"Think of your marriage as a gift-wrapped package that's just arrived in the mail. You rush to open it up and there it is, all laid out in front of you. But then you realize there's something missing: no instructions. This book contains all the instructions you'll ever need. There's wisdom on every page. I especially enjoyed chapter 8, The Rocks."    William Glasser, M.D. author, Choice Theory   president, The William Glasser Institute, Chatsworth, California

"Finally! A book that goes right to the core of a couple's intimacy. This is a remarkable book! Complex, straightforward, fascinating, and clear. I highly recommend it!" Lawrence Weiss, Ph.D. Director, Sanford Center for Aging, University of Nevada, Reno

 "Buy this book. After reading it, my wife and I had the best dialogue in our thirty-five years of marriage. The Friels show how it is only a matter of degree between awesome and awful relationships." Jon Carlson, Psy.D., Ed.D. Distinguished Professor, Governors State University author, Time for a Better Marriage and Living Love

"A wonderful resource for couples. The Friels have pinpointed eight of the most crucial issues that go into making up a truly great relationship. Their practical suggestions, based on personal experience, research and clinical experience, are excellent. I highly recommend it." Pat Love, Ed.D. author, The Truth About Love: The Highs, the Lows  and How You Can Make It Last Forever

 "Superb! The Friels have captured the magic of marriage in the context of day-to-day experience. Built on a foundation of sharing and mutual respect, the book utilizes stories to draw a visual image of truly happy couples. An extremely valuable, practical and much needed resource for couples and relationship therapists!" Dr. Stan Huff Professor of Counseling, Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois twenty-year AAMFT clinical member and approved supervisor

"It feels like the Friels have been listening in to our conversations for years! After nearly forty years of marriage, the most joy is in healing those old wounds, not ripping them open. The Friels continue to remind us about how complex good relationships truly are--and how rewarding a marriage can be!" Nancy McIntyre   San Clemente, California

 "This book is a must for couples who want to move from an 'average' relationship into true relationship depth and happiness. The Friels have a gift for bringing to the forefront the important issues that keep us stuck. Knowing there is something missing, and how to change and grow with it are what this book is about. Thanks Friels! Keep on writing!" Peter Charad  Stenhousemuir, Scotland

 "The authors illustrate healthy relationships by sharing with their readers their own poetic love story and stories from their private practice. This book can serve as a springboard into major changes in how we approach our primary relationships. It can also serve as a gentle reminder of our best efforts or aspirations." Cynthia Stange Shoreview, Minnesota