Common Sense Relationships - a Book Review

Common Sense Relationships is a new book written and published by David Frantz. This release is currently available only in a paperback edition and can be purchased from the website at www.CommonSenseRelationships.com. An e-book version and audio book are also in the works with an early spring 2010 release date. It's a quick read at 144 pages.

Common Sense Relationships does not strictly focus on husband/wife and marriage interaction as you might expect with this sort of title. Instead what it does is zero in on the idea that relationships in our lives are multidimensional. How we live today, how we interact with our children, our spouse, our parents, and our peers, is greatly influenced by where we came from and what we learned in our early lives. The influences of those earlier times must be used as lessons and guides to make our current day to day existence and our tomorrows a better place to live, work, and grow as individuals, families, and communities.

The text illustrates that while our past can be a huge influence on how we behave and live in the present, it certainly doesn't have to determine where we go from here. We are individuals, we are unique, and what we do from this day forth, who we love, and how we relate to our children is based on choices that we make moment by moment. Our choices can be influenced by our past, but they don't have to be driven and defined by it.

Tolerance is another key area put forth in all chapters, tolerance of not only differing cultures and values, but tolerance of different thought processes. We each see the world from a unique vantage point and sphere of influence. Because your viewpoint is different than mine, that doesn't mean that it's necessarily wrong. Sometimes it's just different.

Common Sense Relationships also contains several fictional illustrations per chapter in an attempt to bring the opinions and observations to a real life perspective. These down to earth writings include characters from all walks of life and all generations. In them we see how pre-recorded message from our upbringing can influence how we feel about ourselves and our world. Yet each one, coupled with the supporting text, illustrates that personal advancement and fulfillment can be achieved by taking action, internally and externally. We can be the person that we were meant to be when we arrived on planet earth without being diverted by fear and negativity.

There are references early on in the book to how societal changes also color and effect our lives. What our western culture brought to our parents in terms of prosperity and stability is now creating new challenges for us and our children. We can find our way through the new global maze of technology if we are willing to step beyond the familiar, acutely aware of the unknowns but moving forward in spite of them.

The eleven chapters deal with personal motivation, marriage and partnerships, arguing and fighting, abusive relationships, relating to our children, and relating to ourselves. A table of contents page is listed on the website as well as some sample pages from the text. As of this writing, every thirtieth order is free and there is a 20% discount off of the $11.95 retail price. According to the author, the ISBN is in the application process and should be listed soon for easy reference. Each book comes with several bookmarks listing an email address to contribute feedback or communicate with the author.