Dating and Personals Books

I purchased this book after reading the reviews... not sure if I went into reading this book with great expecations but the book didn't pull me in as much as I hoped. It's a good message, fast read with some good points... not enough to get a full 5 stars.

This book was purchased at a time in my life when I felt the title was written just for me.
The chapters are short and sweet and the content is good. It's nothing you haven't heard before, but it's nice to have it all in one place. There are some concepts in it I didn't agree with, but it was mostly applicable.
My only thing is that it's VERY short - which I guess could be both good and bad. I think the material was complete and thorough so I guess it's good if you're looking for a quick read.
I would recommend this book if the title fits your situation because it helps reinforce what you probably already know and may push you to do something about the situation.

While I was disappointed to get to the end of the book, I considered every page in there loaded with valuable insights and advice.

This book is the polar opposite of, "The Rules". Thank the Heavens!
In Barbara's book, you are applauded, not tolerated, for being your true self. Just think of the word Intimacy for a moment...phonetically it works out to In-to-me-see. In order to be in a real relationship (base word is relate), you have to be real with yourself before you can even begin to understand what it means to share with others. People say, "Oh yes, I know all about that!" If that's truly the case, then explain why the divorce rate is so high in the United States. If you're hiding your authentic self in order to avoid the possibility of rejection, you're not truly present in the relationship. Under such circumstances how fulfilled and loved can you feel? Why bother then?

Then there's the flip side - people hide parts of themselves and don't reveal things that they feel they have reason to be ashamed of, and their partner feels distrusted and cheapened due to the lack of faith demonstrated by their loved one. Perhaps this creates a chasm deep enough to be irreparable and a break up occurs anyway. One of life's ironies to be sure....ah, the wonders of the self-fulfilling prophecy.

I'm a very happily married woman...for almost 20 years now. Don't think a day goes by that I don't thank God for my blessings. Like another reviewer here, I was intrigued with the possibility of being able to help my single girlfriends realize their inherent value.

The message expressed throughout the book is healing, and you can feel it in your heart, not only the mind. Barbara is a very spiritual, tuned in woman and sets a wonderful example to womankind.

Keep up the good work, Barbara!

My wish for each of you beautiful ladies is to revel in your feminine power and embrace it.

I purchased this book because of the reviews it received. I have been trying to figure out the reason(s) for the bizarre behavior of the man I wasn't sure if I was dating (if that doesn't make sense, consider yourself lucky -- unfortunately, it makes perfect sense to The String Along). Was he passive-aggressive? Was he married? Living with someone? Playing the field? In the end, it didn't matter. What matters is that I read this book and was able to rationalize and even quantify his behavior. He received 8 scores on Reasons to Stay and 18 on Reasons to Leave with Skidmarks (when even 1 on the latter is enough to run fast!). The day after finishing this book, I left with skidmarks. It's still hurting, but this book helped me understand that, in spite of our strong chemistry, I was being strung along. Who knows how much longer I would have tolerated the hurtful behavior had I not read this book. I deserve better and so do you.

I wished I had found Barbara's book years ago. Being single for 10 years and dating, most of what she writes I've already learned through trial and error. I found a lot of validation through her book and answered many questions on why it couldn't or didn't work the way I had hoped. Save yourself from the dramas of dating and read her book. It's a quick read and highlights the key areas of "healthy" relating while taking good care of yourself. It's a must have for the woman that wants more in her relationship without giving up herself.

Very good book for single male and females,Alot fo useful information, however i feel the book is written toward the womens perspecive of dating rather then the male (dont forget a women wrote the book). She lists the dos and dont's for soul mates but the reality is that very few of us have all those traits. Dont expect perfection whether its personalty, looks, money, career, interets, etc. I feel that the book is geared toward someone wanting the whole package, especailly on the women side. I've read better. There are other books that are geared toward men and these books talks about one night stance and long term relationships.

Again, this book "excuse me your soul mate is waiting" is very usefull if you are really picky or looking for close to perfection

This book was really fun to read. It has a lot of info we know but tend to forget or realize. I finish reading this book in 2 days. I wish I can remember all the advice that the author stated. I may have to read it again.

