My friend Clarice is vice president of a leading media corporation and as anyone would guess, a charming, self-sufficient, resourceful, and decisive woman. But when it comes to a three-year relationship with her partner, Stuart, she sways like a willow in the Caribbean breeze. “I don’t know if it’s worth keeping him around,” she laments one day. The next? “I can’t live without the guy.” Two days later, it’s, “We’re fighting all the time . . . What’s the point?”
Well, one thing is for sure: Clarice isn’t alone. Lots of us are angsting over our relationships. According to a study at the University of Utah, of 276 couples interviewed, almost one-third reported being unhappy with their relationship. And in another survey, four in ten American women admitted if they had to do it over again—they wouldn’t. Yet, you’re still hanging in there. What gives?
Just like most things in life, relationships are complicated. Biologically speaking, at the start, there’s the unmistakable and unshakable endorphin rush—the release of a feel-good brain chemical—that makes us literally blinded by love. Interestingly, when it comes to love at first sight, men are the most susceptible and spontaneous. Researchers found guys can fall in love after only 8.2 seconds; it takes women on average, five times longer. Still, regardless of sex, there’s not much chance to reflect on what’s turning us on. No matter how momentary a reaction, once we’re head over heels in love, we see nothing in front of us but a lifetime of hot sex, eye-to-eye contact, comforting support, and deep, endearing communication.
According to scientists, this romantic rush lasts approximately three months. Then there’s the honeymoon period. Even if the initial jolt of endorphins has eased, we’re still entranced, or at least willing to suspend doubts. But between six months and a year later, most of us are haunted by these doubts. In fact, filled with them. Suddenly, Mr. Wonderful isn’t such a good listener, takes us for granted, is too touchy or an insensitive lug, spends all his free time with friends or hangs around moping, is a know-it-all or too indecisive, can’t get along with our family members, or panders, bullies, or quakes, forgets to put his socks away, leaves the bathroom mirror streaked, ignores our G-spot, overlooks Valentine’s Day . . . Well, the list of complaints goes on. We wonder whether it’s worth it. Should we stay together, or are the problems too damaging? Is it better to cut our losses now and split? Or can we salvage all the good stuff and work on what’s souring the partnership?
That’s where Relationship Repair comes to the rescue.
Relationship Repair is a workbook, venting diary, healing guide, diagnostic tool, and inspirational manual. It takes participants through the different dynamics of their relationship, covering areas such as:
• How much a couple knows about each other
• Their compatibility as a couple
• Their level of commitment
• Their argument styles
• Whether they can forgive past hurts
It also mines a duo’s weaknesses as well as enduring strengths, and it measures overall happiness. Through the use of quizzes, questionnaires, affirmations, and exercises, couples can discover where they come together and where they fall apart. It gives partners guidance on how to heal and keep their relationship healthy.
After each quiz is taken and scored, there is a pointed analysis, followed by advice on how to repair problems. Although the exercises are practical, there are no quick fixes; they require time and commitment. But here’s the good news: Many relationships are worth saving. After all, how often do we really fall in love or think we do?
Relationship Repair is also packed with the latest research to support its program. It covers subjects like love at first sight, whether opposites really attract, why we fall in love with people who are unavailable, the most effective way to argue, as well as other research-based reports. Throughout the book, expert advice from leading authorities in the field of relationships is offered, and there’s room at the end to write down your thoughts, ponder progress, and note areas that still need improvement. In addition, there are helpful affirmations to nurture the healing work and a checklist of key components all healthy relationships possess. Readers can use the checklist to acknowledge progress as their relationship evolves and improves. Included are quotes from wise minds to help inspire and lead couples in a new and more loving direction. The final section is a journal where you can write down your thoughts as your relationship grows and changes.
We can heal our relationships, but it’s important to use both our hearts and our minds in the process. That’s how Relationship Repair helps readers to become reasoned and rational as well as to exercise their heart muscles. For example, when your mind tells you to remember past hurts, listen to your heart and work on letting them go. When your mind tells you to hang on to the past, listen to your heart and work on forgiveness. Since carrying around old pain and anger only leads to anxiety and depression, readers receive tools on how to forgive and move on. The exercises throughout this book help release what is toxic and no longer needed. Ultimately, Relationship Repair brings participants to a stronger connection; renewed romance; and solid, sustainable love.
Whole and thriving relationships bring endless happiness and health to our lives. Countless studies show that people with healthy relationships possess a higher level of optimism and quantitatively less stress. There are proven ways to make relationships work. When readers follow the course in Relationship Repair, they will find themselves inhabiting a new romantic landscape with an open and energized outlook.
Good luck and good love.