Posted December 8, 2013 Book: 101 Tips for a Happier Marriage: Simple ways for couples to grow closer to God and to each other Authors: Jennifer Roback Morse & Betsy Kerekes Ave Maria Press. Notre Dame, IN. 2013. Pp. 123 Excerpt from the Jacket: Tips for a Happier Marriage offers Catholic couples concise, practical, and at times humorous suggestions for creating and sustaining a more joyful peace-filled marriage that is steeped in the beauty and mystery of the faith. An Excerpt from the Book: Do not, under any circumstances, attack your spouse's character during the heat of an argument. Telling your spouse that he or she is a hot-headed idiot is not a good idea when you are both angry. Who becomes the hot-heated idiot then? Name calling is immature and unhelpful. Seek higher ground. Avoid absolute statements such as, "you never" or "you always." Such statements are likely to cause additional arguments rather than resolve anything anyway. It's not loving to perpetuate a fight. Stick to the issue at hand, and above all else, be honest with yourself and kind to your spouse. Table of Contents: Make a decision to love Adjust your attitude Realize that your marriage matters Check your expectations at the door Take action to improve your marriage Get it done without drama Recognize that winning is for losers Understand the physiology of fighting Handle criticism gracefully Soothe yourself to let go of grudges Ask for help without whining, complaining, or demanding Offer help without being demeaning Make forgiveness more important than sex Appreciate your spouse`