For Better or for Best :: Education by Design Store

Customer Reviews

A little disappointed

2004-01-07
My husband bought this book and its companion, If He Only Knew, since we need to work on strengthening our marriange. I was glad that he took the initiative and was eager to read the book, but I found myself a bit disappointed by the content. While the basic concepts seem good, I found the examples and suggestions to be rather outdated. It was originally published in 1979, and, despite some revisions, seems to belong to a different time -- that of 25 years ago. The book seems to lean too much toward the idea of the wife being submissive to her husband, and encourages her to look nice and greet him with a smile when he comes home from work, which sounds very much like the Home Economics textbooks from the 1950s. I feel that the author's suggestions do not really speak to me in today's world.

You will NOT be disappointed; life-changing!!

2002-10-02
My fiance and I recently completed pre-marital counseling with our Pastor and were somewhat disappointed with the standard materials given to us as they were more suited for individuals who hadn't known each for a really long time....we discovered these books and I picked up this copy and he picked up "If Only He Knew" the companion book to "For Better or For Best." Now my fiance is not a reader by nature, but the book kept him enthralled as to the insights it offered on how to be a good husband and understand your wife. In reading the chapters in this book, I have found them to be amazingly dead-on and incredibly helpful...the "Salt" technique is hilarious but very useful. Much as we like to think our own experiences and issues are unique, in reading this book I have found comfort in knowing that many of the relational issues between men and women are fairly universal and can be easily resolved by mutual understanding and a focus on Christ's example of serving. If you are in a serious relationship and are contemplating marriage, I strongly recommend these books....they have been not only fun to read but have stimulated my fiance and I to incorporate many of the suggestions in the book to improve communication; I was the type of person who figured that I knew all the issues and what i was supposed to do, that it was just a matter of application...but after reading these books, I can happily say I was wrong and learned much more. I can't say that about many books I have read on the same topic...the books are extremely practical and lifechanging.

A MUST READ for every couple.

2002-02-21
I reccomend this set of books to all my friends and family who are planning marriage, or who are married already and having some difficulties. It is an EXCELLENT book on comunication, learning how to express your feelings and needs without hurting your mate's feelings in the process. I think even high school students could benefit from these books in learning how to comunicate effectively in relationships. Many of the principals of comunication used in the example of a marriage relationship can be extended to other familial and friendship relationships as well. My husband and I read these books just months after our wedding, and we have been married for 11 years now. We've had our arguments, disagreements, and hurt feelings, but the comunication skills we learned early on helped us to get through the rough times without tearing each other apart. Because we know underneath it all we still love each other. If you are looking for a counselor in a box, this very well might be the miracle you've been searching for.

A Must Read For Any Couple

2001-02-13
I began reading this book because I wanted to know more about what my husband thinks and feels, and what I need to do to make our relationship more fullfilling. I haven't been able to put the book down since I applied the first suggestion on what I can do in daily situations to improve our communication and his understanding. He is a different man when I appply simple ways to handle certain situations. I have learned more about his thinking and in return he is fullfilling my needs emotionally, spritually and physcially. You do not need to be Christian to apply these basic principals that actually make sense. This book is a must read for new realtionships as well as vetern marriages.

ALL

2000-07-14
All women should have to read this before marriage.

Woman's bootcamp for strengthening your marriage

2008-05-30
Don't take the book lightly! It provides very thought-provoking exercises to help a woman reflect on her marriage.

Definitely a MUST-READ!!

2008-03-04
This book is definitely a must read for any woman who truly wants to know and love her husband and be truly known and loved by him! This book was recommended to me, and I definitely recommend it to any married or engaged couple, along with its companion book, "If Only He Knew". Even if you don't love to read, this book is entertaining, informative, and encouraging. You will not want to put it down!

For Better or for Best

2008-02-21
Our councilor gave me this book to learn to communicate and admire my husband. Well, for the first time we talked to each other in a way where we became closer and didn't argue. This book is for the woman to read and "If Only He Knew," is to be read by your man. If you read and apply the wisdom and want your relationship singing, please take the time to restore the love between each other. Maybe this will be one less divorce in the world, yours.

A "Must Read" for every couple

2005-09-23
My husband and I have been married for over 17 years. We were given this book and its companion "If He Only Knew" as a wedding gift and I have found the information to be timeless. The principles laid out provide the advanced communication skills needed in order to build and maintain a sucessful relationship. While I know some may see use of the techniques as manipulation, it is really only manipulation if it only benefits one person. Learning to communicate more effectively with your spouse through better communication methods never benefits only one person in the relationship. I have recommended this book and its companion to a lot of couples over the years and have seen many of them experience more joy and satisfaction in their marriage.

Exceedingly Disappointed

2004-07-07
I found the content of this book to be completely appalling. To me, the book suggested ways to "manipulate" your spouse by couching it in terms of "salting" to get what you want. Shameful. There are too many other books available to help strengthen marriages without learning to manipulate your spouse. I would never recommend this book to anyone. If you want a good book to help strengthen a marriage, try "What Every Woman Desires" instead.