Very helpful guide for a "work in progress"

The fifty pages in Part II are the core content of this book. They offer a comforting view of the difficult side of marriage - the long term, committed relationship where sex is dead or dying. I say "comforting" because Schnarch maps out the progression of a relationship in a way where you can see that the fluctuations in the passion and intimacy couples feel for each other are part of the natural growth cycle of a marriage. What sometimes feels like the end of a relationship is actually a trigger for the next growth cycle, for the individual and the couple. Through various examples using couples from his practice and his own marriage, he offers encouragement and practical advice to help couples through this sometimes difficult and frustrating cycle of a marriage.

The tone of Schnarch's writing is more down to earth, like advice from a friend, compared with his other book "Passionate Marriage" which is also excellent but sometimes sounds a little preachy in comparison. This more personal tone, plus use of examples from his own life experience make this book like a personal consultation with Dr. Schnarch.

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