The Language of Love & Respect - Book Review

The Language of Love & Respect is a key read for any married couple. It is packed with valuable insight into the different languages men and women speak concerning love and respect. Dr. Emerson Eggerichs brings solid Biblical basis for the way in which men and women are to relate to one another, and provides practical tips as to how couples can begin learning each other's very different yet unique languages. Clearly, God has designed men and women differently. A husband will not receive affection the same way his wife will; and a wife may not feel love the way a husband is trying to show it. Men are created to hear the language of respect, while women are created to hear the language of love. Although I have taken marriage classes containing alot of the same information, this book has caused me to want to learn even more about the two very different languages that men and women speak. I especially enjoyed reading about the three cycles of marriage:

• The Energizing Cycle - His love motivates her respect; Her respect motivates his love;
• The Crazy Cycle - Without his love, she reacts without respect; without her respect, he reacts without love; and
• The Rewarded Cycle - His love blesses regardless of her respect; her respect blesses regardless of his love

Couples must work together to avoid the crazy cycle -- the part in your marriage when you are not communicating, when you are in some level of conflicts, or when life together just isn't going well. Dr. Eggerichs suggest that when a husband chooses to come across lovingly even though he feels disrespected, he can prevent the Crazy Cycle from spinning and possibly getting out of control. On the other hand, when a wife chooses to come across respectfully even though she feels unloved, she can stop or slow the Crazy Cycle as well. I feel I have a long way to go in helping to avoid the Crazy Cycle, but by reading this book, I feel I have a starting point and a road map as to where I need to be. Once men and women learn to speak one another's languages, the result is mutual understanding and a successful, happy marriage.

I eceived this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”