths" and other simple, practical tips that hundreds of couples she has counseled have found useful to repair a relationship that seems to be going awry as well as how to maintain a good relationship over time. As an interpersonal- relational communication major, I found much of her advice supports research done in the field. This book is an easy read and contains both things you never knew could help strengthen your relationship as well as things you probably already knew. Life gets hectic, this book is a nice reminder of the small things you can work on daily to maintain a healthy loving relationship. smlykaili

I couldn't beleive there were so many similarities! I read the book in a day. I hated to put it down.

As an interpersonal and relational scholar in the field of communication, I viewed this book through the eyes of someone educated on the topic of relationships. Ellen T. Wachtel has many good points in this book, but I would stress that it is a book aimed at marriages and long term relationships. This is not something that young couples just starting out would find very helpful. Many of the tips in this book help to remind readers of the maintenance required everyday in their relationship. Overall, I would recommend this book for someone who does not have a lot of experience studying communication who is interested in preserving their marriage.

As a student who has spent a good amount of my college career delving into the subject of interpersonal relationships, I can appreciate this book. I have found Wachtel's concepts relevant and well put. Certainly her work is interdiscplinary, with references to theories in Social Psych. Her Basic Truths are fundamental to relationship building and maintenance. By addressing valid concerns of people who are in a relationship or who have ever been in one, Wachtel is able to offer realistic guidelines that can help individuals regain their sanity & help couples regain control over their seemingly downward spiral. Certainly others can benefit from her tips for how to manage commitment & autonomy, how to determine when to define self and when to agree, and how to pick and choose battles. The idea of collaboration rather than compromise is reinforced in this book. Not only is the book full of a wealth of information, it is also filled with ways to put the information to good use. Particularly useful sections/chapters were:
- "Guidelines for deciding whether there is enough good in the relationship to stay committed to one another." >> Discusses the idea of costs and rewards
- "We Love Each Other, but... we get into really bad arguments.
- "We Love Each Other, but... Now I'm not so Sure."

This book is not only for married couples... many can benefit from it!!

This book is really about the basic characteristics of human relationships. Even though it is geared toward married couples, it can apply to any relationship (i.e. boyfriend- girlfriend, friends, families, business). It gives you very simple techniques on how to argue effecitively, and other everyday ideas on how to maintain a relationship. This boodk would work best if both partners are willing to try the methods.

Idea is good. Open your mind, you will get good advice. However some of them might not work for your couple.

A group of us purchased this as part of a gift for a coworker who was getting married. We thought he might need to know "how to be the almost perfect husband." It's really funny but honestly true! I am married and read through some of it before giving it as a gift. It had some of the same things I had said to my husband in it! That helped us both find some humor with certain things in our marriage. Very lighthearted and fun.

This is a good book to keep in the bathroom magazine rack. Be careful and just read one or two pages at a sitting.
I made the mistake of reading most of the book at one time .... Whaa, whaa, whaa, blah, blah, blah.
When I finally threw it down I felt like I had been beaten up. Husbands are insensitive, brutish louts!
A lot of the quotes (complaints) are from divorced women, married 2 or 3 times.
Don't get me wrong, there's some good advise here, just ration it out slowly otherwise you might feel like singing the blues.

As an Author, Coach, and Motivational Speaker I read alot of books about people, their motivations, and their relationships. How to Be the Almost Perfect Husband is a cliff notes version of all the relationship books for guys that are out there. Every guy should have a copy as a quick reference guide.

Each of the 100+ pages has a thought, principle, or practice that is short, sweet, and impactful. Not every one will work for every woman so you'll need to try a few out and see the results you get. Some that work for me in my relationship with my wife are:

** I know you want to help, but please don't jump in with a solution before I've finished telling you my problem. Sometimes all I need is a sympathetic ear. - Linda

** Always kiss me good morning and good night. - Penny

** Now and then, let her have a day to herself. It's a wonderful gift that won't cost you a thing. - Suzanna

** Praise your wife, even for the little things. - Susan

Husbands, buy a copy of this cool little book and take action. You'll be very happy with the results.

What a great book! What every man should know - this is what women are really thinking and what they really need. As a couples therapist, these issues are dealt with everytime a couple comes into therapy. It is so important for men and women to understand one another. This book, and the companion book "How to be The Almost Perfect Wife" are great for couples to begin a dialogue into what they need from one another. Highly recommended!!

