It Takes One to Tango: How I Rescued My Marriage with (Almost) No Help from My Spouseand How You Can Too

About this book

With a focus on self-empowerment and resilience this refreshing and witty relationship guide has a reassuring counterintuitive message for unhappy spouses: you only need one partner to initiate far-reaching positive change in a marriage. Conventional wisdom says that it takes two to turn a troubled marriage around and that both partners must have a shared commitment to change. So when couples cant agree on howor whetherto make their marriage better many give up or settle for a less-than-satisfying marriage (or think the only way out is divorce). Fortunately there is an alternative. It Takes One to Tango is a groundbreaking guide that shows how one determined partneracting alonecan spark lasting significant change in a marriage often accomplishing change that cannot be made any other way. It doesnt matter how short-fused argumentative or seemingly impossible your partner can beor how long youve been stuck. Marriage and family therapist Winifred Reilly has this message for struggling partners: Take the lead. Doing so is effectiveand powerful. Through Reillys own story of reclaiming her now nearly forty-year marriage along with anecdotes from many clients shes worked with youll learn how to: -Focus on your own behaviors and change them in ways that make you feel good about yourself and your marriage -Take a firm stand for what truly matters to you without arguing cajoling or resorting to threats -Identify the big picture issues at the basis of your repetitive fightsand learn how to unhook from them -Be less reactive especially in the face of your spouses provocations -Develop the strength and stamina to be the sole agent of change Combining psychological theory practical advice and personal narrative It Takes One to Tango is a fresh and engaging guide that will empower those who choose to take a bold proactive approach to creating a loving and lasting marriage.