The Art of Understanding Your Mate

by Cecil G. Osborne

This reissue of a best-seller takes a realistic approach to marriage that deals candidly with incompatibility. It includes ten commandments for husbands and wives.

Genres: Marriage, Christian, Self Help, Relationships

Paperback

First published September 29, 1988

Reviews

[Madi Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I could, I would give this book 3 1/2 stars. Pretty traditional, old concepts of man and woman but still very applicable and relatable. The author had a lot of clients that he has dealt with in relationships and it mostly was him giving their scenarios and relating it to “every relationship.” Definitely took some good things out this book, but expected it to flow more without multiple stories of other people’s relationships being told. All in all, it gave me a completely different perspective of how marriage is, but he should have named the book “scenarios of married couples” or something along those lines. I really thought he was going to digress more on the incompatibilities of man and woman rather than multiple scenarios. I’m a little disappointed just because I thought it was going to be different.

My question to spark conversation is;
How can men and woman coexist when each individual is so different?

My (subjective) answer;
We coexist by understanding our biological differences and adjust accordingly. Understanding that man and woman are supposed to complement and not complete each other is essential. Like ketchup and mustard (maybe bad comparison) we are so different but together we coexist.

[Andrea Balfour · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great summary of how men and woman behave, how they view marriage, and how to fix some of the more common problems! Written in the 1970s, I expected some of the information to be outdated. Yes, there were some points that felt "old" like about sexual promiscuity or saying that women are primarily caring the "the nest". But instead of focusing on those details, I felt the author was spot on it want men and women desire in a successful, meaningful, long lasting relationship with each other. After 20 years of marriage and many male-female relationships from friends or dating or work, I would have thought there would be no surprises but I was so wrong. After this book I have a deeper appreciation for who we both are and how strong our marriage is and how to make it even better.

[Crystal Prado · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the different perspectives that this book gives of relationships. But i feel it is a bit outdated when talking about the roles of women and men in todays society. Overall i looked past that and took a lot out of this book and it helped my marriage improve. So i definatley would recommend for newly weds or married couples that a bit stagnant in thier relationship.

[Lucia Rukia · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3*

[Nathan Guevara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Can easily flip to a page and tell Ina "this is how I feel when you do this!!" 😂 but seriously - great book.

[Israel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most informative and practical book on marriage & relationships ever!

[Alaine Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It had a lot of great points and highlights, however. the book seemed to be dated and does not fit in with today's progressive thinking. It refers to most of the women as housewives and baby makers and the men as machines in the corporate world. I think that the gender roles in the book don't apply to today. It would probably be a good idea if someone updated it to make it more relatable.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. It should probably make it on to the reading list of anyone who's thinking about getting married. What I love most about it, though, is that it breaks the assumption that we're supposed to be good at being married when it's not something we've done before. Fantastic.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little more into psychology than other marriage books. Some references to Christianity, but not many. Takes a very traditional approach to man/woman roles in marriage. Relatable examples that don't pull any punches. A worthwhile read, but might offend others in the current age.