Description

by Brett C. McInelly

In Men and the Art of Marriage Maintenance the author interweaves humor with thought-provoking commentary as he explores the mysteries and wonders of married life from a decidedly male viewpoint. What do taco salad, monkeys, mountain climbing, elk hunting, Shamu, and shrink-wrap have to do with marriage? Everything, according to author Brett C. McInelly. Whether taking his cue from fine Mexican cuisine, the great outdoors, or the majesty of the animal kingdom,  Hardly a model of husbandly perfection, he recounts his efforts to become that illusive creature known as “the good husband.” Most married men share the same desire. What many lack, however, is know-how. Men and the Art of Marriage Maintenance provides dozens of practical and creative tips, from the simple to the elaborate, the men can use on a day-to-day basis to make their marriage healthier and happier. Each tip is prefaced with a humorous anecdote and insightful commentary. While witty and light in its approach, Men and the Art of Marriage Maintenance speaks to deep issues regarding attitudes and behaviors that lead to a successful marriage. Readers, both men and women, will identify with the author’s experiences as they come away with increased desires to work harder for that elusive goal of “happily ever after.”

Chapters include:

1. How Taco Salad Wrecked an Otherwise Perfect Marriage: Cook a meal together
2. What Monkeys and Newly Married Men Have in Common: Subtle Displays of Love
3. A Climber’s Guide to Mount Love-a-Lot: A Chick-Flick Extravaganza
4. The Myth of the Big Spender: A Homegrown Bouquet of Flowers
5. The “Truth” in Advertising: Dinner and a Movie with a Twist
6. “There’s No ‘I’ in ‘Us’…or Is There?”: Draw Her a Bath
7. For Love of the Game: Throw Her a Party
8. Living in Eden: The Marriage Contract
9. “I Have Nothing to Wear”: Surprise Her with a New Outfit
10. Self-Discipline: The No-Strings-Attached Full-Body Message
11. If It Doesn’t Kill Ya: Do Something You Don’t Like
12. Feather Dusters and Fishnet Stockings: Play Maid for a Day
13. Suicide by Sentiment: Make Her a Greeting Card
14. Girls and Their Dads: Read Her a Bedtime Story
15. The Thrill of Victory, the Agony of Defeat: Skip the Big Game for Night Out with Your Wife
16. In Good Company: Star Gazing
17. The Choices We Make: Ladies’ Night Out
18. How to Tame a Hurricane on the Home Front: The Gift Bag
19. If It’s Broke, Fix It: A Carpet Picnic
20. Shopping as Therapy: The Surprise Shopping Day
21. “How Do I Love Thee?”: A Passionate Love Letter
22. Friends and Marriage: A Weekend Getaway with a Friend
23. Getting and Spending: A Cash Prize
24. Men’s Work and Women’s Work: A Scavenger Hunt
25. Talk Is Cheap: Real Love and a Profound Sacrifice
26. Mamma’s Boys: Find a Fault and Fix It
27. There’s No Fairness in Marriage: Accept Responsibility, Even When It’s Not Your Fault
28. The Secret Life of the Bull Elk: Plan a Family Vacation
29. Growing Up and Growing Down: Rediscover Childhood Together
30. The Shamu Principle: Throw Her a Fish

5.5” X 8.5” paperback

134 pages