Happiness for Two: 75 Secrets for Finding More Joy Together

by Alexandra Stoddard

Book Overview

Pursuing happiness sounds easy, but with so many demands on our time and resources, it can be a challenge. So, how do we find happiness in a relationship--when there are two people who want and deserve to be happy?

Help is here, from a beloved (and blissfully married) lifestyle philosopher whose books and lectures on personal contentment have helped millions and whose popular Happiness Weekends are filled with dating singles, newlyweds,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0061435635
• ISBN13: 9780061435638
• Release Date: December 2007
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.4" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Pretty good

I bought this book - one copy for me, one copy for my boyfriend - when we were going through a rough patch. Amazingly he's actually been reading through the chapters. I think it's a great thinking book - it makes you grateful for what you have.. some of the chapters deal more with marriages than relationships though.. and I was also looking for there to be a chapter on being laid off. Overall good though.

great book

This is a great book for anyone looking to improve their relationship with their spouse/partner. I highly recommend it. I especially liked the first chapter on treasuring every moment. It will make you think how much your spouse means to you when you really realize they will die on you someday.

Our Way to Boost Our Marital Happiness

My spouse and I bought this book at one of our favorite boutique style stores. We have an amazing relationship already, but we know there are always ways to make it even better, especially when we easily get caught up in the daily grind of work and raising our three kids. After we purchased it we decided to read a chapter or two each night to one another while curled up in bed. The book is insightful and inspiring. Some chapters simply confirm what we already know and do, while others have helped us to express our thoughts to one another better. In it we can see our own strengths and weaknesses and how even the simpliest thing can have a profound effect on our relationship. It's already inspired us to do things to boost our happiness both individually and as a couple. Alone, together as Alexandra would say. For those with children still at home, it's good to keep in perspective that the book is written by a woman with children who are already grown so the author's suggestions may seem a bit 'off' at times even if we still agree with what she has to say in general. Overall, we enjoy the book, feel inspired, and it's an easy read.

ALEXANDRA STODDARD'S WONDERFUL ADVICE ON HAPPINESS FOR TWO

Four and a half INTRIGUING Stars!! A very interesting, approachable self-help book with lots of solid advice! Author/lecturer/interior designer/philosopher Alexandra Stoddard's latest book, "Happiness for Two", 'ups the ante' from her last book, "You Are Your Choices" which dealt with advice on individual satisfaction in living "the good life". The book on "Happiness for Two" begins with a 3 sentence dedication to "Peter" that is so heartfelt, specific, and sincere that couples who are not able to currently write such a salutation to their own lover may want to dive into this book headfirst to find out what they've been missing. And as I stated in the review of her previous book, we men benefit from hearing the thoughts of a keen-thinking woman, happily-married for over 34 years, who has already dealt with complex interpersonal relations in her own life. BTW, Peter returns the compliments with his own note, which is entirely in keeping with Ms Stoddard's approach that couples should return compliments. Ms Stoddard uses short topical essays, 75 of them this time. Will it work for everyone? Much of it should. She maintains "Happiness for two requires two sensitive, loving souls who understand their own potential for wholeness individually". That alone may exclude some people, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't give this book & counseling & their religion & whatever else, a chance to make them better as a couple. A wide range of topics are covered in the book. From "Treat Each Day As Though It Could Be Your Last" (seems so simple but do we do it?) to "Go On Vacations Alone, Together" (great idea!) to "Assume More Responsibility at Home" (can Alexandra really spackle and tile? I'm impressed!) to "....Spirituality" (somewhat of a disappointment) to "Kindness and Diplomacy...." (spot on) and finally "Your Happiness Is Up To You" (a great wrap-up of ideas with a startling concept about happiness based on Alexandra's research). Then there are Chapters 22, 32, 44, and 52 which are 'biggies' that I enthusiastically agree with, but I'll let the reader discover them on their own. I don't agree with everything in the book, but most of the time she is on target. Read it and then pass this book on to that special person in your life and remember YMMV (your mileage may vary). This book is highly informative and may generate some controversy. Highly Recommended. "Love & Live Happy", indeed. Four and a half INSPIRING Stars! (This review is based on a secure eBook digital download)