This book can be read without its companion. What makes this workbook special is that it is meant to be read one page a time for daily reflection. The book has exercies for you, and asks you to make journal entries. The workbook has the potential to be a guide to help you learn about yourself, and what you will need from a relationship.
If you are a fan of these authors, I would highly recomment this workbook. I have found the IMAGO theory a valueable tool in learning about myself, and what I bring into a relationship. This book sits on my nightstand and has become a valuable part of my daily readings. I highly recommend the this workbook as the book did not delve into individual topics as this book does.

Things need a little spicing up? This book will definately do the trick. We have only made it through a few weeks and have not been disappointed yet. A few of the items are a little to crazy, but most are really worth a try.

I just got this book in the mail this morning and i was very excited i just mailed my boyfriend the first invitation and i cant wait to have fun with this book its a larger book and it was well made its easy to tear the pages out although u do have to be carefull not to rip it. im very pleased wth my purchase and just might buy laura corns other books after im done with this one! and also amazon gives you agreat price on this book at other websites i saw this book on it was at 45 dollars and i only paid 16 !!

My wife and I have enjoyed this book for over a year now, and we look forward to each new invitation! The book, as explained by some other reviews, is laid out with sealed invitations -- half for the men, and half for the women. When you break open an invitation, you're given a descriptive account of WHY the act you are about to do will be fun and exciting, HOW you will make it so, and WHAT you'll need to pull it off. In contrast to another review I read, I appreciate the sealed invitations for the sense of anticipation and excitement if gives you, and more of a desire to commit to the invitation rather than leafing through the book to find the one you want to do. With this format, you are somewhat forced to open your mind to other possibilities! The actual invitation, which is sent to your respective lover, is a bit skimpy on details -- on purpose! It tells them what to wear, when to meet, and what to bring. With a busy schedule, it is difficult if not impossible to work through an invitation every week, but when you do you'll be glad you did. This is a book of great ideas, but the real magic comes from how you personalize the idea -- the more time put into each one, the better, so it's only fitting that you would want to put in more effort for the one you love! My wife and I recommend this book to anyone who wants to make their relationship more exciting, more intimate, and more fun! We always highly recommend this book to our friends, after some very excited and enthusiastic descriptions of what to expect.

I bought this a few years ago and I have to admit, that like most people probably.... we haven't gotten to use it as often as we'd like to or as often as we should be. I'm sure part of the point is to really get things going on a regular basis.

So, after admitting that we haven't used it very much...i WILL admit that the few times we have used it...its been incredible.

It forced me to lose some inhibitions that I would have preferred to keep (and otherwise would have) but the fact that i felt like i needed to 'stick to the rules' and do what she instructed, forced me out of my comfort zone (don't get me wrong here, they aren't going to have you doing anything dangerous, illegal or otherwise unacceptable) We had so much fun, i'm *still* proud of myself for some of the things i was willing to try and my husband still makes mention of them.

I know he would love to do more, the book is still sitting on a shelf on our closet where i see it regularly. In our defense we've had 4 children in 5 years, so we haven't quite had the time (or need??!! :)) to add too much spice to it, but the time will be coming soon and i can't wait (although with some nervousness) to delve into her book again and try something new.

Walking on your find line of comfort v. discomfort helps move that line a little further out than you thought it could go, and it turns out for us...that's been a good thing.

Thanks Laura Corn!! and trust me, my husband thanks you too :)

Wow! What a book. My lover and I were so excited to get started after reviewing our sections of the book we couldn't hardly stand it. There are "His Eyes Only" parts and "Her Eyes Only" sections of the book. These sections are sealed so you can't peek at the other persons section...that is part of the mystery! Just reading about the scenerios was very erotic, because they are such great ideas! This book combines it all: Great ideas, mystery, anticipation, a roadmap of how the evening should go, and suggestions to make sure the evening is a winner. It is also one of the most sophisticated books of this type I've ever seen. If this book of invitations were given to every couple there would fewer couples having affairs....this is 100 times better than an affair! My lover and I have tried alot of different things, and we are so glad we found it! We hope the author writes a second book of just this same type! We just finished our first Invitation and are looking forward to 51 more weeks! (PS - none of the invitations involves three somes or anything of that type). BUY IT....you won't be sorry!

not the most informative... just abuncha of collected surveys really. did not enjoy the format at all

This is a book of survey results. It's interesting and was worth reading. It was a quick read.

