Men's Relational Toolbox [Paperback]

Gary Smalley (Author), Greg Smalley (Author), Michael Smalley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 22, 2004

Using the right tool for the job makes sense when it comes to building or fixing things around the house. But when it comes to significant relationships, men often grab the tools that make them successful in the workplace—and then wonder why they didn't work. Through humorous anecdotes and practical advice, this engaging book will help men discover the set of tools they need to build and repair the relationships that are most important to them.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Gary Smalley is one of the country's best known authors and speakers on family relationships. He is the author and co-author of 16 best-selling, award-winning books along with several popular films and videos. He has spent over 30 years learning, teaching, and counseling. Gary has personally interviewed hundreds of singles and couples and has surveyed thousands of people at his seminars asking two questions: What is it that strengthens your relationships and what weakens them?

Gary and his wife, Norma, have been married for 40 years and live in Branson, Missouri. They have three children, Kari, Greg and Michael, and six grandchildren.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (January 22, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0842383204
• ISBN-13: 978-0842383202
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #999,303 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Positive perspective for guys constructing hot relationships, September 10, 2003

By 

Kevin A. Decker "Relationship Author, Educato... (Charlotte, NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Men's Relational Toolbox (Hardcover)

As a relationship and romance author, speaker, and coach I read a lot of books about dating, marriage, and romance. "Men's Relational Toolbox" is a MUST HAVE for guys!

The metaphor of tools in a toolbox gives guys immediate access to the message with terms and concepts that are easily understood. I really appreciate the fact that they thought long and hard about how to convey a positive perspective on men participating in a relationship.

You will find out:

Why men are the way they are...

What tools do we already have that we can bring to bear...

Conversational style differences between men and women...

The right tool to use and when...

Adding new tools...

The book then summarizes the one-two punch that has the greatest impact on relationships - good communication and positive action.

The best part of the book though is the final chapter on forgiveness. Every relationship brings hurts as we give more of ourselves and become more and more vulnerable. The levels of love given and pain inflicted are can be exhilarating and debilitating. I recently read a comment that said "Hatred is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die." Whether simple dislike, anger and frustration, or out and out hatred; Forgiveness is the antidote that heals the hurt and turns us back toward love. The five step process the book gives is an excellent tool that you should keep on the top of your toolbox.

Get yourself a copy of this book now. You, and your partner, will be glad you did.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Get It, December 14, 2003

By 

Kyle J. Baker "kjbnash" (Nashville, TN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Men's Relational Toolbox (Hardcover)

This book is a quick read, but it very comfortably covers a lot of important topics. Contrary to one of the reviews on the site, it tries very hard not to belittle men. Of course the authors are men. It starts with the premise that men are designed by God to do certain things well, lead, protect, and problemsolve, and that men get into relational trouble when they bring the "tools" of these trades and try to apply them in a relationship. Together with "Wild at Heart" by John Elderidge, it is a good kick in the pants to become the man God intends you to be.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Men don't have to be IDIOTS, September 26, 2003

By 

Kelly K. Dunn "quadzero" (the Heartland of the United States of America) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Men's Relational Toolbox (Hardcover)

Men's Relational Toolbox is a great resource for any man who is serious about his relationships. The Smalley guys have done a great job in presenting doable solutions for those who are relationship challenged. Men are NOT from Mars and women are NOT from Venus, we live right here on planet Earth and are wired different on purpose. Read this book to see why we are different, to understand that these differences mean that we ca relate to each other in such a way that can strengthen their God-ordained estate as husband and wife.