Becoming a Friend & Lover

by Dick Purnell

Are you interested in finding the right person and building a quality relationship? Would you like to develop a love relationship that can be the foundation for a strong marriage? Becoming a Friend & Lover practical insights for understanding the opposite sex, suggestions about how to avoid short-circuiting a good relationship, and clear ideas for enjoying the dating process--to relax and be yourself, and much more.

Genres: Religion, Christian, Relationships

263 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is absolutely the best book for single/dating people I have ever read (...or at least in a very long time). Purnell was single for forty-two years and is extremely qualified to speak and write on the subject. He also received education in the fields of counseling and pastoring and has many years of experience speaking, pastoring, and ministering in various contexts.

This book was very helpful to me as I moved from singleness into my first dating relationship because it provides an excellent overview into the world of dating, both encouragement for having fun & getting to know each other at the beginning as well as insight into laying the foundation for a good marriage. There is an excellent discussion of pitfalls that may be faced in dating relationships and an encouraging analysis of five critical areas of all relationships, specifically tailored to dating relationships. The advice offered in this book is encouraging, supportive, engaging, and positive. The anecdotes shared were applicable and insightful. There was also no guilt-tripping or shaming.

Purnell never made the claim that becoming closer to God is the way to get a spouse, as many books for single Christians seem to claim. In fact, Purnell stated that when he was passionately pursuing God and engaged in ministry, he was most satisfied as a single person. It was clear to Purnell that God brought him and his wife together at the perfect time for both of them. Because of this fact, the book ends on a hopeful note.

I will definitely be recommending Dick Purnell and his books to many people. Don't let the fact that this was published in 1995 keep you from enjoying Purnell's stories and encouragement. Overall, a relationship with God is praised above establishing a dating relationship, and that makes this book worth reading.

[Jeff Noble]

Becoming a Friend and Lover (Dynamic relationship series) by Dick Purnell (?)

[Laurie Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about dating.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started out as a good review of relationships, but then got too "scripture" based. Not any new ideas. Glad I picked it up at a used book store for cheap.