Don't Sweat Guide for Couples, The: Ways to Be More Intimate, Loving and Stress-Free in Your Relationship (Don't Sweat Guides)

"There's no question about it, Carlson has made a franchise out of "Don't Sweat." One would expect it to gather moss. Not so. Carlson pulls another one out of the hat with counsel for couples that is often overlooked. "
~ Written on 2008-03-10

"If you normally enjoy the Richard Carlson "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff..." books, I did find this book somewhat enjoyable. There are some differences from the other "Don't Sweat" books. I noticed that it was written "by the editors of," so it isn't actually written by Richard Carlson. The foreward is by Richard Carlson. The main difference I noticed, which was the deal breaker for me, is that this book didn't relate personal stories the way other "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" books do. I think the personal anecdotes in Richard & Kristine Carlson's "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff in Love" are what really made that book special and more importantly, relevant. Unfortunately this book lacked that personal touch. Still good general advice."
~ Written on 2007-11-25

"As a counsellor, I have heard couples express time and time again, "there just isn't enough time." We all have twenty-four hours in a day; how we choose to spend those hours is our choice. In today's hectic, fast-paced world, we have a lot on our plate. Careers, children, parents, friends, chores, community activities, the list of priorities seems endless. So often we make the mistake of allowing life to control us, rather than taking control over our life and often the people who fall last on the list of priorities are your partner and yourself. Through all our daily turmoil, it is important to remember that happy, fufilling relationships do not just happen, they need to be nourished and tended with loving care so they will continue to flourish and grow.

As a rule I am not a huge fan of Richard Carlson, simply because his writing style is generally too elementary for my personal taste. That is not to say there is anything materially wrong with his work, no, not by any means, but my personal perference is for material that is more in-depth (perhaps that is the psychologist's nature coming out in me.) This book is common sense, too, but it does offer some very basic ways for couples to improve their relationships and emphasises the importance of spending quality time together as a couple.

In addition, partners can worry, fume and fret over very inconsequential matters. Harsh words are spoken, tempers flair and before you know it, the trivial matter becomes a full-blown agruement. As Carlson might say, "Don't sweat the small stuff!" Love has a way of bringing out the best and the worst in us. Readers who want to improve their relationships but do not want to get bogged down in a lengthy, mind-absorbing self-help book, will find this book simple, straight forward and easy to read."
~ Written on 2001-10-04