Simple Loving (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Like a musty old house cluttered by years of knickknacks, personal relationships deserve a good "cleaning out" more often than most couples realize. So espouses Janet Luhrs, author of the bestselling Simple Living Guide, in this inspirational collection of intimate profiles, poems, detailed tips, and resources for nurturing one's most precious relationships--not just that with one's partner but with children and other family members as well. She begins by exploring the "special closeness" experienced by deeply satisfied couples who have simplified their lives. Identifying "the examined life, the examined relationship" as a commonality among these folks, she parses loving relationships into three elements: the individual, the couple, and the couple as it relates to the outside world. Luhrs draws from a multitude of sources to help the reader consciously define, honor, and balance these three critical pieces; the result is a beautifully written tool for fostering more genuine and sustainable relationships.

The first section, "It Starts with Me," teaches gentle lessons on tuning into oneself. A critical look at values, including forgiveness, compassion, and trustworthiness offers the reader a firm, authentic foundation on which lasting relationships can be built. Section 2, "Being Together," illustrates the need for simplicity and sanctity within a home; details abound regarding feng shui, igniting the physical senses, and treating the relationship as its own entity. Throughout the book, Luhrs quotes ancient and contemporary philosophers, novelists, and of course, the successful couples she has interviewed extensively. Excellent resource guides accompany each chapter. Whether preparing for a new relationship or hoping to recharge a simmering one, readers who appreciate an array of practical and spiritual guidance will find plenty within these loving pages. --Liane Thomas

Product Description

Janet Luhrs is the author of the bestselling The Simple Living Guide and publisher of a leading newsletter in the field. In this extraordinarily useful sourcebook she shows readers how to apply the principles of simplicity to develop deeper, more passionate, and more loving relationships. Woven throughout are inspirational quotes, effective relationship practices, and many recommended resources.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 274 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (July 3, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140196102
• ISBN-13: 978-0140196108
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #691,187 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

47 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Easy read, lots of tips for sustaining relationships, July 18, 2000

By	Joan Trabucco (Pacifica, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Enjoyed this book tremendously, especially since the author herself indicates she is divorced so why should she be considered the expert but I found that I couldn't put the book down. It was filled with lots of tips, ideas and referenced other books I could refer to if I wanted further information. I finished it in just 3 days. Easy to read, easy to reference, lots of tips at sustaining relationships with partners as well as other family members. Especially enjoyed the chapter on clearing your space and her frequent references to other books written by authors. Good reference book. I liked the part of keeping the bedroom, the bedroom! Good book if you are trying to sustain and build on your relationship.

47 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Handbook for Better Relationships, July 16, 2000

By	Rebecca R. Hadley "Rebecca R. Hadley" (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews

This wise and wonderful book came to me exactly when I needed it. I've only had it for a few days, but it's already helped open the lines of communication between my husband and myself.

In "Simple Loving", Janet Luhrs presents a new model for intimate relationships -- one based on compassion, empathy, honesty and self-care. A very refreshing change from the game-playing of books like "The Rules."

Like her previous book ("Simple Living") this book follows the same formula of using real life couples to illustrate the points in each chapter. They provide real life role-models for a deeper, more intimate relationship.

Being rooted in the simplicity movement, this book may not be for every couple. Luhrs believes that love is about more than your mate's appearance or the car they drive. But at the same time, you don't have to be a back-to-the-lander to appreciate her eloquent message of deep love and committment.

If you're intrigued my the idea of a love (and life) less ordinary, this may be just the book you're looking for.