50 Secrets of Blissful Relationships: Book Review by Joan Bramsch When Michael Webb sent me a review copy of his latest book - 50 SECRETS OF BLISSFUL RELATIONSHIPS, What the top 1% of marriages has in common - I knew I'd be able to read it from a "professional" point of view. I have been married to my Bill for 47 years, and the love we have shared throughout the years has been wonder-filled, if not always blissful. And so I read with great interest, Michael's insights. His advice is sound and filled with great common sense. He uses humor and kindness to get his points across to the reader. Above all else, his outlook on marriage is honest. 50 Secrets of Blissful Relationships My Bill has always said that a good relationship of any kind can be described with just one word: Respect. Michael and his wife appear to know this truth, too. I especially enjoyed his list: You might be mistaken for newlyweds if you... Here is my response to his list. Often hold hands in public (always) Display other proper affection in public: wrapping arms around each other, casually kiss; gently stroke another's hair from time to time. (When the Spirit moved us we "adored" each other) Refer to each other with endearing terms (He was "my Bill," always; I was often his "Joan Lois.) Want to be near each other in social occasions, not as far apart as possible. (We have always been each other's best friends and so we enjoyed one another's company.) Refrain from insulting one another. (Never... remember that word: Respect. Insulting, fighting "dirty" or arguing achieves nothing but sadness; talking, discussing and reaching decisions together always made more sense to us.) Comment how beautiful, kind, smart, caring, etc. your mate is to others. (My Bill has been my hero since the first day we met, when I was only 12-years old! He has told me "thank you" for every meal I ever made him in 47 years, and there were literally 1000s, I suppose. He told anyone who'd listen what a good person I am and that I was his Angel.) Make each other smile or laugh often. (Absolutely always. That's what best friends do, don't they?) Once, when my Bill was hospitalized I was helping him with whatever he needed. We had no idea there was a nurse on the other side of the curtain as we talked. Smiling, she came to his bed and asked if we were newlyweds. Two, obviously past twenty-one year olds, grinned from ear to ear. "Nope," replied my Bill. "We'll soon be married 47 years." Well, the nurse just gasped. "I would have bet you were newlyweds. All that Love Talk and sweet names." "Did you think this might have been a second marriage for each of us?" I asked. She nodded. "You're a lucky pair," she said. "Yes, we are," I agreed, as I glanced over at my beloved and he gave me one of those winks and smiles that still made me go all silly inside. Do you wonder why I miss him so, now that he has moved on to his Next Adventure? It takes work to make a good marriage. Two can never take their commitment for granted. Never. Michael Webb and his beloved know that, too. I recommend his book, whole-heartedly. Please click on the book cover and buy now. Thank you. Love is wonder-filled. I wish every couple could experience it as my Bill and I have done. It's a Forever kind of thing - our Love. Respectfully, Joan JOAN BRAMSCH is a family person, educator, writer and E-publisher. Her articles appear internationally in print and online. Six of her best-selling adult novels - near one million copies - have worldwide distribution. Her Empowered Parenting Ezine serves 1000 parents around the globe.
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