If you want to enjoy a little ego deflation, try telling the incredibly nice, normal Canadian family who invited you to their Palm Springs vacation house for the weekend that the book you've been absorbed in all day is about landing a husband. (Did it help that they were all voracious readers of literate nonfiction and literary nonfiction? I did not. O, the humanity!)

At least I've evolved to making no excuses for my choice in reading material. I'm interested in understanding how I've failed in my past relationships because I want to stop doing that—or at least, to fail in new and different, preferably higher-level ways.

Like most books written for people who want to be (or stay) in long-term relationships, this is a book about becoming a better communicator. And like most methodologies for becoming a better communicator, this book advocates the same basic actions: gaining clarity around your wants and needs; learning to accept what is actually happening, rather than living in fantasy or regret; and above all, being kind—to yourself first, so that you can be kind to others.

Do I wish it had a title that made me cringe less? Or do I wish that I had evolved into being someone who could cringe less at the title? YES.

That, at least, is progress.

There are a few good views on relationships but, overall, this book is extremely dated and misogynistic.

I picked this book up after hearing Nikki Glaser discuss it on Sofia Franklyn’s podcast. At this point, nearly 30 years after it’s been written, it’s become a little outdated. The gendered language is problematic at times and it had me tuning out somewhat. However, I gave it 3 stars because I do feel like there is some good advice here about how to have healthy conversations, set boundaries, and express your needs within romantic relationships. The book is not a total loss, but needs to be read and examined critically by 21st century women.

This instructional guide to relationships really gave me a lot to think about. Will it work? Only time will tell!

Probably one of the better dating books I've read.

Its primarily geared toward women, but it can relate to all genders and orientations. I like how she doesn't just say there's only one way to act, but she acknowledges that men and women are either masculine or feminine, and opposites attract. Therefore, if you're a masculine woman who likes to give and lead, you'll have a better relationship with a feminine man who likes to receive. She also gives some good pointers on effective communication and conflict resolution,.

It's also helped me see where I could be going wrong, as well, in the way I approached relationships, personally. The author also gives descriptions and tips on how to navigate the four phases of dating: Honeymoon, Imperfect, Negotiation, and Commitment.

Overall, a great read for anyone who is looking for a serious, committed relationship, and is willing to be open-minded, and learn new ways of relating to the opposite sex.

Don’t be put off by the terrible title, it’s an interesting book about masculine and feminine energies in a relationship. An eye opening and easy read.