My Cat Won't Bark (A Relationship Epiphany)

Darné, a veteran of many long-term relationships and dating advice examiner for examiner.com, distills the wisdom he has gained over the years into this handy and entertaining collection of advice, tips, and maxims. His central thesis is that most relationships break up because people choose the wrong partner. At the beginning of many relationships, people fail to be deliberate about what they want from a partner, and later find themselves frustrated. Darné reminds readers about the importance of being honest and asserts that communication isn't a goal if it doesn't lead to change. While a great deal of Darné's advice can be distilled to trite maxims, he raises useful points that challenge conventional self-help texts, particularly in sections addressing when one should consider leaving a partner (as soon as one realizes one's needs won't be met) and the importance of ending and beginning relationships well.