The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands

One of my email discussion groups is atwitter about just the TITLE and it hasn't even been published yet!

Lynn Siprelle, Editor

I'd have to withhold my review, obviously, until I read the book (which may be never), but I gather from the editorial review she's talking about things I have actually been practicing lately and found truly helpful in my marriage. I guess it could also be called "giving unselfishly." I only know about one man, obviously, and I don't know if it applies to all men. I'm also fortunate to have a pretty good guy, who doesn't take advantage or manipulate; doesn't complain about my cooking or housekeeping; admits and apologizes when he's wrong; but can be inattentive at times (at those times I'm apt to call it neglectful!).

The simple fact is, if I give him what he needs (and that may be different for every man) he is far more attentive and open to me. Hot meals aren't so important to him; he's happy with a bowl of cold cereal. But affection is very important to him. There may be times when I want to withdraw that affection because I feel my needs aren't being met. But as the song goes..."Love is not a thing that we can simply make; it just might help to give when the instinct is to take." Nothing so earth-shaking about that concept!