Customer Reviews

Dating & the Pursuit of Happiness

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With the onset of warm weather and longer days, our thoughts easily turn to romance. Actually meeting that "special someone," however, can be a daunting, overwhelming task.

There are plenty of books on bookstore and library shelves about dating, romance, flirting, and the "rules." Many of these books suggest we engage in subterfuge, obnoxious flirting and manipulative tactics to capture the attention and hearts of our love interest. It's no wonder we are continually disappointed by new relationships.

The practical advice of a locally published author, Dolah Saleh, in her newest book, Dating and the Pursuit of Happiness, addresses these very issues. Saleh tackles the basic premise of finding a meaningful other, without compromising yourself.

Saleh begins her guide with the "Principles of an Effective Search." Though the excitement of a first date is reduced to a business-like "interview," she compares the search for a mate to "going for that first job you know you would love." By keeping practical matters in mind---such as whether this person possesses similar values and goals to yours---Saleh advises, you will be better able to make wise long-term decisions and avoid wasting time.

In Dating and the Pursuit of Happiness, Saleh emphasizes the importance of being yourself. While this in itself is not exactly a brand-new revelation, the practical application of such advice is demonstrated through personality assessment questionnaires aimed to evaluate communication style and personality preferences. By being able to identify and understand these personality types and how they differ, Saleh provides another means by which to assess and how to improve your relationships.

A highlight of Saleh's book is her "DateNotes," which offer a quick reference of tips on everything from break-ups to personal ads. Dating and the Pursuit of Happiness does not cover new ground in the world of dating, and is in need of a tighter edit; however, for those of us seeking realistic advice on building better relationships, this book is a good start.

---Reviewed by Leslie Banks and Laura Saetveit, Buffalo Spree Magazine, Summer 1999

I want a girl, who ,never smoke,and must be good charcter and very much caring, I promise you that I will give my whole love and my all good thingsto you.