Articles
One of the joys of working in the marriage field is seeing how our work makes a difference in people's lives! Below is a link to a wonderful story in the August 2007 Washington Woman magazine about our book for unmarried people, Can We Dance? Learning the Steps for a Fulfilling Relationship and the importance of character in relationships. Enjoy!
www.washingtonwoman.com/html/dance.shtml
Reviews
Source: Midwest Book Review, Self-Help Shelf of the November 2006 Small Press Bookwatch, available online at http://www.midwestbookreview.com/sbw/nov_06.htm#selfhelp
Can We Dance?
Susanne M. Alexander
Marriage Transformation LLC
PO Box 23085, Cleveland, OH 44123
0972689362 $18.95 www.marriagetransformation.com
Written by relationship coach Susanne M. Alexander, Can We Dance: Learning The Steps for a Fulfilling Relationship is an in-depth, self-help guide to the skills and communication abilities needed for a lasting, healthy relationship. Covering both romantic (including sëxual) relationships and meaningful platonic friendships at length, Can We Dance? explores positive qualities to cultivate in oneself, how to prevent missteps in communication, how to earn confidence, how to keep expectations realistic and discuss them when needed, and much more. A solidly grounded, honest, and practical guide to better understanding and connecting with fellow human beings.
Source: National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers "Family Perspectives Journal" for Fall 2006
Review: Can We Dance? Learning the Steps for a Fulfilling Relationship (2006, www.marriagetransformation.com ).
This volume by Susanne M. Alexander, in collaboration with Jon S. Miller, is primarily designed for the single person exploring what makes a relationship work. Part 1 explores preparing oneself for a relationship and part 2 looks at what it takes to create a lasting friendship-based relationship. An extensive review of "character qualities" helps the reader to understand all the qualities that help make for a solid relationship. I was especially struck by the positive view of abstinence and chastity in this work.
Whereas many books in the flooded pantheon of relationship literature focus on the relationship that has already gone awry, produced children, been entrenched in a dysfunctional marriage, or become entirely irreparable, this smart, playful, insightful gem leads with a beacon of guidance around the issue of romance. This book does not condescend to its audience. Rather, it helps single individuals know what to look for in a mate, how to know when someone's character is honorable or not, and how to proceed slowly, without impulsiveness and hollywood blinders landing them in an unsavory position. Kudos to the authors!
~ Theresa (Terri) Muuss, Queens, NY, USA; www.amazon.com
I found the book the very useful and very insightful in preparing people to know themselves and know what kind of a relationship partner they are looking for. I found their focus on personal development of one's character (honesty, acceptance, flexibility, etc..)and the character of one's partner as the core of a happy relationship a new and yet common sense take on relationships! I'm already married so this book wasn't as personally useful but I've definitly recommended it to alot of my friends who are still single!!
~ Michelle F. Tashakor, Dayton, OH, USA; www.amazon.com
Can We Dance? Learning the Steps for a Fulfilling Relationship is the best resource I have seen for assisting youth and singles of all ages to achieve success in finding a partner that will be the right one for them! It combines theory, insights, advice, exercises and a lot of know-how gained from experience. I am a member of a Board of Directors that has responsibility for the education and well-being of youth and singles, as well as counseling in relationships, and this is the best guidance that we have found that will take them to a higher level of investigation and potential success. It will be very helpful to high school teachers and counselors, for community college courses, for university level curriculum and libraries. I urge you to check out this excellent resource.
~ www.amazon.com
Testimonials -
From Singles
"After reading
this book, I have a new-found appreciation for the importance
of really exploring myself to
know what character qualities I need my mate
to possess."
~ Loretta M. West, 31, single, physical
therapist
"I love the
combination of information, reflection, and interaction
with the arts. This approach is present, reflective and
emotionally, spiritually provocative."
~ Richard P. Eastburn, 54, single, financial
advisor
"Can
We Dance? helped
me to examine my beliefs, clarify my motivations, and
analyze every step from friendship to a serious relationship.
It is full of great tools that are both fun and immediately
useful."
~ Martin Braithwaite, 24, single, marketing
executive
Testimonials - From Professionals
“Can We Dance? has all
the elements every fine book possesses. It elegantly intertwines
the three guiding points you must follow when proceeding
with a relationship—inward with self-reflection,
outward with honest evaluation of others, and upward toward
the highest spiritual good. Keep Can We Dance? as a handy
companion on your way to finding and strengthening your
relationship.”
~ Paul Coleman, Psy.D., author of How to Say It for Couples:
Communicating with Tenderness,
Openness, and Honesty
“Can We Dance? is a wonderful,
life-changing book full of amazing wisdom. This is the
manual for relationships that the world has needed.”
~ Janet Murray, writer, editor, and educator
“This spiritually uplifting
book provides step-by-step practical instructions
and tools for
building the foundation of a lifelong relationship
with a special person. As a single myself, it is allowing
me to get over my fears and develop character strengths
that will assist me with a committed relationship. I am
also finding it valuable to use the materials in Can We
Dance? during relationship coaching and while presenting
workshops with youth and young adults internationally.”
~ Nevin T. Jenkins, 32, conference keynote presenter, workshop
leader, and
relationship coach
“This is really great!
I love all your ideas, and they are very well expressed.
I love the sense of helpfulness and kindness toward the
reader—the sincere desire to help him or her. This
is a very valuable book. So, so needed!”
~ June Saunders, relationship coach and co-author of Cultivating
Heart and Character, Educating
for Life’s Most Essential Goals
“For those who are really serious about
making their relationship work, this book is more than
just a good read. It covers so many areas necessary
for a good relationship, including the development of friendship,
which is the foundation of a great relationship. It is
a useful, practical book with stimulating questions for
discussion, activities, and worksheets.”
~ Fiona McDonald, Manager of Education Services, Relationships
Australia (Western)
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