Love Is a Decision: Proven Techniques to Keep Your Marriage Alive and Lively

I had read several books, including a couple of Smalley's other works. Didn't expect to learn anything "new," but figured I would get a rehash of everything else that I've picked up over the years. When he defined Honor and Genuine Love, it hit me in a way that it never had before - and makes complete sense. It heightened my curiosity, and made me want to explore a little further. It was the piece of the missing puzzle. I've learned new things and you will too. This book is a must for anyone serious about making the commitment to either get married, or to strengthen their marriage. The books mentioned previously are good, but if you come out of this with a clear definition of Honor and Genuine Love, you will come out a winner and it will be worth the price!

In David Bess's review, he says there are better books. This might be true. But I liked this book because, when I read it, I was not involved in any church or religion and the book did not overly "push" any certain religion upon me. It did, however, open my eyes to concepts and things I had been blind to in my marriage. It also convinced me to start going to church and other things. I read the book in one night because I couldn't stop reading. I think this book is very good for people who haven't been living like christians and who don't necessarily want a lot of biblical quotes and chrisitian teachings at first, which might, due to the fact the person isnt currently practicing faith, deter them from finishing the book. The book has certainly changed my outlook on life, love, marriage and has even convinced me that finally the time has come to re-affirm my faith and start living like I know I should. READ THIS BOOK.

This was the first marriage book I was able to read without becoming angry about all the things my husband WASN'T doing. Instead, for the first time ever, I suddenly saw the things I WAS doing to push my husband away from me, to crush his spirit. God truly used this book to show me His amazing and perfect plan and order for marriage, and my life hasn't been the same since. And when I changed, made the decision to honor my husband, he became everything I had hoped for without even trying or realizing. We are best friends now, not antagonists to one another. I never dreamed marriage could be as wonderful as mine is right now.

I learned a lot from "Love is a Decision" and would highly reccommend it to anyone who wants to learn what makes a great relationship. The insight and the sensitivity given in this book helps you to understand better what it takes to make a relationship work and how NOT to take your family for granted.It also gives you insight on how to give unselfishly to your family and to find what makes them tick. If you pick up this book or any other Gary Smalley books you won't be disappointed. Gary Smalley has a way of bringing it down on your level with a sense of humor and compassion for others. Once you start reading this book you won't want to stop.

This is the best book I have ever read on helping couples to build their relationship to a stronger bond. My wife and I were separated when we read this book 4 years ago. We have renewed our vows, had a second child, and our love grows stronger every day thanks to many of the principles given and used in this book.