This is an exceptionally useful self-help book. It took me by surprise as I was expecting the usual vague hand-waving general advice based on the writer's subjective and narrow point of view. Gaddis does use his own experiences as examples, which I usually find to be a good writing tactic. I think it fit well here too.

Gaddis offers a lot of practical advice for resolving conflicts, some of which I have heard before, but also some that allowed me to re-think my approach to conflict as well as how others react to conflict with me. My conflict-solving skills are pretty useless if I can't get the other person to even try.

I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed it. The tone was conversational, and he spoke in stead of just reading. This is why I often prefer audiobooks read by the author, and this is a really good example of why.

The book offers some extra materials as pdf and in the non-audiobook. I did not feel they were necessary, but they might be helpful.

It wasn't a perfect book, and I do disagree about solving value differences - I don't think I should just learn to tolerate someone's racism. We all have a choice in what we find acceptable and what we don't. Then again, Gaddis does admit that sometimes differences and conflicts can't be resolved and breaking up might be the best choice.