Iris Krasnow

****Please note I received this book for free from Goodreads****

This gives an inside look at a variety of marriages and a variety of opinions on the subject. And, while I'm not a wife, I have been in a relationship with the same man for almost 6 and a half years. Sometimes that can feel like a marriage. It's got nothing in terms of longevity on the various marriages in this book though. I believe the youngest marriage of all included was 17 years long, the oldest, 70.

70 years is a long time to be married. I find it funny that even though I'm not married now, I find myself wondering if I could see myself married to him for the next 50 or so years. Lucky for me, that's not a crazy thing to think.

The book explores a lot of different elements of staying married. The main themes/elements are to be responsible for one's own happiness and not dependent on their partner for it. I try to do this as best I can, sometimes to the point of shutting myself off, which I'm working on.

Another theme is to explore your own hobbies, and to have space. I think this is crucial in any sort of relationship. Relationships where two people are engrossed in only each other are very limiting, and can be lonely, and boring. I'm a very solitary person by nature, though I do like to go out and socialize as well. Since my own relationship has been a long distance one, for most of the time, having space hasn't been too much of an issue. Though I must admit, since we have lived together for the last year and a half it has taken some getting used to.

Another important thing is to constantly be making friends, since new friends bring new experiences, and new experiences bring growth. This is another one that's hard for me to do. I'm very shy, and slow to trust. That's not to say I don't want to make more friends, I suppose I'm just picky about it.


Although the book is geared toward women, and holds mostly female points of view, a few male perspectives are provided as well, which gives this a nice sense of balance. It covers a lot of subjects, from parenthood and Empty Nest Syndrome to swingers, to starting over at 80.

It has both an academic and personal feel to it. It would probably make a good accompaniment to a college class on marriages or women's studies.… (mais)