I have read several books on relationships and I must say, 'Excuse Me, Your Soul Mate is Waiting' is one of the best. Marla makes a number of key observations that are bang on. The examples she cites are very powerful and each chapter concludes with helpful "exercises". As a matchmaker, the author has a unique perspective and peppers the book with anecdotes and insights from her years matching males and females. She does a good job of appealing to both men and women (although she uses slightly more female examples.

Marla gives the impression that she knows what she's talking about, and hasn't spent all this time in the matchmaking business without gleaning some valuable advice to pass along. In a field where most think about what they can get, Marla reminds us that, though it is important to have a clear picture of what we want, it's also important to think about what we can give. Her friendly style makes this a pleasure to read!

I loved this book. It was so encouraging and inspiring. If you've dated a gazillion frogs, this book will give you hope. The author's style is conversational and easy to read. I plan to write some of the affirmations on cards and refer to them often. Marla Martenson has written a book on relationships that feels hopeful, but realistic. You'll love this book.

When I contacted the author at his email address listed in the earlier review, he answered and said the book was guaranteed to work and if it doesn't he buys the disgruntled reader a new Cadillac. How To Marry Money is full of the same wry humor.

This is a book that whets the appetite for more light-hearted takes on American society, status and snobbery.
Pure entertainment, although I'm sure there will be those who take it as gospel.

I send it as a gift to my friends in Europe.

It took a while to get past the first few pages, but I kept reading and the remaining chapters had helpful pointers about life in general,love,work and self image. I called the author's publicist and received his email address kevindoyle42@earthlin.net and have been exchanging dialog since.

An easy, fun read, but the reviewer SOCIAL CLIMBER from Sonoma CA listed the author's email address incorrectly. It's kevindoyle42@earthlink.net. Doyle answered me with a list of other titles when I contacted him. HOW TO MEET BEAUTIFUL WOMEN and DATING YOUNGER WOMEN are also written with tongue firmly in cheek.

It was annoying to find my wife reading a book with a title like this but, after picking it up and reading it, I found it to be a lot of fun.
Now I take the advice of another reviewer (who found as "entertaining as it is instructional") and often give HOW TO MARRY MONEY as a light-hearted gift for clients, graduates & hostesses.

Cindy Guidry lives in Neverland. Living and working in Los Angeles is difficult enough; try dating there. Guidry is a smart, funny, sexy woman who is trying to get in touch with her own power as she approaches 40. She's knows it's in there, somewhere. But it's hard to feel powerful when you live in a town where everyone is judged by appearances, and most of those are plastic.

I really enjoyed Cindy's voice. This is a book written by a clever woman who realizes that most of the men she meets are bombarded with too many choices on a daily basis. They can no longer make a decision about anything, especially the most important one of all, the decision of commit to a mate.

Guidry takes her readers on an enjoyable ride through Hollywood as she starts to put the pieces of her life together (accompanied by a Dave Matthews soundtrack) all the while feeling like she's the Last Single Woman in America.

She may get stuck with the easy "chick-lit" label, but Cindy Guidry has written a book filled with enormous humor, wit and poignancy -- and a well-earned understanding of relationships between men and women. Her trenchant observations -- on her own life, the men in it, her career, her family -- take no prisoners, including herself. More importantly, I loved her voice: the one of that smart, way-funny girlfriend who always tells the truth, no matter how uncomfortable, and god bless her. Men will be pleasantly surprised by their un-chick-lit treatment here, if they ever read it (mine have, and responded overwhelmingly positively -- "She gets it!"). Definitely a worthy read.

I have never found a book in which the writer (and narrator in this instance) seemingly gave forth so many of my own thoughts. I always considered myself to be a little too jaded, cynical, or critical, and am now glad to see there is a whole generation of us. Cindy Guidry shows there is really nothing too depressing about not knowing what you want to be when you grow up and, guess what?, there are lots of us out there. To heck with Generation X, it's Generation Cindy Guidry all the way!!!

Having been a former lover and devout follower of the series "Sex in the City" and having had to settle for vacuous attempts to fill that time slot or reruns on TBS ever since, I am looking forward to seeing this book and the idea behind it coming to life on HBO.

You get it all here..answers to the dating Universe and some.. I laughed, i cried and i was shocked at the honesty..very refreshing indeed!
.. highly recommended from this Goddess (and not just a chick read guys).

