cover image CONFESSIONS OF A TRUE ROMANTIC: The Secrets of a Sizzling Relationship from America's Romance Coach

CONFESSIONS OF A TRUE ROMANTIC: The Secrets of a Sizzling Relationship from America's Romance Coach

Gregory J. P. Godek, . . Sourcebooks, $14.95 (395pp) ISBN 978-1-4022-0128-8

Godek, a self-designated romance coach who leads relationship seminars, has been publishing books on this subject for well over a decade (including 1,000 Ways to Be Romantic ). This offering is directed to couples who are committed to each other and want to achieve an "A+ Relationship" based on a greater degree of intimacy. Godek first provides a report card where both people rate themselves and each other on a variety of characteristics, including patience, honesty, a sense of humor and gift-giving ability. According to the author, scoring this exercise (which should be done on a periodic basis) will provide insight into areas of disagreement or that need improvement. He also lists an overlong catalog of favorite things that partners should know about each other, such as their preference of colors, animals, snack foods, songs and athletes. Replete with tips and activities, some of the author's ideas for pursuing a newly romantic relationship are harmless and fun to try, but most are quite facile and certainly not for any couple having serious problems. In order to improve communication with a lover, Godek recommends tucking little notes into his or her underwear. To spice up a sexual relationship, he suggests reading Cosmopolitan magazine and using a video camera, a blindfold and Bailey's Irish Crème as props during love-making. (Nov.)