DR. PAUL’S SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR THE NEW HUSBAND

A psychologist offers husbands-to-be tips on handling marriage in this humorous relationship guide.

Powers’ guide is designed to “give (prospective grooms) the benefit of years of wisdom that other men have had to learn the hard way.” For example: “No—those jeans do not make her look fat. Ever, ever, ever.” That is tip No. 6 from a 10-point “wallet card” cheat sheet provided at the end of the book. The guide is organized into chapters focused on before, during, and after the “Big Day” of the wedding. Areas covered include the proposal (don’t balk at buying a diamond ring, consider yourself married from this point on); wedding planning (learn the phrase “I have no taste,” useful here and going forward); the wedding (schmooze, don’t booze); the honeymoon (a “fun part” yet not without pitfalls); and post-marriage life (“If you don’t at least pitch in, you’ll end up eventually doing it all by yourself—in your cool, post-divorce, cheapo bachelor pad”). Powers also discusses how couples should be aware of each other’s financial styles and provides examples showcasing the differences between what “she says,” “he hears,” and “she actually means.” While one could argue some of his tips are corny, Powers prudently contextualizes this wisecracking guide by noting that “hopefully you two had some fun and a few laughs together reading this book. If not, you’re [sic] marriage may already be doomed because a sense of humor is one of those essential ingredients of a happy marriage.” His quips, while at times merely flip, are often instructive as well as laugh-out-loud funny. These include his many bons mots harping on handling in-laws, who get pride of place as tip No. 10 on the wallet card: “Your in-laws probably don’t like you. Get over it—quietly.”

Often amusing and insightful tips that will help couples lighten up as they navigate through life together.