What's the main focus of this book?

The book focuses on building strong, healthy relationships by emphasizing respect, empathy, and effective communication.

Is this book suitable for singles or only for those in relationships?

This book is geared towards anyone looking to improve their relationships, whether you're single or in a committed partnership.

Are there any specific exercises or activities mentioned in the book?

Yes, the book includes some practical exercises and activities to help you apply the advice and improve your relationships.

Is this book a quick read or a comprehensive guide?

This book is a decent size, but it's not too long. You can easily finish it in a weekend or two, depending on your reading speed.

Can I expect any miracle solutions or overnight fixes from this book?

No, this book is a practical guide that emphasizes the importance of hard work and effort in relationships. It's not a magic bullet or a quick fix.

Is the author an expert in relationships or psychology?

The author is a relationship expert with years of experience, but they're not a professional therapist or psychologist.

Are there any other books like this one that I might enjoy?

Yes, if you enjoyed this book, you might also like other relationship guides that focus on communication, empathy, and effective relationships.

Can I return this book if I'm not satisfied?

Yes, most books come with a return policy. If you're not satisfied, you can usually return it for a full refund.

What can I expect from the book's writing style?

The writing style is straightforward and easy to follow, but it's not particularly engaging at times.

Are there any specific takeaways or key points from the book?

Yes, the book emphasizes the importance of respect, empathy, and effective communication in relationships. It also encourages readers to analyze their behavior and values.

From First Date to Wedding: A Refreshingly Raw Review

I'm a sucker for relationship guides, and I stumbled upon this little book that seemed worth checking out. The topic was pretty relevant, and the author promised to help you overcome relationship failures – a pretty bold claim, if you ask me.

The book is pretty small, as you can see from the photo. It's roughly the size of a regular book. I have to say, the content was a mixed bag, but I still think this book is worth reading. It's a practical guide with some useful advice, but you have to take it with a grain of salt.The good stuff:

✅ The main value of this book is that it actually talks about what's really important in relationships – like respect and empathy. It's something to think about, for sure.

✅ The book encourages you to analyze your behavior and values, rather than just blindly following advice. That's a valuable lesson, in my opinion.

I've had my fair share of experiences where strangers would call or text me at 11 or 12 PM. Communication with people like that is always strained due to their anticipated calls and messages, often right before or even during sleep.

Most people don't really consider their schedule or responsibilities. They only care about one thing: they're finally free after work and now they expect me to call them, regardless of how convenient it is for me.

How someone treats a woman is a fine line between integrity, morality, and class. It's like a masterclass in etiquette...

That's a truth that really resonated with me.

✅ Practicing effective communication is key. We all know that know-it-alls and complainers are a turn-off. The book doesn't provide examples of responses to 'sneaky' questions, but it does give you a nudge to think about it. I was able to come up with some positive and articulate responses to sensitive topics, where I needed to share my story from a place of strength, growth, and self-awareness. The book provides a solid foundation.

For instance, it's essential to learn and be able to talk optimistically about everyday life and yourself, without overdoing it;

Don't overwhelm the other person with a long list of your hobbies, even if you have many or few (at least, don't start with that); actually, it's better to talk about the other person or something that interests both of you, and you can even ask for adviceThere's no need to argue about anything, even if you disagree – just acknowledge the difference of opinion (and do it quietly, too)My answers to those 'sneaky' questions:

About my schedule. I'm not fully employed, I dedicate time to my 2.5-year-old daughter.

About my income. I've set up the government support I'm entitled to.

How do you handle the allowance? How much do they pay? My daughter's all about the dividends. To be honest, it's not always easy for me, but seeing my daughter smile and be happy is a great motivator.

And what about dad? Does he get involved? His involvement ended a long time ago. I'm managing on my own.

Are you looking for someone to help you carry this load? I'm looking for someone to share life's adventures with. As for the rest, I'm actually doing pretty well on my own.

What do you do besides taking care of your kid and household chores? Don't you get bored living like that? I'm a cross-stitch enthusiast, I love dancing in the kitchen, solving crosswords, and making lists of books and movies I want to read and watch someday. Boredom's for those who look at the world with a bored expression. Every day is an adventure for me, even going to the grocery store.

If you're on a date and you want to leave because of bad manners, off-color jokes, and so on... I have to admit, I'm not enjoying these interactions as much anymore. I think basic respect is a given. If the conversation's gone stale, I'm out of there. Goodbye.

And if they continue to argue or insult... I've made up my mind. Goodbye.

✅ This book is perfect for beginners and those who feel a bit lost. It takes away the uncertainty and anxiety, providing a clear, down-to-earth, and somewhat general structure for relationship development from the first phone call to the wedding. The book offers practical, step-by-step recommendations, but you should also listen to your intuition.

Letting a man know he's good and liked takes away the thrill of the hunt. Why put in the effort, time, and money if the bird is in a cage?

I've come to realize even more clearly that

You gotta set aside dedicated time for dating, rather than just ghosting them;First impressions do count, and looks do play a significant role – it's a trend that's definitely noticeable;Guys who are genuinely interested will usually plan at least four dates, and after that, you can occasionally take the initiative and suggest a meetup, especially if you're willing to cover the costs (some guys might be into horse racing, football, or car shows)They also break down some of the risks associated with dating, like what to do if you run into an ex or someone you know on a date. There are plenty of other unexpected situations that might come up. I don't entirely agree with some of the author's points, but it does make you think – what would you do in a situation like that?

