Relationship Goals: How to Win at Dating, Marriage, and Sex

Todd, lead pastor of Transformation Church in Tulsa, Okla., offers millennials strategies for building strong relationships in his fresh if meandering debut. Using personal anecdotes and readings of scripture, Todd encourages an in-depth exploration of the Bible to discover what it teaches about being single, dating, and being happily married, namely the virtues of remaining faithful and supporting each other. With a somewhat overwhelming number of stories, Todd tells readers to wait for the right time to cultivate healthy “soul ties,” and offers instruction on when and how to sever those ties if relationships become unhealthy or unproductive. Warning that “some of the things you’ll read in this book are not usually said in books by Christian Pastors,” Todd includes up-to-date biblical interpretations, such as how the tale of Abraham and Hagar functions as an example of a good breakup. For Todd, one must first get to know oneself and realize one’s purpose before beginning to date and cultivate healthy bonds. The author’s wife joins him in one chapter to counsel readers on keys to a successful marriage, stressing the importance of learning and responding to the needs of one’s partner. Todd stays admirably true to his intent to “keep it 100” with his readers in this instructive, relatable guide. (May)