I didnt really find this book helpful or interesting. Trust me when i say that you already know the vast majority of whats in this book. However, if you are completely inexperienced and are eager to "please" maybe this is the book for you. I was not impressed.

Clearly, I can't tell you what I learned from this book. I will ask my girlfriend to write in though... Anyway, C. W. Gentry's books are easily read, embarrassment-free and down to earth. They deal with topics most people feel uncomfortable talking about in a way that makes them seem perfectly routine. What men need to understand about women is that they all want sex too, they just go about it differently! This book should help to reduce the differences between myth and reality, and is based on real interviews with real men.

Obviously, the authors can't tell you what YOUR man wants in bed. But this book is an excellent insight into what men in general want from sex and say about sex. The surveys ask about everything, and the graphs and charts are a quick and easy way to see what the MAJORITY of men prefer. I found it really helpful and interesting.

Someone recommended me this book, saying it was one of the most difficult things to hear on the topic of relationship, but was worth every word.
I bought and read it, but I was a bit disappointed. First of all, it does speak the truth and tells you what you need in order to build a solid relationship. I was only disappointed in its lack of depth -- but that is because I have read many other books on the subject.

Ferrini's book is very short -- I read it in about 3 hours total. It's listed as being something like over 120 pages, but the real content of the book ends on page 95, and the rest of the pages list other books by the author.

If you've *never* read a book on how to truly relate as human beings in the present moment (rather than just trying to solve problems), read this. If you've read anything else on spiritual relationships (especially anything by John Wellwood, Steven Harrison, or Don Miguel Ruiz) , this book will likely be a quick summary of what you already know, and will feel like it lacks any depth whatsoever.

I don't mean to put this book down -- I did learn from this book, and there are people whom I have recommended this particular book over others because it's simple and easy to understand.

I never expect a book so concise and straight to the point of intimacy and building a real relationship. It is a must for those who wants to know about love, intimacy and relationships.

This is a concise and clear guide to relationships. I particularly like the beginning, where the author states that it's OK NOT to be in a relationship and that one needs to learn to live happily alone before trying to get into a relationship. The section on the different types of commitments is also very helpful.

The only part I disagree with is the section where he states that when you are find fault with your partner it ALWAYS means that you are projecting some part of yourself that you don't want to own onto your partner. I don't think this is true. Sometimes you may just not like certain aspects of your partner's behavior or personality. That's OK, but you'd better learn to ACCEPT it!

This is probably the most evolved perspective I have read on the subject of relationship between two adults. There is no doubt that one is personally responsible not only for one's own comments and actions and how well these represent self and have impact on the other, but also,in relationship, one has a great opportunity to encourage the other to express the best of themselves. It is high time we thought about operating at that level. This book has become a prime resource in my counseling practice.
Appreciation and gratitude to Paul Ferrini!

This is a relatively short book and can be a quick read. However, the content is such that sentence after sentence may be used as seed thoughts for meditations that will illuminate our experiences leading us to the deeply fulfilling task of owning and transforming our lives. As we become more authentic, so will our relationships. Paul writes very clearly and simply, yet with great depth. I was particularly struck by the chapters/laws on mirroring and forgiveness. This is a book I will return to many times.

The wisdom in this book is very deep! It does not correlate with Disney and Hollywood images of love and relationships, but is rather based on knowhow (Game!) obtained from a century or more of do-or-die relationships on the streets. You will not find this information in psychology books or doctoral theses in sociology, because those people do not have the real life experience it takes to know these things. You will however have to scale the information down to suit your own world, but I for one like to get extreme-case explanations. I generally hold Nasheed's writings in high regard, but this is the best book he has written in my opinion. And it's for men and women both! (Nasheed probably regrets having made such a biased title!) One point of criticism would be that Nasheed is a bit focused on bling-bling, money, and status, but that's just his own lifestyle that shines through I guess, and the reader can choose to ignore it. Highly recommended - if you can distill from it what you need!

But Black women have to take it one step further and expand their options to include all races...

