Why Did I Marry You Anyway?: Overcoming the Myths That Hinder a Happy Marriage [Paperback]

Barbara Bartlein (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 22, 2007

Barbara Bartlein has worked with hundreds of couples as they have worked to save their marriages, and she is now ready to share the secrets of what they have learned together. A happy, successful marriage almost always is the result of hard work and commitment, she says, but all too often, people don't know what to do to improve their marriages. This is where Why Did I Marry You Anyway?" fills the gap. With '12.5 strategies' that cover all the common problems in relationships?like money, children, sex, and in-laws?she tells couples what to do and shows them how to do it. Each chapter approaches these problems in the same way. First, a common complaint is explored. Second, common myths that block solutions to the problem are identified and helpful ways of countering them are suggested. Third, case studies illustrate the concepts in action. Finally, quizzes and tools provide opportunities to practice these new skills and behaviors.

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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

BARBARA BARTLEIN is a professional speaker, successful businesswoman, and writer. Her column, "Success Matters," appears widely in professional periodicals including The Business Journal and SalesMasterMind. The president of Great Lakes Consulting Group, she lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 332 pages
• Publisher: Cumberland House Publishing; Revised ed. edition (November 22, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 158182632X
• ISBN-13: 978-1581826326
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #428,101 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Barbara is The People Pro.' She provides consultation, training and keynotes across the country and is considered an expert in relationships. She is Past-President of the National Speaker's Association-Wisconsin Chapter. Barbara is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) an earned designation by the National Speakers Association held by less than 8% of the speakers in the world.

Holding a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in philosophy and psychology, Barbara obtained her nursing degree from Beth-El School of Nursing in Colorado Springs, Colo. She obtained her master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Barbara previously co-owned and operated CNR Health, Inc., a managed health care company. She was Vice-President of Operations for St. Mary's Hospital, Milwaukee, WI and oversaw five corporations in that role.

Her clients include Johnson Controls International, Northwestern Mutual, Discover Financial, SBC Global Network and Miller Brewing.

She is the author of 'The People Pro,' a column which appears in The Business Journal, SalesMasterMind, and Nursing Matters magazines. Barbara is a contributor for the Chicken Soup for the Soul Series. Her book, Why Did I Marry You Anyway? Overcoming the Myths That Hinder a Happy Marriage sold out the first edition and has been a best seller on Amazon. Her new book, Energy Suckers'How to Deal With Annoying and Difficult People, is scheduled for release next year.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Like Chatting with a [knowledgeable] Friend, September 6, 2003

By 

Roger E. Herman (Greensboro, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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

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!

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Get Your Copy Now!, October 15, 2004

By 

Sandi Knudson (Crivitz, WI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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

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!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Question!, October 16, 2003

By 

Judy Jackson (Santa Barbara, CA) - See all my reviews

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

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!