Resolving Relationship Conflicts

Till Death Do Us Part (Unless I Kill You First): A Step By Step Guide To Resolving Relationship Conflicts

Editorial Reviews - From Library Journal
Turndorf, popularly known as "Dr. Love" in her newspaper column, focuses here on improving communication skills and reducing marital conflict. Early chapters analyze the nature of conflict, including the biochemical reactions of the body to fighting, subjects that provoke continued conflict, and behavior that escalates arguments. Then, before presenting her conflict-resolution plan, Turndorf identifies childhood wounds that may be aggravating spousal conflicts and encourages readers to heal these wounds so that they may concentrate on improving their current marital problems. The final chapters introduce the author's program for conflict resolution, with an emphasis on the development of listening and negotiation skills. Notes and suggested readings follow the text, but, unfortunately, these resources are quite dated; many were published in the 1970s. Overall, this is the worst kind of self-help book: a lot of hot air without much substance. Still, it's sure to find an audience; appropriate for self-help collections in public libraries. - Kay L. Brodie, Chesapeake Coll., Wye Mills., MD
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review
Most "professionals" try to make fighting acceptable in relationships and I think it's because they don't have a clue about how to help couples stop the fighting. Dr. Turndorf's "core therapy" method is awesome because she doesn't give quick-fixes and one-size fits all techniques that don't work. Instead she explains that all relationship fighting is caused by unhealed childhood baggage that makes you overreact and causes more fighting. Dr. T shows you how to figure out what wounds are causing your fights, and then she shows you how to help each other heal the wounds. Then you're ready for her step-by-step conflict resolution program, which works. The results are nothing short of amazing. --Dean T

love this book. Even though it's written for couples, I am living proof that Dr. Turndorf's conflict resolution techniques improve any kind of relationship. Now I get along with my daughter! This book is packed with humorous anecdotes and case examples. It's a fun read even if you don't have relationship conflict. --Emilie K

I just finished devouring this book. Absolutely great stuff. This is the help I needed twenty years ago. Duh! Now I get it! My marriage of 30 years is over BUT maybe this can help me save a one year old relationship that has foundered due to my lack of "conflict resolution" skills. I'm going to re-read this book then do my best to apply what I've learned. (Then I'll read it again). --Scott S

This self-help book centers on Dr. Turndorf's proven method for resolving relationship conflict before it gets ugly, abusive, and over. The author, aka Dr. Love, bases her conflict resolution methodology on research that has led her to conclude, "fighting creates a chemical imbalance" that leads to more aggressive and negative behavior. This book provides ways to end or at least reduce the cycle of relationship warfare that spirals into divorce, hatred, and oftentimes leads to physical and mental abuse.

Her conflict-resolution steps are simple to follow. Sometimes we all can use an arbitrator like Dr. T. Her writing style is so personal that it feels like she's in your living room guiding you to end the conflict and reconnect. This book is for anyone who wants a better relationship with a partner, a friend, a sister, brother, mother, father, daughter or son. --Debbie B