If you're a guy and you cringe that this might be another MEN SUCK book written for only women to read and rally together around the flagpole of self inflicted injustice, this is the book for you. Although she has her complaints about men, this is a refreshingly fair-handed, often sympathetic book about both men and women and their attempts to find and understand each other in this isolating cyber-world. While there are bestsellers as well as entire television networks dedicated to the proposition that MEN SUCK, Guidry offers the possibility of individual empowerment and an unflagging belief in Love, all the while making you laugh out loud about waxing and nail polish and cats and other things men don't generally care about. Men really do want to know what women think, and Guidry tells us in a way both entertaining and enlightening.

This is a great, straightforward reference. It covers everything any person needs to know about dining etiquette without any useless "filler" material. The audio format is great and the speaker is one of the best I have listen to.

After a few months as a first year associate at my law firm, one of my former law school classmates told me that their firm had sent its new associates to an etiquette class. I decided that it might be a good idea for me to brush up on my etiquette skills as well, so I purchased this CD and also the Food Scholar Wine Basics CD. I recommend both for new professionals to prepare them for any "dining" situation they may encounter in their first jobs. These situations frequently fall into the "you don't know what you don't know" category of student knowledge.

I, for one, had very little experience in more formal dining situations upon graduating from school. This CD was just what I needed to get myself up-to-speed. It is well-organized and well-presented, covering a number of very specific situations that convey the elements of common sense and consideration that underlie all etiquette.

The author thankfully avoids spending time on how to arrange the seating at a state dinner. What he offers is practical, usable advice on the types of real social interactions that occur in all kinds of business. A very useful CD and well worth the price. Definitely five stars.

I will be graduating from college this year and have started to interview for jobs. I have a decent GPA, am in the career placement office every week for advice, and have spent hours polishing my resume. I thought that I had all my bases covered. Then I started actually interviewing for jobs. I have already had three interviews that included meals and two "mixers" with drinks and appetizers. It was a little overwhelming. I could tell there was an order to things I did not completely understand. A friend recommended this Dining Etiquette CD, so I ordered it. I had yet another meal during an interview after listening to it. It made a big difference. Knowing what to do at every turn during the meal was a confidence booster and I am sure it helped me appear more polished and professional. I HIGHLY recommend it, Two Thumbs Up.

A good etiquette book should sit on every professional's bookshelf alongside "how to win friends" and "7 habits." I purchased this book along with Essential Etiquette Fundamentals, Vol. 2: Wine Selection & Etiquette and The Etiquette Edge: The Unspoken Rules for Business Success to cover all the bases. These books do an excellent job covering the important etiquette skills often overlooked in today's environment. Although often underappreciated, exhibiting proper etiquette signals to others (especially your boss and clients) that you are well educated, care about detail, and have respect for others. I highly recommend these books for anyone new to the business world or for those of us who may need to brush up on the basics.

The last book on CD my wife and I bought was terrible: mens' voices for female characters, etc. And what's the alternative on the radio? Pop music or Howard Stern? I spend twenty percent of my waking life in my car. I might as well spend it wisely. The Food Scholar is easy listening and presented in a way that makes the information easy to learn and remember.

This is a true page-turner! Anyone who has ever had a dating tale to tell should curl up on the couch with a cookie and read all day! It's a funny and insightful excerpt of her life's journey, to which most people can relate. The title is appropriate, as the book is an accurate view of being a single woman enjoying the ways of the social world. Funny! Fun! Comforting!

I purchased the book as something different to read. Was I ever surprised! While some of the dating anecdotes are reminiscent of my younger years, others were ones that I wish I could have experienced! I just couldn't put the book down, whether it was accompanied with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine! Recommend to everyone and anticipate the next one!
LKG

This book was recommended to me and I am so glad I listened!!! It was so funny that I caught myself laughing out loud!!!! The author paints such a good picture for you of all her dating adventures that you feel like you are experiencing them with her!!! Definitely a "MUST READ"!!!!!!!!