Author Of
Black Women Deserve Better

Nasheed knows exactly what he's talking about!This book is telling young women they have a choice; either you're going to be a statistic by making DUMB decisions, getting involved with "boys" who have no future or vision about their own lives who only want to "hit it and quit it", ending up with child out of wedlock that you never wanted by a so-called man you never loved who never loved you OR you can get "game" by increasing your knowledge of yourself and the world by learning as much as you can, getting your money right and being in a position to have better options in life and attracting a real man.

Life is supposed to be about constant improvement to ones life, changing your current situation for the better. Not accepting complacency and satisfied with being just another young, unwed mother who is further extending the dysfunction of the american family. GET THIS BOOK!!!

What Is It About?

This is Tariq's version of the Art of Mackin for Women. It promises to give women advice about men, dating, and relationships.

What Did I Get Out Of It?

I learned what king flex has to say about dating and seduction and got to hear what he advises women to do.

The Good News

The book is excellent and does deliver. It spells out the problems with men, the problems with women, what women really want, and why they think they want what they say they want. It also details the different type of males / females that exist in the dating world. The book is basically a hand book on dating and relationships and should be required reading for all women and most men.

The Bad News

There is relatively little bad news concerning this book. It is a bit short and I leisurely read it over the course of a weekend but, I consider that a good thing. Tariq is short and to the point and doesn't attempt to sugar coat things or pander to women with this book.

The Bottom Line

Any aspiring Mack man or women should have this book. It breaks down women and men and will help both parties do better with the opposite sex.

While I understand the basis to his philosophy, I feel that in repeating the stereotypes he perpetuates negativity sub-consciously. The laws of yesterday are not the same today. While he gives an overall view there is little uplifting and solution based strategy offered in this book. Does every group have it's faults? Yes, but if you have so much knowledge why not churn out something of higher value. Overall- smart brother, but I think he (and we) can do better.

One of the definitions of creativity is the ability to bring existing thoughts and processes together in new ways. That is the genius of this book.

We all talk about the value of being a good listener. We have all been in situations where we haven't been heard and felt that frustration. We have all been in situations where we did not listen responsively to someone we love and felt that frustration. We have all been in relationships where we hash over the same issues ad nauseam, then stop talking about them...period...never getting to the crux of the problem. We have all gotten into trouble because we have misheard clients, spouses, children, students and friends.

So, what's new? The talker-listener card, diagrams that illustrate various listening challenges and their solutions, the abundance of examples to exemplify relevant ideas, and a friendly style.

I teach reading skills to homeless people and know I would not be nearly as effective without the knowledge in Dr. Petersen's book.

Jim Petersen's book, Why Don't We Listen Better?, is easy to read and easy to follow. If you are in a crisis communication situation, you can start on the road to communicating better in less than an hour with the talk-listen card that is included with the book.

Using the talk-listen card helps relieve tension by allowing participants to focus on the job they should be doing at the time. This technique makes talking about things you might be upset about less intimidating and scary.

If I could be Queen For A Day, I'd ask that everyone learn the techniques presented in this book, and be a "card-carrying" listener.

I read this book for my masters program and must say it was a difficult read for myself (great sleep aid, however). I work in the psychology field already and the concepts he discussed are basic knowledge for anyone that is working in this field. He basically just used pictures, flat brain, thud, etc. and "dumbed down" concepts to casual reader or college students with little to no experience in the psych. or sociology field. Anyone who is employed in the "helping fields" have heard these concepts a thousand times over and repackaged by their company, workshop or those in Academia that all believe that they have created a great, new theory to change how people communicate. As we know those in Academia have their thoughts on psychology and those that actually work in the "trenches of psych" know this is basic concept and the author has not created anything new for the professional. I would recommend this book to those that are new to the field, professors that have little experience in the field or outside of college environment and casual readers. I would not recommend this to professionals involved in the field.

This book was recommended by a psychiatrist friend of mine. It was well written (although I did find some typos) and contained information new to me.

I found two concepts that were particularly useful:

1. The 'flat brain' theory &
2. The 'talker-listener' card strategy.

The 'flat-brain' theory explains why it is hard to listen when emotions are involved. And the author's description of the 'talker listener' card strategy provides a detailed and clearly-explained methodology for both listening AND being heard.

The author's common-sense explanations of listening techniques add quite a lot to the value of the book and obviously have been honed over the years through the author's experience as a pastoral counselor.

My wife and I read this book to each other, and spent a lot of time discussing the content as we went along. I highly recommend this method of reading. Now we both use the 'talker-listener' method when discussing 'hot' topics. It helps us listen to each other's point of view and we usually both feel 'heard' even when we disagree. I also find myself listening better almost anytime I find myself with someone who is talking.

