Boundaries in Marriage (Hardcover)

by Henry Cloud (Author), John Townsend (Author) "Stephanie sat in front of the fireplace drinking her cup of herbal tea and reflecting upon the evening..." (more)
Key Phrases: passive spouse, reactive boundaries, controlling husband, The Law of Motivation, Garden of Eden (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Establishing and understanding boundaries are crucial to the success of a marriage, according to authors Cloud and Townsend, who cowrote the award-winning and biblically-based book Boundaries. For example, boundaries help us understand where one person ends and the other begins, the authors claim: "Once we know the boundaries, we know who should be owning the problem we are wrestling with," they write. "This issue of ownership is vital to any relationship, especially marriage." But more significantly, couples need to claim and take responsibility for the "treasures that lie within their individual borders," such as: "feelings, attitudes, behaviors, choices, limits, desires, thoughts, values, talents, and love." Based on the book that elevated them to national prominence, Cloud and Townsend caution readers not to use this self-help manifesto as a means to change one's spouse. Rather, this is a book about taking responsibility for oneself in all aspects of life, but especially within the boundaries of marital commitment.

Review
Two lives becoming one: That’s the marriage ideal. But maybe you’ve discovered that it’s easier said than done. How do you solve problems? How do you establish healthy communication? How do you work out conflict and deal with the struggle of differing needs? In the process of knitting two souls together, it’s easy to tear the fabric.

That’s why boundaries—the ways we define and maintain our sense of individuality, freedom, and personal integrity—are so important. And it’s why the principles described in Boundaries in Marriage are essential if you want your marriage to flourish.

Counselors and best-selling authors Henry Cloud and John Townsend, authors of the Gold Medallion Award-winning book, Boundaries, show how you and your mate can experience marriage at its best. You’ll learn how to deal with serious violations and betrayals and develop a haven of mutual love, care, appreciation, and growth. Boundaries in Marriage will show you: ? Why boundaries and the “Ten Laws of Boundaries” are vital for a thriving, productive marriage ? How values form the structure and architecture of marriage ? How to protect a marriage from intruders, whether parents, other people, affairs, or personal idols ? Why each partner needs to establish personal boundaries, and how to go about it ? How to work with a spouse who understands and values boundaries—and how to work with one who doesn’t

Whether you are just starting out as a couple, have been married for years, or are seriously contemplating marriage, Boundaries in Marriage will show you how to establish your own boundaries and respect those of your partner. Drawing on principles from the Bible, it can help you safeguard against relational fractures and mend existing cracks. It may even save your marriage. And it can help make even the best marriage better -- Publisher

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan; 1st ptg edition (September 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031022151X
• ISBN-13: 978-0310221517
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #119,783 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #39 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Authors, A-Z > ( T ) > Townsend, John
  #42 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Authors, A-Z > ( C ) > Cloud, Henry
  #94 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Psychology

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, January 3, 2000

By A Customer

This was a very good book. It helps you to concentrate on your errors and what you actually have control over. It helps you keep focused on what you can change about the relationship and not how you can change someone else.

43 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Common sense processes that aren't so obvious after all, February 12, 2000

By	Cara Presseau "cpresseau" (South Carolina) - See all my reviews

At first, this book seemed simplistic, but on further reflection is quite practical. I also liked that it has references to scripture and articulates Christian values in a clear way (rather than saying do this "because it's right", the book tells you where in the Bible the issue is addressed). It also points out the need for shared values - no relationship will last without them.

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Very helpful, December 26, 1999

By A Customer

Boundaries gives concrete examples of ways one learns to take responsibility for ones own feelings, thoughts, and actions. It clears the way for one to make choices for self which may impact another. The principals are sound and make a lot of sense.