The Two Truths about Love: The Art and Wisdom of Extraordinary Relationships

by Jason B. Fischer

Some relationships last, others fall apart, and still others seem to thrive and grow as the years go on. The Two Truths About Love is a guide to creating this third type of relationship--an extraordinary partnership wherein each partner feels fully accepted and loved as they are. Designed over the course of thousands of hours conducting face-to-face counseling sessions with clients, psychotherapist and former Buddhist monk Jason B. Fischer's unique approach has already improved the lives of countless individuals and couples.
The two secrets to creating extraordinary relationships are simple: partners must 1. Give permission for the other person to be who they truly are while also 2. Taking responsibility for their own reactions, behaviors, assumptions, and expectations of their partner and the relationship. This book gives readers the tools to start giving permission and taking responsibility in their own relationships and offers strategies for letting go of dissatisfaction and habitual conflicts. In short, accessible chapters, readers learn how to put these seemingly simple rules into practice to regain balance and peace in their partnerships.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Relationships

216 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Jason B. Fischer, MA, LPC, is a licensed psychotherapist who has a thriving counseling practice in Austin, TX. He is the clinical director and owner of Plumeria Counseling Center, which he founded with the underlying mission of providing quality, affordable counseling to all those who desire it. He additionally spent time as a fully ordained Theravadin Buddhist monk, before reentering conventional society to “walk the middle path.” His lifelong ambition is to help foster a global community free from suffering and interpersonal disharmony.

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

So the book's probably misnamed--and I know it's not the name the author wanted. One of my favorite chapters, near the end, is the one in which he asserts that our concept of love is limited and laden with baggage, kind of disqualifying the title right there. It's pretty much an overall self-help, inspirational book, rather than a book about relationships. I got a ton out of it. Particularly surprising to me was that I felt like the book picked up steam even toward the last few chapters, whereas I usually find that books in this genre spend all their currency in the first third. I'll keep it handy and go back to it often. Highly recommended.

[Angelita · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is kind of slow moving in the beginning. And some of the philosophies that it teaches are quite confusing and can counter stuff that seems so natural, but I continued reading, some parts made absolutes sense. For instance, the part of letting go and letting things happen. It can be difficult for most people, but it can also be difficult worrying about things that are beyond control, which most of us do on a daily basis. I don't know if I would recommend this book because I feel like it should be a book for someone who is ready to read it and accept what it has to say instead of argue or disagree with the ideas presented in this book.

[Beckina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very readable and enjoyable book which supplies several good tools for relationships of all kinds.
Each time I have a question it is answered in the next section, though I still have a hard time grasping how giving permission differs from accepting. I really appreciate the Buddhist /Taoist insights, and the idea that you can strive for a bigger jug rather than filling a jug that is half empty.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. This book wasn't what I expected and didn't cover what I thought would be covered, but I didn't mark it down for that.

The information was practical and the ideas were basic common sense but more in depth. What I liked best were the examples and stories, they helped put things into perspective. I also liked that the author talked about all relationships, not just lovers.

[Sue Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading about how to improve or maintain relationships is such a grueling task (well, it is for me). However, this book is quick, to the point, and really helpful. Most of all it makes sense! You can tell you're getting really good advise from someone who knows people. It's an easy read. Anyone could get a lot from this book.

[Stephanie Blank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book- and don't be thinking this is just about relationships with spouses, lovers, friends and children, but even more so about one's relationship with the most important person of all- oneself! A well written, insightful and straightforward book. Easy to read and no pretentious psychobabble gobbledygook!

[Renae · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book as part of a goodreads giveway.

This book was just ok. I didn't expect it to be a 1-2 page devotional type book. I thought it would be a self help book that would dig deeper than this book did. It does have some good information in but it just seems like this book could be so much more.

[Jill Z. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read! There are a lot of relationship books out there but this is so much more. It's practical and engaging with so many helpful ways to think about how you interact with your spouse, partner or any relationship in your life. A feeling of calm comes over me when I read this book and hope for making my relationships even more extraordinary! If I could give it 10 stars I would!

[Danialle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book. Teaches you how to communicate with everyone, how to accept others and how to be happy with yourself. Has short chapters, some of the chapters I wish would have explained more but most were to the point. I recommend this to everyone who wants better communicate with others.