Publisher's Synopsis
Relationships are at worst complicated and at best mutually rewarding. For many people their experience with relationships stop at the complicated end. They reach out, get burned, and then retreat to their shell, only to end up with a long list of broken relationships, and a heart full of painful memories. But what if there was a way that each of us could be assured that our relationships can be refreshing, fulfilling, and mutually rewarding? I am sure many of us would jump at the chance to find that way. This book is the culmination of wisdom gleaned through counseling, leading small groups that focus on relationship, and conducting relationship seminars over the past eighteen years. The content is tried and tested. The concepts are by no means simple. But if they are mastered, your relationships will never be the same. I would not want you to get the feeling that this book is only for couples intending to have a romantic relationship. The book is for every one desiring to have a close friend. The book clearly lays out a path to developing healthy and fulfilling relationships. Friendships are not made automatically. We must take the time necessary to learn about each other and to learn about ourselves. Our personalities, cultures and subcultures shape who we are and are becoming. We must take the time necessary to unravel these forces in order to develop meaningful relationships. Only then will we be able to find the deep fulfilling joy that comes in a healthy relationship. This book can be read for educational purposes or as a small group resource. At the end of each chapter are probing discussion questions. The goal is that readers will be able to practically apply what they have learned in each chapter. The book itself is divided into ten chapters. Each chapter builds on the other. The work has three major conceptual divisions; first the socio-dynamic of relationships, second, the psychodynamic of relationships and third, the spiritual dynamic of relationships. The reader will find that the book integrates sociological, psychological, and theological concepts. Many books on relationships have been guilty of an over emphasis on one of the above areas as against the others. Sometimes in spite of our best efforts our relationships still fall on hard times. The question we face is what do we do when our relationship starts going bad? Chapter nine gives some practical help to deal with relationship decline. Today divorce is almost as common as marriage itself. Chapter ten takes a look at this subject of divorce and remarriage. It explores some very unconventional research on the subject and then gives some practical insights on how we might treat this subject. This book can be read alone. However, I would suggest that you read it with your significant other. More benefit will be derived if both people are working from the same knowledge base.