This book was also highly recommended and am I glad...I truly felt like I was on a trip with an old friend ! M. Hill does a superb job of relating her life story with all the luscious detail we all crave. Those of us who had been through the similar highs and lows of the wild and wacky world of dating will find it particularly funny, poignant and dead-on ! I also grew up in the same area as the author and found reading about her adventures in our old haunts an additional treat. I also really appreciated M.'s message that choosing to being on your own (rather than coupling up with the wrong person just to avoid being alone)is really the better choice. This author's easy, inviting, hilarious style will have you wanting more. I was sorry it had to end ! Thanks, M.
- Beth in NJ

This is a book for any woman over the age of 40 who has loved and lost either by her own volition or by the whim of someone else. I appreciated M. Hill's bravery in taking us women...and we know who we are...on the roller coaster ride through her journey searching for Mr. Right. When I closed the book, I felt as if we had been on my porch having the most wonderful exchange of stories because she helped me remember my own journey. It will take you there too....all the laughter, the tears, first kisses, first heartbreak....curl up...turn back the hands of your life and enjoy.

L. Moore

I enjoyed reading this and passed it on to my kids who are visiting the Loire Valley this summer and living with a family there. Proper etiquette is always noticed, and a general knowledge of fine wines can only add to their experience.

Highly recommended! The audio format is a great idea! It makes learning very easy and the information is all relevant. This is one lesson that is interesting and easily finished.

This was my first wine book, and it is still the best beginner's reference. It covers everything you need to get started. The real benefit, however, is the audio format. You actually get to hear the narrator (who is fantastic!) pronounce the names of the various grape varieties, wines and terms. This is a huge benefit and something that cannot be replicated in the written word.

A good etiquette book should sit on every professional's bookshelf alongside "how to win friends" and "7 habits." I purchased this book along with Essential Etiquette Fundamentals, Vol. 1: Dining Etiquette and The Etiquette Edge: The Unspoken Rules for Business Success to cover all the bases. These books do an excellent job covering the important etiquette skills often overlooked in today's environment. Although often underappreciated, exhibiting proper etiquette signals to others (especially your boss and clients) that you are well educated, care about detail, and have respect for others. I highly recommend these books for anyone new to the business world or for those of us who may need to brush up on the basics.

Although drinking good wine isn't difficult, learning about wine can be. Once on a winery tour a vintner explained that there are 15,000 different choices that can be made from grape to bottle. Sometimes picking out a wine can seem daunting. Food Scholar's Wine Selection & Etiquette does a superior job of teaching those of us who would like to learn more without the information being overkill.

While there are more comprehensive books out there on Wine, I really like this book because it excels at being written for the average person. The book is divided into logical sections. I also like that the effect of climates in a region on the grape are covered. This is an easy way to tell what kind of wine you are getting just by looking at where the grape was grown.

This book will enhance your knowledge as well as your ability to pick out wines that you and your guests may enjoy. I would highly recommend this book to those who want to learn about wine, as this book does an excellent job of giving a basic education about many of the wines of the world.

...we live in real life. I think there is too much thinking in this book, wes hould be too perfect to have a social life or to get married. Not settling is ok...but geesh according to this book you should NEVER accept a person!
If you are picky, this book will boost your pickiness!

A wonderful guidebook to finding yourself, deciding what you would like/need in a partner, finding that person, and deciding if he/she is the one.

This is a wonderfully written book outlining a self-discovery process that will definitely enhance your life, present and future. It deals with the individual person and the changes you can make in your life for your life. It helps you to dive into your inner-self and make some beautiful discoveries about the you that you have always wanted to be.

originally saw gail on TV, bought the book and have followed with attendance at a recent workshop. in combination a real eye opener and pathfinder for assessing, who and what is to be important! busy professional schedule with travel mixed in limits many local quality opportunities, a great guide to getting one's own act into focus. it is a relationship builder!

There are so many relationship books available and so many focus on the 'other' person. Gail and Basha have done us all a huge favor. They've introduced totally new concepts to finding lasting love...it starts from within. You can't find a soul mate if you're own soul is lost and with the 'self-work' they do, you will find your soul or spirit. If I had to pick the BEST concept in this book, it would be the one which talks about discovering your "Non-Negotiables" What an amazing break through. You date some one who does or behaves in such a way you disagree, but you accept it thinking "he'll change" years later, a few kids, he still does those things. Is it his fault "NO"! It's yours for compromising on your non-negotiable. Read this book cover to cover, write notes and do what they say, your life and the way you approach relationships will change for the better and there is no turning back. Bravo Gail and Basha. Excellent!

