Today's overextended life leaves working couples with little time for real intimacy, says Kirshenbaum (Too Good to Leave, Too Bad to Stay
), and the less good time couples spend together, the greater the chances their relationship will sour. Lack of intimacy fosters misunderstandings, disagreements and tensions that could lead even loving spouses to divorce. In a conversational, empathetic manner, Kirshenbaum describes four strategies to restore affection, sex and joy to time-starved relationships: taking care of yourself, building hope, creating abundant love and healing the hurts. Kirshenbaum draws her suggestions from personal experience and from interviews with harried couples, providing a wide range of interesting possibilities. Get over anger is one tip: staying mad at your spouse takes up way too much time and negative energy. The author also suggests limiting the demands of relatives, friends and even children in order to put the relationship first. Techniques for personal revitalization are as simple as listening to music, taking a bath or getting a massage. Kirshenbaum's gentle advice could recharge many an exhausted marriage—if busy couples can find time to read it. Agent, Howard Morhaim.
(May)