To build a connection with your kid, you could try doing something like going to the bowling alley, zoo, kids' cafe, shooting range, amusement park, pool, or engaging in a sport together, giving them a gift, or even just hanging out at home.

They also offer some decent advice on how to behave when meeting your partner's parents or grandparents.

The key to all this is showing your fiancé's family that you're not the center of attention, that you're willing to support them, and that you don't expect to monopolize his time and resources. It's also about understanding that his parents and grandparents need attention too. Even if it's not true, it's about showing that you get it. Why? Because one day you'll be in their shoes, and you'll want to see your partner showing respect to your parents and grandparents.They also offer really practical advice on how to behave when meeting his friends.

For example, it's better to get to know his friends gradually, over a period of a few months. Before that, it's best to decline invitations. When you do meet up, don't show up empty-handed – ask what you can bring instead. And make sure to let everyone know where you're going and who you're with.A girl needs to feel like a proposal is on the horizon, and she needs time to think it through. If she's unsure, she should discuss it with her partner and do some more research. The author provides a list of specific questions to ask herself. After all, it's about becoming a wife and a mother, not a conflict resolution specialist.

Honestly, you'll probably have to accept that your partner might be a bit of a homebody, and that's not uncommon. But they should have the potential to learn and take care of themselves.

As you get older, your ability to overlook your partner's flaws if you're living a single life starts to fade away. The negative experiences from your past aren't going anywhere, though. The question is, how have you learned to deal with them, and how do you feel about them now?

You need to discuss the essentials before the wedding like habits, daily routines, downtime, household chores, cleaning, laundry, cooking, grocery shopping, expenses, social gatherings, and parties, and also:

The engagement should last from three months to six months. I liked the author's suggestion to propose in front of the parents, but it's not necessary. The author also suggests getting your future husband a gift for the engagement – a watch, a camera, a phone, a pen, or any other luxury item. Honestly, I think that's unnecessary, but it's up to you.

✅ If you flip the book over and start reading from the back, you can find a condensed version of the entire book, covering all the points, when you want to refresh your memory and go over the important stuff.

Headline of the abridged version

I've gone back to the expanded version of the first part and I'm just re-reading it. The chapters are pretty small and for some reason, it's easier for me to read the text. But overall, it's convenient to refer to the abridged version.

The main drawback of the book is the chaotic, hectic writing style, which makes it hard to read, even though the book is small. And the material is very general and somewhat outdated. Some rituals, like buying a luxurious gift for a guy on his engagement or a bathrobe for a guy's first sex, have actually lowered my overall impression. There are also step-by-step recommendations for guys on their first sex, including contraception - but not all girls are turned on by what the author describes.

By the way, here are some tips from the author:

Aphrodisiacs for men: seafood, meat, nuts, chocolate, red wine, coffee. Vegetables are fine. You don't need salads, sandwiches, or mini snacks.

For a date, you'll need candles, a short dress with a low neckline, loose hair, and music isn't necessary, but you can prepare a dance playlist.

In the bedroom - grapes, berries, nuts, a light, semi-sweet wine, and chocolate.

On the first night together, you can choose a movie beforehand - a playful, funny, or action-packed comedy. And in the morning, you can surprise each other with strawberries or grapes without seeds, or other small fruits.

I'm not a fan of giving false hope just to spare someone's feelings. It's not just about their self-esteem, but also about planting false expectations that can be worse than rejection. Being kind or polite isn't always honest. Rejection gives the other person a chance to learn from their mistakes, no matter how painful it is. Sometimes you genuinely connect with someone and feel a spark, but it fizzles out. With each rejection, you can learn to handle them better, focus less on them, and fill yourself with more positivity. Rejection means the person who rejected you realized you're not compatible, no matter how much you might've wanted to be together.

When it comes to getting to know someone, rejection is inevitable – it's just a matter of whose side it comes from.

⚠️One major downside is the terrible binding – the book literally fell apart as I read it.

My verdictThis book isn't the best in its genre, but it's worth reading – I wouldn't regret it. It's a useful 'opponent' in your inner dialogue, offering plenty to think about – your behavior, communication, and plans. It's like having an old-school, no-nonsense coach with unconventional methods, but its goal is to help you become stronger and more aware.

I didn't love everything about this book, but I was glad I read it. It's a small book, but it took me a while to get through, and that's exactly what it was supposed to do – make me think about all the situations I'd been in and how I'd handled them.

It's funny, but now that I've been through some tough situations, they seem less daunting. This book has become my go-to guide, and I re-read it before big meetings or dates. It's not a comprehensive guide, and I don't agree with everything in it, but that's the point – it's meant to get you thinking about what's really important right now.

What I love about this book is that it's made me think about my relationships, especially with my daughter. It's helped me realize the importance of communicating with her while I'm figuring out my own life.

I'd recommend reading this book with a critical eye, taking what's useful and leaving the rest behind. Don't just take everything at face value – enjoy the reading experience and take away what resonates with you. For me, this book has helped me clarify what I really want, what I consider non-negotiable, and how to communicate that with dignity and kindness.

That, to me, is the highest expression of good manners and emotional intelligence.

I wish I could give this book to all the men I know. Unfortunately, I don't think they'd read it.

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