Love Must Be Tough by James Dobson (2003, Paperback, Reprint)

Here's something to think about: "the person who needs the other least will always be in control of the relationship". (p.48) In most troubled relationships "a basic problem lies ominously below ... relatively minor irritants. It involves the way one party has begun to perceive the other.." (p. 49) What's lacking in this last case is RESPECT. Dr. Dobson tells you how to change your own behavior so the behavior of the other person will change. When I bought this book, I felt I was in a situation that would never change, that it was hopeless. Since reading it, I've practiced what's in the book, and things have actually started to turn around. And I thought I'd already tried everything! Well ... I had ... all the things I knew to try, at least, but Dr. Dobson has apparently been dealing with things like this for a long time, and his advice in the book is realistic and helpful. It actually works! When you read it, you'll see both yourself and the other person, and you'll see what needs to be changed and how to do it. If you really want to heal a troubled relationship, this is an excellent how-to book.