A helpful primer on what to expect during pregnancy and in the first days postpartum. This is a good starting place to learn the lingo and general ideA helpful primer on what to expect during pregnancy and in the first days postpartum. This is a good starting place to learn the lingo and general ideas so you can know what to look for if you need more information. There is a bit of dated information (my version is 2016 after all) and some eye squinting when it comes to causality and interpretation of studies/data, but that’s kind of par for the pregnancy course. It was nice to read ahead a bit to get an idea of how my body would feel at the different stages of pregnancy. ...more
A helpful guide best used in a group setting after completing The Road Back to You and The Path Between Us. Contains helpful information and practicalA helpful guide best used in a group setting after completing The Road Back to You and The Path Between Us. Contains helpful information and practical steps to loving self and loving others despite any type differences....more
While repetitive, What Did You Expect provides some much needed perspective on continually building a lasting marriage relationship. The enemy of a goWhile repetitive, What Did You Expect provides some much needed perspective on continually building a lasting marriage relationship. The enemy of a good marriage is a good marriage! Couples must consistently battle complaicency. Focusing on the constant forgiveness and grace needed to sustain marriage, Tripp encourages married couples in whatever stage they find themselves in - engaged, newly married, needing counseling, considering divorce. Marriage is hard work and requires each spouse correct their vertical relationship with God before being able to fully align their horizontal relationship with the other spouse. I love the concepts, the stories, and the repetition of this book. However, a few times while I was listening to the audio version, I found myself pausing to ask if I had gone back in the book recording - I had not! The threads Tripp weaves show up time and again. I only wish he had chosen a different way of relaying those points in order to take a slightly different angle in case a reader did not fully grasp the concept(s) earlier....more
Smalley focuses on anger from multiple sources, not just from the marriage relationship. He discusses how anger stems from many sources but has a drasSmalley focuses on anger from multiple sources, not just from the marriage relationship. He discusses how anger stems from many sources but has a drastic effect on you, your attitude and heart, and the closest human relationship you have - the one with your spouse. Smalley provides relatable anecdotes and scenarios, describing real (but not absolute) steps to take to come to a place of forgiveness. There is no formula, but it is about an emotional, spiritual, and sometimes physical shift in your way of living. This book was very timely for me as I deal with resentment during wedding planning, and growing in specific ways before my fiance and I share our wedding vows....more
Flooded with overgeneralizations, For Women Only served one purpose - a conversation starter. I asked if the thoughts included in the pages were accurFlooded with overgeneralizations, For Women Only served one purpose - a conversation starter. I asked if the thoughts included in the pages were accurate or applicable to my fiance, and he said it mostly missed the mark. I am glad we had the discussions we did while I was listening to the book, but I am also shocked at how little this book achieved its goal of explaining the inner lives of men. Maybe I just chose a weirdo... (100% joking)...more
Burns and Fields write in an accessible, practical, easy-to-follow format that can spark meaningful conversations for both spouses in the marriage relBurns and Fields write in an accessible, practical, easy-to-follow format that can spark meaningful conversations for both spouses in the marriage relationship. With statistics and stories from their lives and those they have encountered, The First Few Years of Marriage is extremely helpful in preparing for the daily realities of sharing life fully with another person. I specifically appreciated the chapter on fear and how to navigate conflict as well as the chapter on viewing your spouse with a positive attitude. Because the book draws on Biblical/Christian principles, I personally gained much considering the foundation for my upcoming marriage is our faith commitment to God. Burns and Fields present a realistic and healthy view of marriage - how it will always require course corrections to avoid "drift" - intentions aren't enough! Marriage isn't a once and done deal, but an everyday commitment to make adjustments to love your spouse better and also communicate your needs in a healthy way. The First Few Years of Marriage is a great book for couples as it is not written in favor of one spouse over another (although it being written by two men may at first pass indicate it would be). I will say that there is a general lack of insight for second marriages, and doesn't delve deeply into how different life situations (who works where, closeness to in-laws, etc.) affect marriage - the application of the overarching principles from the book definitely falls on the reader....more
A decent guide to conversations that should be had before your wedding. Not the most comprehensive or in depth, but helpful as a starting point. The dA decent guide to conversations that should be had before your wedding. Not the most comprehensive or in depth, but helpful as a starting point. The devotionals are lacking - it is just a couple pages to read through, no questions....more
I loved the perspective of this book. I was hesitant to read at first because the whole idea felt misogynistic (although I'm sure some things can stilI loved the perspective of this book. I was hesitant to read at first because the whole idea felt misogynistic (although I'm sure some things can still be interpreted that way) but after listening to the title of the first chapter I knew I was in for some sound Biblical advice. Smalley bookends 10 Things with taking care of yourself as the helper (note: not a derogatory word in the Biblical context) and maintaining a friendship with your spouse, and I just love that. With practical ways to make your life more vibrant and how to serve your husband in the role of wife (which actually positions you to receive the blessings of a serving husband, I think), 10 Things sticks out as one I'll revisit during my marriage. Who knows, I may have my man listen or read this one!...more
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