Don't Sweat the Small Stuff in Love: Simple Ways to Nurture and Strengthen Your Relationships While Avoiding the Habits That Break Down Your Loving Connection (Hardcover)

~ Richard Carlson (Author), Kristine Carlson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

This little book packs a lot of love advice. "Whatever shape your relationship is in--from troubled to absolutely wonderful--it can be even better, with very little effort," promise husband and wife Richard and Kristine Carlson. (Richard Carlson's original Don't Sweat the Small Stuff has sold more than a million copies.) In 100 essays, you learn simple strategies that "lighten your spirits, open your heart, enhance your life, and broaden your perspective." A tall order for a tiny book! (Actually, the book is only tiny because the print is small enough to make boomers and older readers wonder if they need stronger reading glasses--who made that silly decision?)

Many of the two- to three-page essay topics are familiar tips you've probably encountered before--let go of past history, be best friends, stop keeping score, be kind, express your love, be a good listener, and remember that your partner can't read your mind, for example. But even though they aren't earth-shaking or revolutionary, having 100 of them in one book makes it easy to read chapters with your partner and share views, discussing ways to put each strategy into action. And certainly if you use even a quarter of these relationship reminders, you and your partner can't help but become closer. This is the first book Richard has written with his wife, Kristine. The essays grew out of what the Carlsons have learned about keeping a relationship vital and loving over 14 years of marriage. --Joan Price

Product Description

North America's number one stress-reducing guru and New York Times bestselling author of the Don't Sweat the Small Stuff series now offers simple strategies for improving love relationships. He's helped millions of readers reduce the stress in their everyday lives, with their families, and in their jobs. Now Dr. Richard Carlson shows readers how to apply his immensely popular and helpful philosophy to one of the most difficult aspects of life; the romantic relationship. While depression, heartache, anger, and insecurity are widely associated with romantic love, the concept of stress is rarely identified as a problem. Yet we all have worries about our most important relationships, and this simple and elegant book outlines strategies for overcoming those fears. In one hundred brief, beautifully written essays, Dr. Carlson shows readers how not to overreact to a loved one's criticism, how to appreciate your spouse in new ways, how to get past old angers, and many others ways to improve and increase the joy and pleasure that can and should be a part of any partnership.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 269 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion (September 28, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786865091
• ISBN-13: 978-0786865093
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 5.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #226,445 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best relationship books ever written, December 10, 1999

By	Robert Middleton (Boulder Creek, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Richard and Kris Carlson have hit the vein of gold with this book. Each chapter is a polished gem of insight and truth. Pointing out the contrast between hurting behavior and loving behavior in such a way that you can't deny it, they give very practical, hands-on tips on how to be a better partner for life. My wife and I read a chapter aloud each day. We want it to stretch out as long as possible. It has already improved our relationship. If you have relationship troubles, order this book immediately!

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The blueprint for enlightened bahavior., October 26, 1999

By A Customer

This book is extremely well written and offers invaluable insights on how to grow and evolve as a human being. The applications here are universal, so it would be a valuable asset for anyone who is interested in humbling themselves and looking within and seeing ways to avoid life's constant pitfalls and lead a happier life. Everything discussed in the book is sound in thinking and reasoning, however you might think that putting into practice his teachings are easier said than done. But they're worth giving it a try, since you run the risk of increasing your own level of happiness. This book is extremely easy to read and is broken down into many many tiny chapters (2-3 pages max.)and each chapter has as its title to the subject matter he offers a solution to. I highly recommend it.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Profound insights delivered in a user-friendly way, November 8, 1999

By	pm444 "pm444" (Okemos, MI USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

I like the tone of the book almost as much as the content. The authors don't use psycho-babble, they approach the topic with a good sense of humor, and they share advice in a friendly and non-threatening way. The emphasis is on growth, not perfection. I immmediately found several areas where I had been getting caught up in self-defeating thoughts without realizing it. This is one book I will turn to first and often.