Part 1: Her Needs/His Needs: Decoding the Mystery

Marriage—Playing for Keeps

• The Benefits of Staying Committed
• Commitment Isn’t Enough
• High Expectations

Her Need for . . .

• Love and Affection
• Emotional Security
• Appreciation for Domestic Efforts
• Appreciation for Efforts to Look Attractive
• Romantic Attention

His Need for . . .

• Admiration for Appearance, Abilities, and Character Traits
• Approval and Support
• Respect
• Sexual Fulfillment

Part 2: How to Live With an Imperfect Mate

Acceptance

• What Is Acceptance?
• Acceptance—An Irrepressible Need to Be Loved and Approved
• The Key to Acceptance

Habits That Destroy Relationships

• Destructive Habit Number 1: Nagging
• Destructive Habit Number 2: Angry Outbursts
• Destructive Habit Number 3: Criticism
• Destructive Habit Number 4: Irritating Habits and Annoying Behaviors

The Effects of Destructive Habits on Relationships

• Destructive Habits Create Tension
• Destructive Habits Kill Love
• Destructive Habits Arouse Defenses
• Destructive Habits Don’t Produce Change
• Another Part of the Problem—You!
• How to Point Out Mistakes (if You Must)

How to Become a More Accepting Person (if You Really Want To)

• What to Accept, What to Change
• Getting Rid of Your Own Bad Habits • Changing Yourself
• Create a Strategy for Change • Must I Accept Everything?

Part 3: Why Can’t My Partner Understand What I Say?

Why We Communicate the Way We Do

• Why Couples Can’t Communicate
• Temperaments
• Is There Hope for Achieving Better Communication?

Listening—A Way to Show You Care

• Listening Bloopers
• Listening Know-How
• Tuning In, and Tuning Out
• Actions Speak Louder Than Words
• Paraphrasing: Responding to Content
• Active Listening: Listening for Emotions
• Putting It Into Practice
• His and Her Listening Styles: Are They Different?
• Six Powerful Listening Rules

How to Talk to the One You Love

• Killer Talk: Barriers to Effective Communication
• The Silent Treatment
• High Level Talks
• Frankly Speaking: I Messages
• His and Her Talk Styles: Are They Different?

Coping With Conflict

• Is It OK to Fight?
• The Share-Care Plan for Resolving Conflict
• His and Her Fight Styles
• Making the Most of Talk Time
• A Holy Triangle of Communication

Part 4: Why Can’t a Woman Be More Like a Man?

 Is Something Really Wrong With the Male Brain?

• Male and Female Brains
• Left-Brain, Right-Brain Sex Differences
• Sex Differences in Spiritual Matters
• Balance Translates Into Wholeness

What Men Should Understand About Women

• A Woman Craves Affection
• A Woman Needs to Talk to Feel Close
• A Woman Needs Honesty, Openness, and Trust
• PMS: The Real Story
• A Woman Needs Financial Security
• A Woman Needs Commitment to Family

What Women Should Understand About Men

• Male Ego Strength
• A Man Needs an Organized, Tranquil Home
• A Man Appreciates an Attractive Wife
• A Man Needs Recreational Companionship
• A Man Needs Stress Relief
• Seek to Understand

Part 5: Who’s In Charge Here, Anyway? (Solutions to Power Struggles)

What’s God’s Plan for Leadership in Marriage?

• Where’s the Balance in Power?
• God’s Original Plan
• The Authoritarian
• Coleadership
• A Supportive Relationship

Family Leadership

• Supportive Leadership
• Effective Leadership Principles
• Leadership a Woman Really Wants From a Man
• Common Objections to Leadership
• The Limits of Submission

Submission—What It Is What It Isn’t

• Mutual Submission
• The Missing Link
• What Submission Isn’t. A Supportive Wife
• Submission Is an Attitude

 Spiritual Leadership

• Imperfect Situations
• Three Secrets That Will Build Spiritual Oneness
• The Benefits of a Mutually Supportive Relationship
• Success Is Just Around the Corner

Part 6: Good Sex Doesn’t Just Happen

 How Good Sex Happens

• Too Tired for Sex?
• “Not Tonight, Dear!”
• Understanding Female Sexuality
• The Four Phases of Sexual Response

Understanding Sexual Climax

• Clitoral vs Vaginal Orgasm
• Multiple Orgasms
• Tips for Increasing Pleasure
• Problems That Can Ruin Your Sex Life
• Premature Ejaculation
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Pornography
• A Word to Preorgasmic Women
• Let’s Talk About It
• Does Sexual Desire Decline With Age?

His and Her Tips for Great Sex

• How to Satisfy a Woman Sexually
• How to Satisfy a Man Sexually
• The Joy of Quick Sex
• Maintaining Fidelity

Part 7: Preventing Marriage Burnout

Make Love Last a Lifetime

• Creative Ways to Keep Romance Alive

Date Your Mate

• Creative Date Ideas

Play With Your Mate

• Creative Play Ideas

Laugh With Your Mate

• Creative Humor Ideas The Romantic Getaway