The Business of Love & The Business of Love Workbook
by Dr. John Curtis
Published by IOD Press
Click on book
cover to order
at Amazon.com
Reviewed by Patty Inglish, MS
Subtitled: 9 Best Practices for Improving the Bottom Line of Your Relationship
With the high incidence of divorce and separation in America, many wonder, "Why can't I have a good relationship?" Now, The Business of Love lays out an effective plan for marriage and other relationships, based upon nine best practices from the world of business.
Marriage has changed a lot since WWII, because families have taken so many forms. However, Dr. Curtis's book puts marriage into a supporting framework for ultimate success, or the acceptance that one needs to be with another partner. Some may think that sounds confining or scary, but I think putting something in writing answers a lot of questions right away, belays fears, and frees both partners to be themselves. It may be the writing that is scariest, because it records areas some are afraid to confront; however, this book makes it easier.
The supplemental workbook presents activities and worksheets discussed in the book. There is also research on marital satisfaction's affects on work commitment, showing how work and relationships are complementary. The workbook's logical guidelines take you through creating a marital vision statement and measurable objectives, and marital job descriptions (marriage is not just "being together"). There are directions for funding marriage, giving relationship performance reviews, and branding and marketing a specific marriage/family in the community as positive. Marital compensation and benefits, conducting retreats and other items are also explained, with information included for how to blend families from former partnerships.
This is the first book I've seen with a practical plan for making love work long-term, without strangling it with control. As in writing a business plan, this set helps you write a plan for a productive, happy marriage. Best practices are set forth in other important disciplines: business, medicine, and education--so why not marriage, one of the most important? The program does not need to be confining or confrontational, dry or boring. It can be fun! And it will certainly put an end to complaints of "We never talk anymore!"
Thank you, Dr. Curtis!
Armchair Interviews says: Recommended to all couples contemplating marriage and to all who wish to deepen their marriage relationships.