For Better or for Best (Mass Market Paperback)

~ Gary Smalley (Author), Norma Smalley (Author) "Jim stared silently at the television set while Carol ached in, wondering why he was angry at her again..." (more)
Key Phrases: salt principle, better marriage, Prince Charming

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This book outlines steps wives can take for better marriages, shows emotional and motivational differences between sexes, and offers practical how-to advice.

From the Publisher

Be sensitive to your emotional and
romantic needs?
Comfort you when you're down?
Spend more time with you?
Listen to what you have to say?
Appreciate you?
Do more around the house?
Spend time with the kids?
Be your most intimate friend?

Gary Smalley explains what motivates men and how women can use their natural attractive qualities to build a better marriage. He helps women understand not only the way men think, but also how to move a man's heart. Using case histories and biblical illustrations, he addresses with empathy, humor, and wisdom every practical and emotional problem a woman can face in her marriage. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (December 8, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031021467X
• ISBN-13: 978-0310214670
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #40,017 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't Give Up!, December 4, 1999

By	Patricia J. Furgason (Wisconsin, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: For Better or for Best (Paperback)

I read "For Better or for Best" in January of 1995 when I was on the verge of a second divorce. I did not want a divorce but my husband was pulling further and further away from me. After I read this book (in 24 hours flat), my life began to change. My relationship with my husband did a 180 degree turn. This book is a must read for any woman who truly wants to know and love her husband and be truly known and loved by him.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST READ for every couple., February 21, 2002

By A Customer

I reccomend this set of books to all my friends and family who are planning marriage, or who are married already and having some difficulties. It is an EXCELLENT book on comunication, learning how to express your feelings and needs without hurting your mate's feelings in the process. I think even high school students could benefit from these books in learning how to comunicate effectively in relationships. Many of the principals of comunication used in the example of a marriage relationship can be extended to other familial and friendship relationships as well. My husband and I read these books just months after our wedding, and we have been married for 11 years now. We've had our arguments, disagreements, and hurt feelings, but the comunication skills we learned early on helped us to get through the rough times without tearing each other apart. Because we know underneath it all we still love each other. If you are looking for a counselor in a box, this very well might be the miracle you've been searching for.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You will NOT be disappointed; life-changing!!, October 2, 2002

By A Customer

My fiance and I recently completed pre-marital counseling with our Pastor and were somewhat disappointed with the standard materials given to us as they were more suited for individuals who hadn't known each for a really long time....we discovered these books and I picked up this copy and he picked up "If Only He Knew" the companion book to "For Better or For Best." Now my fiance is not a reader by nature, but the book kept him enthralled as to the insights it offered on how to be a good husband and understand your wife. In reading the chapters in this book, I have found them to be amazingly dead-on and incredibly helpful...the "Salt" technique is hilarious but very useful. Much as we like to think our own experiences and issues are unique, in reading this book I have found comfort in knowing that many of the relational issues between men and women are fairly universal and can be easily resolved by mutual understanding and a focus on Christ's example of serving. If you are in a serious relationship and are contemplating marriage, I strongly recommend these books....they have been not only fun to read but have stimulated my fiance and I to incorporate many of the suggestions in the book to improve communication; I was the type of person who figured that I knew all the issues and what i was supposed to do, that it was just a matter of application...but after reading these books, I can happily say I was wrong and learned much more. I can't say that about many books I have read on the same topic...the books are extremely practical and lifechanging.