From a Washington Post weddings reporter who's covered more than two hundred walks down the aisle comes a warm, witty, and wise book about relationships-the mystery, the science, and the secrets of how we find love and make it last.
Ellen McCarthy has explored the complete journey of our timeless quest for "The One," the Soul Mate, the Real Thing. This indispensable collection of insights-on dating, commitment, breakups, weddings, and marriage-gives us a window into enduring romance:
• Go Online Already-"It's a major time suck and a black hole of rejection and ambiguity and lies. But you know what? It also works."
• Keep It Confidential-"If you have to get something off your chest, pick someone whose wisdom you really trust, and who isn't likely to spread the gossip to all your mutual acquaintances."
• Be Nice-"Brewing the morning coffee, touching the small of your partner's back, filling their car with gas. These things add up to more relationship satisfaction than a fancy dinner on Valentine's Day ever could."
The Real Thing features many more nuggets of wisdom, valuable information from the latest studies on commitment, candid testimonials from a variety of couples, and the personal story of McCarthy's own search for "the keeper"-which begins, ironically, with a breakup the very same day she started as the Post's full-time weddings reporter. Whether you're looking for love or looking to strengthen your relationship, this book is a wonderful and clear-eyed map to the human heart.
