Act Like a Lady - Think Like a Man

Even though I have read thousands of books over the years, Act Like a Lady-Think Like a Man is definitely one of my favourites! The honesty and clear writing within make it an enlightening and interesting read as well as an instructional manual for women who want to be in a long-term committed relationship but don't know how to make that happen.

The author Steve Harvey and co-author Denene Millner claim that Steve has had hurtful relationships in the past but has learned from them. He is motivated by this and the stories of others who had similar problems as well as by questions from people who have called him during his radio talk show broadcasts.

Steve states that men are not complex. In fact, they are very simple beings, but women always tend to take relationship advise from other women and therefore never really understand this about men. As a result, they often stay involved with men who have no intention of committing for long periods of time, hoping for an engagement ring and marriage only to be disappointed.

Harvey teaches several strategies for identifying when a man is interested in a woman and describes the three things that he will do to keep her. He also gives very specific advice to women such as how to gain and retain respect. Steve's writing also helps women understand the power that they have sexually if they use it correctly. He cautions women not to give sex too quickly and clearly outlines the reason he takes this stance.

The authors stress the importance of communicating both your expectations and standards to your date early in the relationship and gives three questions that you should ask him as a way of determining his compatibility.

Other chapters cover why men cheat, when to introduce a man to your children, the differences between how men and woman love, as well as the types of men to avoid.

This book was not merely based on opinion. Harvey has used listeners' questions help him identify relationship topics to cover in his writing and talked with both co-workers and associates about things that puzzle them when it comes to men, intimacy and love.

The writing and language used are easy to read and the information given is honest and straightforward so there should be no misunderstanding about what the authors are saying. In fact, there are several sections that are presented in a simple question and answer format.

One of the things that I liked best was the way that Steve urges women to use knowledge about men in order to preserve their dignity. Rather than just doing whatever the man wants, he stresses the need for self-respect and he actually teaches how that respect can be preserved despite what may be selfish goals of the man.

The 232-page book Act Like a Lady-Think Like A Man, which has been number one on the New York Times Bestseller list, has now been turned into a major motion picture. I had the opportunity to watch it a couple of weeks ago, and even though it was enjoyable, to be honest, I much preferred the book.

This is Harvey's second book. His first, Straight Talk, No Chaser is an international best seller.