Customer Reviews

Why Did I Marry You Anyway?: 12.5 Strategies for a Happy Marriage (and the Mythinformation That Gets in the Way)

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Wouldn't it be nice to have a marriage counselor for a friend? And wouldn't it be nice to have a friend as a marriage counselor? Everyone is who is married-happily or aspiring to be happy-needs to continually examine and reinforce all those wonderful positive reasons you chose your mate...and chose to stay with your mate for all those days, months, years, decades...lifetimes. Marriage isn't easy or perfect. It's a special relationship that you have to work hard to make work.

OK, so how do you make a marriage work? Well, first you shatter all the myths about skipping down the daisy-lined paths along the white picket fence. Life isn't like what we see in some of those movies and television shows that make it all seem so easy. Barbara knows. She's been there, done that...and shares her life in personal disclosures that are comfortable and instructive. Readers will feel that they are building a friendship with this author, sitting over a cup of coffee-or herbal tea-at the table in cozy breakfast nook.

Barbara (we're feeling that first-name comfort now) will tell you what works and what doesn't. Her life and experience as a therapist, combined with her work as a consultant and professional speaker, will enable her to really get her points across in ways that we can understand, relate to, and put to work.

Challenges in your marriage? Lay `em out. Is the commitment really there? Can I count on you? I married you because you were perfect; now change! You're just like your father, mother, brother, sister, etc. Why don't we do things together? Money, intimacy, kids. Just about everything you can imagine will bubble to the surface in these pages. You'll read the myths and the realities. Stories, case studies, tools and end-of- chapter quizzes enhance the value of this book. No index: doesn't need one, but there is a helpful section of resources at the end of the book.

You'll learn. You'll laugh. You'll shake your head and nod your head. You'll read sections to your spouse. And, as you share the concepts of this book, your marriage will become even stronger. Extra note for business owners, executives, and managers, many of the things you read just might have some application for a different kind of marriage: the relationship between employer and employee.

Warning: Don't expect to read this book at one sitting. There's too much content to absorb that quickly. Besides, because you'll want to share with others too frequently, your reading will be constantly interrupted!

What a great book! It's funny, easy to read and thought-provoking...even for those who don't have major problems in their marriage. (Initially, I thought I'd read this book and grab a couple pointers to pass onto another couple who really needed help, but as I read, I found myself thinking "Hey! I think she's talking to me here!")

Barbara Bartlein is down-to-earth, honest and explicit with her strategies. She addresses every aspect of married life and offers new perspective for continuous problems. Struggling with in-laws?...See chapter 4. Financial troubles?...Chapter 10 will help. Contemplating children?...Must read chapter 12!

Barbara is also generous with her personal experiences that help the reader connect with her invaluable insights. Each chapter is divided into short sections so the busy reader can enjoy tidbits of information with morning coffee, while standing in line at the checkout counter, or waiting for children at sporting events.

I highly recommend this book not only to married couples, but to those considering the ever challenging union of matrimony. A great idea for a shower gift!

My friends all laughed when I told them the title of this book that I'm so enthusiastic about. And we know they are laughing because everyone who has ever been married has asked the same darn question: "why did I marry you anyway?"

This book did have me laughing, for sure (the author's husband is a hoot). But don't let the witty title fool you: this author knows what she is talking about. This is not pop psychology! Bartlein backs up her material with experience as a therapist, and gives tons of case studies, self-quizzes, intriguing quotes, practical tips and usable solutions to help people overcome the dangerous patterns and bad habits (MythInformation) that can wreck a relationship.

"Why Did I Marry You Anyway?" is eye-opening and a very fun read (this is not another one of those relationship books that gathers dust on your bedside table).

If you are married now, or plan to be married someday, this is a must-read!

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for quick tips to make marriage easier. It's a quick read, and really gets to the point quickly. The tips provided are realistic and easy to implement. The examples in the book are practical though not all may apply. It's simple to skip to parts that do apply to you. This author gives the impression that she is very open, honest and really wants her tips to help. I would buy this book again.

Why Did I Marry You Anyway is a great book for strengthening, affirming and encouraging any marriage. But don't let the title fool you - it isn't really about your spouse as much as it is about you. The title does give a great clue to the humor and approachable attitude that Bartlein carries throughout the book. In addition, she provides helpful strategies that I found useful in my own marriage. The book kept me thinking about what I can do to improve rather than what my husband could do to improve. I bought this book on a whim and have been very happy with my purchase. I plan to keep this one on my bookshelves!

Married just under two months, I found myself laughing out loud in the doctor's office and waking my husband from his sleep to share the laughter of Charlie Oatmeal's latest tomfoolery. This book has two outstanding qualities: it's real and it's funny. Barbara Bartlein forces us to step down from our high horses and take a look in the mirror in a way that isn't threatening. She's genuine in admitting her own guilt and struggle every step of the way. Secondly, if she doesn't make you laugh, her husband certainly will. I felt a deep connection not only with Bartlein and her husband, but with all married couples. It has provoked countless discussions between my husband and I and inspired me to let things roll off my back and keep things in their proper perspective. It's easy to pick up and tough to set down- a book I'm certainly going to keep around for when the laundry pile is higher and the load a bit heavier. There's something in this book for everyone! You'll find yourself shaking your head often.

I read this book in one day and laughed out loud hundreds of times. I enjoyed the author's comments about her husband and raising her kids. She is an experienced marriage counselor and she tells her observations in general, along with stories of clients who have asked her for help. She was very sincere and down to earth. Her advice is practical and the recommendations are ones that any man or woman can use in his or her marriage. I would recommend this book to anyone who has been married for a year or longer. Single people would not appreciate the jokes.

When my friend recommended this book to me I wasn't sure if I wanted to read it seeing as I am un-married. However, after reading the first two chapters I was hooked on the humorous and helpful advice Barbara gives for all relationships--not just marriage. I would highly recommend reading this book to anyone looking to strengthen the relationships in their life.

Barb Bartlein's book is a good read for anyone interested in enriching relationships I am a psychotherapist doing a great deal of marriage counseling and have already recommended Why Did I Marry You Anyway? to several of my client couples. I'm grateful for this resource.
Jo Donovan

Barbara Bartlein's easy to read yet thoughtful book on marriage was perfectly timed for me and my own 23 year marriage. She makes typical problems fun and less typical ones solveable. Her sense of humor comes through - which is what every long marriage needs. Thank you, C.Maxey