The Engaged Woman's Survival Guide

Book excerpt: Are you trying -- and failing -- to plan a wedding that will please everyone in your family and his? Is your mother making you cry -- or vice versa -- at least once a week? Does your father lament "You could have done better?" Do You Sometimes Think He's Right? If this sounds familiar, you may be experiencing a bona fide case of Pre-Marital Syndrome: anxiety, irritability, and trepidation about your impending wedding. Fear not. Many brides-to-be go through what you're going through now, and as a psychotherapist and couples counselor, Arlene Modica Matthews has helped them. The Engaged Woman's Survival Guide was written to deal with the emotional side of getting married that other bridal books don't address. With Matthews' insights and guidance, you will not only survive but thrive during a time that can be confusing and trying but also exhilarating. You'll learn how to: Define your expectations and discern those of your spouse Develop practical skills and strategies that will help you enjoy your engagement and the years of marriage ahead Break bad communication habits -- with your spouse, his family, and your own -- before they get carved in stone Dispel your fears and frustrations -- about your wedding, marriage in general and your man in particular -- by unearthing the fallacies that underlie those fears Written with humor, compassion and a deep understanding of what you're going through, The Engaged Woman's Survival Guide will keep you on the path to happily ever after!