The book I’m about to describe is far from new, but that’s okay since the principles discussed in it are timeless. “For Better or for Best,” by Gary Smalley is an important guide to achieving or rekindling a happy marriage. It is a woman’s handbook for building a strong relationship and motivating her husband to meet her needs and to love her the way she needs to be loved.
Mr. Smalley, with help from wife Norma, describes in detail the differences between men and women and explains how those differences can work for or against a marriage. Through anecdotes and examples, including personal stories, the book helps women understand how to use their intuition and gentle nature to motivate their husbands. It doesn’t teach manipulation tactics, instead it shows women how to love their husbands in a way that makes a man want to reciprocate.
There is a companion book for husbands, “If Only He Knew: What No Woman Can Resist.” This book teaches men to understand their wives better and to recognize their needs. It shows men how to encourage their wives to be more responsive to them.
Both books are based on the principle of genuine love for one’s mate. In the first book, Gary Smalley discusses the men’s book, and encourages women to use the “Better or Best” principles to motivate their husbands to read the companion book.
Mr. Smalley has also written several other books to help couples hone relationship skills are perfect the art of fully loving one’s spouse:
-Making Love Last Forever
-Secrets To Lasting Love: Uncovering The Keys To Lifelong Intimacy
-The Two Sides of Love
Each of these Gary Smalley’s books is based on unconditional love and Christian principles, although many non-Christian couples have also benefited from his books as well as his counsel.