Staying Together: The Control Theory Guide to a Lasting Marriage (Paperback)

by William Glasser (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
"There are too many married strangers," asserts Glasser, originator of Reality Therapy and the Control Theory. Here he applies his principles to romantic and sexual relationships. Human beings, to be fulfilled, must satisfy one or more of five needs: survival, love, power, freedom and fun. These are genetically based, and not everyone's needs are the same. Thus the interplay of different needs determines whether a match is workable. For example, those with a high need for love should probably avoid those with a strong drive for freedom unless other needs balance out. Although two "high-power" people are nearly always ill-matched, according to the author, high-love pairs are not. By determining what makes us happy?our "quality world"?we can decide how to stop "choosing" behaviors in potential partners that lead to misery for both. Included is a test designed to help readers and their spouses discover their needs and thus their compatibility. A thought-provoking addition to the self-help genre.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist
Glasser, author of Control Theory (1985) and various books that apply principles of the control theory to business and classroom situations, now applies the same principles to marital relationships. A recent widower, Glasser explains how he applied his psychiatric axiom--" the only person we can control is ourself" --to locating an appropriate spouse. Glasser defines basic human needs (love, survival, power, freedom, and fun) and then elaborates on how an individual's internal rating of these needs make them more, or less, compatible with others. An interesting theory, keenly depicted, and as sensible as any for locating a spouse. Denise Perry Donavin --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Harper Perennial (April 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060926996
• ISBN-13: 978-0060926991
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #618,889 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Only relationship book you'll need, April 10, 2002

By A Customer

I bought this book a few years ago right after I decided to leave my husband. This book helped me to stop wondering about my decision by getting me to understand different types of relationships and how or if they were salvagable. Another important aspect of this book is that it gave me hope for future relationships. This is a book I think everyone should read. It is clear and concise. There are assignments that get you thinking about the kind of mate you are. My favorite exercise was to write a description of the kind of mate I'd like to have.