Review of Smart Love

[Gabriela Contreras]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Smart Love" by Vincent Fudge II.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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During our lives, we will experience good and bad relationships, most will not last but as humans, we always desire one that does work. But… what if things go wrong in that relationship that, at one point, seemed to be forever? Is it possible to save every relationship? Is it possible to have a perfect relationship? If there are perfect relationships, should we try to achieve them? Smart Love answers these questions. In his book, Vincent Fudge II gives a detailed approach that he used in fixing his marriage. The author shares his experiences hoping that readers apply what they learn to improve their lives and relationships.

The book starts with a prologue that narrates the events that led the author to face domestic violence charges that inevitably lead them to start a project to improve their relationship. This project is called the “SMART Love Project”. Next, he describes the methodology and how he and his wife approached the implementation of the principles. The author and his wife worked on this project and the implementation of the principles during the following year.

I admire the author and appreciate the fact that he shared everything while telling the story and describing the project. There was not a point in the book where he denied his wrongdoings, he pretended to be perfect or blamed his wife for everything. Instead, he shared the whole story, accepting what they both did wrong and that the only way to overcome it, was to communicate better and decide to solve the problems, together, as partners.

I like how the author gave some ideas that can be used in every type of relationship, like the Conversation Box that the couple filled with Post-it notes with controversial topics that were up for debate. I also appreciate the “Shared Vision” strategy as I believe will be the most beneficial for couples. This strategy allows both partners to enter the relationship with shared visions (“we see us”) and a description of what they aspire to have, what a successful partnership means, and a time frame (if possible) in which they wish to achieve those visions. For example, if one partner expects to get married and live in the same city, while the other is determined to move to another country, that relationship could fail.

The only negative thing I can say is that the author included several quotes throughout the book, that I felt did not add to the book. I was also uncomfortable with the fact that my copy did not have numbered pages, but I will not blame the author for this.

Overall, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. The book is professionally edited, as it contains no errors. I learned incredible lessons, and this is also a short book that can be read in a couple of days, with your partner or on your own. I did not want to put this book down.

I recommend this book to people in long-term formal relationships, especially those about to get married or already married. I also recommend this book to therapists or counselors that specialize in couples or communication skills. This book can also help partners with problems.

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Smart Love
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[Chimereucheya Okoroafo]

Speaking of love, I believe a break up shouldn't always be the first decision after a disagreement unless required. Love is a fragile thing that can feel as though it's not there in tough situations. This project sounds interesting and looking to know more about it. Nice review.