After reading this book, I immediately changed my dating behaviors. I could see how my behavior was hurting the relationships instead of helping. The information in this book makes so much sense, I wish I had read it 20 years ago! I'm definitely taking better care of myself as a result as well. If your single...read it!

Women give their power away trying to fulfill themselves entirely through a relationship, rather than creating a full life, then attracting someone else with a full life to share it. Even if you're already in a relationship, reading this book will fill in the gaps in your relationship journey; it will also influence powerfully your relationships with other women whom you want to influence for the better. As a coach, I've used this book with clients, and also every aspect of my life with regard to influencing other women. Even though the title says, "Temptations of the Single Girl" - get it even if you're in a relationship or even married - it will help your life journey immensely.

Nina, Your book came to me at exactly the moment I was in need of your message. Having just ended a relationship, I saw how I had experienced nine of the ten temptations all in one relationship. I identified with your main character, Kelly, almost 100%! The way you have written this book using characters to exemplify your message regarding dating traps and how to avoid them is very powerful. I am recommending this book to all my single girlfriends so that they can gain the wisdom you so generously have shared with those of us who very much need it. Thank you for your great insight into the dance we humans perform in the roles of male and female. I look forward to becoming an accomplished dancer!

Temptations of the Single Girl is a must-read for any woman, single or married, that want a mutually satisfying and loving relationship with a man---she's yet to meet or married to now! Nina has artfully lead us through the myriad of issue we confront when we become intimately involved with another person. All of us will recognize our own "temptations" and, thanks to Nina's insight, we can hopefully avoid making the same mistakes again and again.

J. Cummings

First let me start by saying as many books that I buy I never write a review good or bad, this time it's different I have been reading self help for years and this is the first book that actually made sense to me I read it in one sitting and it was truly amazing going where other books fail to go breaking down every thing you need to know. Nina now has a fan for life she's really interested in helping people not just making money.

I bought this book after reading all of the positive reviews. It's unique in that instead of focusing on how to understand what really goes on in men's heads, it helps the reader focus on what she may be doing wrong in her dating experiences. (Basically, the common element in all of your relationships is YOU, so perhaps you're the problem...she has a nicer way of saying it...) Her categories of different types of women are quite insightful, and I was pleased to discover some unique ideas that provided good perspective. Instead of being a PhD and offering philosophical mumbo-jumbo, this person was writing from real-life experiences that rung true. It reminded me a bit of the book "If I'm So Wonderful, Why Am I Still Single?" It's good that it's empowering, rather than having a victim mentality. A good read.

"Dateworthy" is a MUST READ for the dateweary. Dennie Hughes takes lessons learned from her own dating experiences and incorporates years of know-how as a relationship or should I say "relationtip" columnist for the USA Weekend to offer good solid dating advice that works. However, if you are on your way out the door for your next date attempt, this is not for you. "Dateworthy" requires thought before practice. This book is ideal for women reevaluating current situations or starting from scratch. The adventurous need not read. My favorite subject matter is the reality check for the "Fractured Fairy Tales" where Ms. Hughes reviews the so-called myths taught to women from childhood about love and marriage.

It's a new me for the new year, and Dennie Hughes is the reason why. I'm a freelance stylist, so I travel for work, and I seem to have an endless amount of gay guy friends (who I love) but no boyfriend. After reading Dateworthy, I realized I might be just a touch of a Diva.(Yes, I admit it!) I'm going to take Dennie's advice, take February off from serial dating, and in March take a fresh look at things... This book is perfect for girls willing to take an honest look at themselves and the men they are attracted to!

Dateworthy (datwûr'the): adj. Fit to be dated; An individual who is worth your time and attention.

Every single person as well as everyone who is currently in a relationship should read this book. Dennie expertly guides you through the process understanding that if you want to meet someone dateworthy you have to be dateworthy yourself. Then by examining past tendencies as well as understanding what you should be looking for you can find someone who is truly dateworthy.

Bottom Line: This is the book you want to read if you are ready to find the "right" person aka someone who is "Dateworthy".

I loved this book and I loved that Ms. Hughes didn't just write about this from an analyst side-line point of view. She was really in those dating trenches and all the advice works from a real life perspective. The quizzes make you think. The relationtips alone are worth the price of the book. And the dating stories were must-see-TV worthy. With all the post-it notes I have stuck in it, it has literally become my constant dating reference book. Buy this book and be prepared to share it with your friends.