Over-all, if you are in the market for a book that will make a big difference in your ability to communicate (talk and listen) in difficult situations, then this is your book!

As a pastor, I deal with people all the time whose relationships are struggling. Dr. Peterson's book finally gets to the bottom of much of our communication struggles. Without placing blame on anyone, his insights may be the one tool we have all been looking for, to be heard and to finally understand one another. I can't recommend this book highly enough to all who would like to understand people better or to improve their relationships.

This was a very entertaining and well-written book. However, by the time Paul Feig is 24 and still a virgin, it's impossible to have any sympathy for him because he had a MILLION opportunities to get laid, all throughout the book! Girls were throwing themselves at him again and again, when he was in high school, but it was HE who refused to "go all the way" - he chickened out numerous times with different girlfriends, and he comes off as a young man who was both horny all the time, and afraid of actually having sex for some reason. It's truly baffling. It can't be blamed on a lack of social skills because he's able to get steady girlfriends, over and over, but almost all of his relationships wind up falling apart because HE refuses to have sex! It seems like he deliberately sabotages his chances to do so, repeatedly. Maybe it had something to do with his strict Christian upbringing. Or - as it is hinted at in the book, but not explicitly stated - maybe he preferred masturbation to sex with a real woman. It's a strange case. But nevertheless it's a really entertaining and well-written book, very clever and witty, and full of funny stories and anecdotes from the writer's childhood.

Feig has done what is seemingly impossible: He has topped his first book.

The relatability of Feig's experiences is again the main attraction. This book is about the "Kick Me" growing up and dealing with the problems of libido and the need for sexual satisfaction. These stories rang true, because Feig's experiences are shared ones that a lot of young adult males have. This book is about him having sex, but like most guys, he wants it to be right when it happens. For example, we have the story of his first overeager girlfriend, who he escapes only by moving to California for the summer. Feig's description of the circumstances and the actual experience of his first time is one of the most authentic accounts I have ever found in print.

As in "Kick Me", Feig's way with words makes the essays in this book snappy and humorous. The turns of phrase are what can make an ordinary sentence laugh out lound funny. It is no wonder that he is a part of the team that created 'Freaks and Geeks'.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know what adolescent and young adult males' lives are really like. The book will make the reader laugh, but also cringe with recognition of things that he himself or a fellow man has done.

Do you laugh at awkward situations? Cringe in empathy towards another's embarrassment while enjoying it in some strange way?

Feig is a great story teller.

This book, as well as his first book (Kick Me), was very funny. I enjoyed it and so did everyone I have lent it to.

This story sounds so much like my own adolescence that I was truly amazed. I couldn't recommend this more highly.

Honestly I was expecting a few more pointers and tips and less of a lecture. What I read was good, I just wanted more.

I would recommend 500 Lovemaking Tip by Michael Webb which gave a lot of fun techniques and interesting things you can do to spice things up.

okay maybe that is a little harsh, but i was not inspired to read this book. i thik the best part about it was the advise on doing pelvic floor exercises.

How to Be a Great Lover: Girlfriend-to-Girlfriend Time-Tested Techniques That Will Blow His Mind
is a MUCH better book infact it's great.

I found this a very enlightening book. I love romance, but never thought to romance my husband. I now think of ideas of what I would want in romance, and do these for him. It is fun, and the book really helps.

I recently saw this book, and jokingly suggested that my wife read it. She said she'd read it if I read it first. Now that sounded like a challenge I couldn't refuse!

This is a slim book, and with its easy to read casual style, it was a very quick read. I'm not sure exactly what I was expecting in this book, but what I found was very educational and informative. This book provides a great deal of very practical advice for women who want to improve the quality of their love lives. While some of the specific suggestions in this book wouldn't necessarily apply to me, the general approach was definitely something I would appreciate. Any woman looking to improve her relationship with her husband, boyfriend or lover would find this easy to read book and its practical advice helpful. I'm definitely going to be sure my wife reads it!

Let's face it, girls - certain things are all about technique. This book can teach you to improve your technique at things that even your lover didn't know could be improved!

It's a fast and easy read - so if it can improve anything even a little bit - why not take an hour and read it?

This book is, indeed, a must-have!