For Better or for Best by Gary Smalley, Steve Scott (1991, Paperback, Reprint)

Gary Smalley offers his version of what motivates men, & how women can use their "natural attractive qualities" to build a better marriage. He "helps" women understand not only the way men think, but also how to move a man's heart??? Using case histories and biblical illustrations, he seems to think that his advice solves , albeit with empathy, humor, and wisdom, every problem a woman can face in her marriage.

Now I won't put Smalley in the same pigeonhole as the author of the Mars & Venus series, because, after all, John Gray is obviously from Mars, & Smalley doesn't claim to be. However, their ludicrous belief that the little woman should be THE problem-solver, using her charm & the patience of a SAINT, is , well, ludicrous! It takes TWO to tango!

While Gray in his version of a perfect marriage more or less wants the little woman to wait OUTSIDE the "cave" with infinite patience & a great big, loving smile & food & drink, at least Smalley tries to apply Biblical codes of conduct.

Smalley uses a fresh approach, more or less, but, it's my opinion that Dr. James Dobson does a much better job of this business of marriage counselling than anyone else on the market today. Dobson's two books, WHAT EVERY WOMAN WISHES HER HUSBAND KNEW ABOUT WOMEN, & STRAIGHT TALK TO MEN and THEIR WIVES, at least puts husbands in a more involved role in solving marital problems, & understanding the FEMALE point of view.

Smalley has some nice work here, but it falls short. Overall, it's a good read, & better than the usual men-tell-women-how-to-please-her-man drivel. Better than Mars & Venus at least.