Boundaries Face to Face: How to Have That Difficult Conversation You've Been Avoiding

Arrived on time Good book

This is a wonderful practical book. I don't know anyone who wouldn't learn a few things from reading this book. Buy it. Read it, and the world will become a more peaceful place.

Having stepped in numerous cow pies over the years in my attempts to resolve people conflicts, I GREATLY appreciate a thorough, valuable guide to getting it right. I have found this to be a great reference book as I continue to practice the sensible, sensitive and solid advice offered in this book.

Many people would think by now the authors had gotten all the mileage possible from the "Boundaries" theme. After writing a best-selling book by the same title and a number of follow-ups, surely there is nothing left to cover. Cloud and Townsend here however, hit another home run by providing precious insights on how to have difficult conversations with the people around us, confronting others with the truth in Christian love. I won't go into detail with all the many positive aspects of this title -- I just realize as a pastor who has dealt with difficult people situations for over 25 years, this book is a God-send. I wish I had read it years ago. I've read all of the "Boundaries" titles that build upon the original, and this one is the best of them. If you haven't read "Boundaries", read it then read this book. If you have read "Boundaries" then this volume is the one to read next. Obviously, I recommend it highly.

This book is a wonderful supplement to Boundaries! For those who are involved in learning how to set and live by boundaries, Boundaries Face to Face gives practical ways of handling inevitable challenges to your newly established boundaries. As always Drs. Cloud and Townsend explain their points from a Biblical perspective and they help their readers grow by challenging us to focus our attention upon the importance of the relationships we share with Christ and others. Since relationships are so vital to the Christian life, particularly in regards to spiritual growth, this book gives exemplary examples of how to mix grace with truth in our conservations so that we can speak the truth in love even in the midst of difficult conversations.

This is a very useful, practical book on one of the most difficult areas of relationships: how to have open, productive, constructive conversations about relationship problems. The authors outline the benefits of a good confrontational conversation and then explain how to distinguish your real purpose for wanting to talk to someone, how to confront in a way that balances grace and truth, how to stay on-topic when discussing a hard issue with someone, and why and how to get ready in advance for difficult conversations. These down-to-earth practical skills, accompanied by many examples and case studies, are extremely helpful.The last section of the book has separate chapters on how to engage in difficult conversations with parents, children, people in authority, spouses, etc. The omission of a chapter on friends is the only real fault I find with the book; I think people often have difficulties dealing with friend issues and some attention to this would have been extremely useful.Overall, an excellent resource that provides encouragement and practical advice to anyone who has been putting off talking to someone about a difficult matter.