September 8, 2010

51 Things You Should Know Before Getting Engaged by Michael Batshaw

Love. Marriage. Kids. It is what most people seek in a relationship. Getting engaged is a big step towards this perfect marriage that most people have built up in their head. However, nothing in life is “perfect” and there are many things you should know before saying “I do.” 51 Things You Should Know Before Getting Engaged by Michael Batshaw is the book that simply puts these things to know before making the big leap.


Book Description
“Have you found The One?

51 Things You Should Know Before Getting Engaged offers the insights and techniques necessary for a successful engagement and marriage.
Michael Batshaw gives you the tools to determine if your partner is the right one for you, and if they are the right one, how to keep it that way.

Some of his advice:
- Beware of the person of your dreams
- Couples who do everything together cannot survive
- Couples that don't argue are in trouble
- Hollywood gets it wrong
- The truth of the moment is not the whole truth”
– 51 Things You Should Know Before Getting Engaged


My Thoughts
TV, movies and even books often put marriage and love in a dramatically over-romanticized way. This leaves people who perhaps haven’t been married, wanting what they saw in a made-up couple on TV. Sure movies and books like The Notebook and Twilight are great, but real life isn’t quite like that, even though many wish it were.

51 Things You Should Know Before Getting Engaged by Michael Batshaw lets us in on everything we should know before getting engaged. I’m not married and never have been, so perhaps I don’t know about that side. I do however know from reading and learning in this book that there are so many things that people really should know before making such a life changing decision.

Some examples of what Batshaw explains is, how if you think your partner is “perfect” that they really aren’t and could even be like someone who hurt you in the past. Also, don’t put that person on a pedestal because nobody is perfect. Arguing is normal. Sex is important, but if it isn’t the “best” it can improve – but it won’t save your relationship. Sharing activities is important, and much, much more!

I think that for me, it really showed me that marriage is much more than just “love” or “lust” and these 51 things really help show what is important before getting engaged. I highly recommend this for anyone thinking about getting married – even if you are single. At least then, you’ll know what you’re looking for when the time comes before it is too late.


Thank you to the publisher of 51 Things You Should Know Before Getting Engaged, Turner Publishing, for providing me with a copy for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own. I was not paid for the review, or to write in favor, or not in favor of this product.

2 comments:

Hepburn Hilton said...

Hm.. interesting. Maybe I should read it.. Although, gotta say.. this is the kind of book I would be embarrassed to have on the shelf! lol When I saw the title OI thought it would be like those other books, saying you have to agree in certain things with your partner. Which I agree with, but how am I suppose to get a person who don't have a planning approach to life to say how many kids he want in 10 years time? He can't get past not the not wanting kids right now.. lol

Jaime @ laviejaime said...

Very interesting book! I should get before I get engaged...and I think I have some time, lol! :)