Product Description

This guide to successful communication between the sexes has already helped many millions of readers from across the globe understand why members of the opposite sex behave the way they do. This new edition contains all the text of the original, including: what makes members of the opposite sex tick; how to understand their verbal and non-verbal language; how to motivate the opposite sex and get what you want; how to avoid arguments and promote fruitful communication; how to score points with the opposite sex and impress your partner; the real emotional needs of the opposite sex and the behaviours associated with these needs; and how to keep love alive and stay together long term. This book should help you reach a point of harmony and understanding where both sexes can live, work and love together.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #998 in Books
• Published on: 2002-11-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

From Amazon.co.uk
A classic and unique self-help book, Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus tackles the perennial problems faced by couples everywhere. Gray tells an allegorical story of the Venusians and the Martians who move to Earth, having enjoyed wonderful and fulfilling relationships with one another for many years. However, as soon as they arrive on this planet, amnesia sets in! They can no longer remember that they are from different planets and all sorts of communication and emotional problems set in. Written in an unpretentious and jargon-free style, Gray's tactic of using "Venusian" and "Martian" to refer to the two genders (and he does comment that these roles are not necessarily based on sexual biology) avoids the dead-end path followed by so many people, of using sweeping statements such as: "men always..." or "women just don't understand...". Instead, he says: "Venusians are from a different planet, therefore..." or "Martians need...". This in itself is a worthwhile tactic, removing blame and shifting communication onto a new level where it is OK not to be on the same wavelength all the time and not to automatically understand all your partner's needs. His new naming strategy even manages to be amusing, in a way that many books in this area can fail to be, although the writing tends towards over-simplicity at times.

He discusses every aspect of relationships--but most importantly he does this in practical ways. For example, he lists common statements that people in relationships say to their partners, what is intended, what is actually heard. Gray goes on to suggest ways to say what you intended that are more appropriate for the Venusian or Martian audienc--he even compiles lists of translations of common male/female exchanges.

The tone of the book is always helpful, friendly and non-judgmental, kind and well-meaning, although the typical self-help strategy of repeating and summarising points results in the book seeming somewhat directionless. It is nevertheless an essential title for the bookshelf of every self-respecting self-help addict, and is a good place to start for the curious. It does also have some real gems of wisdom and new strategies. All in all, Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus is a star guide to understanding the constellations of coupledom. --Alison Jardine

About the Author
John Gray Ph.D. is recognised as a leading authority on communication and relationships and his techniques have helped to enrich the lives of millions of men and women worldwide. He is a psychologist, writer and lecturer and worldwide best-selling author who has been conducting seminars in major cities for over twenty years. He lives in northern California with his wife Bonnie and their three children.

Customer Reviews

Truely helpful self help
There are not many self-help books that I have found touch the fundamental basics of human nature. This book is a godsend for anyone trying to understand their man/woman, it underlines the differences between the way men and women think, once you grasp this it is much easier to understand your partner and where they are coming from. He also highlights the mistakes that we make in relationships by the way that we react to each other, understand and apply his techniques and you will avoid many arguments.

Although in some parts it gets a bit repetative the elements are there. I have read David Grays other books and this is undoubtedly his best.

It saved me!
I read this book in a week, not reading more than 2 hours a day! It is just amazing how it got me totally involved!
After a hard period with my boyfriend, and after my mother reccommended it to me for months, I finally decided to give it a chance. What happened is that I understood some of "common sense" things, some of which my boyfriend was trying to explain for long time unsuccessfully, because what made the difference is a clear and simple way of saying them. In a "loving" way! The author holds a PhD in psychology, and has a lot of experience so he is able to communicate his messagge in a successfull way.
Personally, it saved my relationship from sinking forever. Now I understand that I was always loved, even my "rubber band" boyfriend had the need to "pull away" to fulfill his need for independence.
I strongly suggest it to everyone, it can change your life.
The fact that it is so repetitive is because it is supposed to teach, and not just to entratain, so for the message to get through it needs to be repeated. It worked with me. Now I can't wait for my boyfriend to read it as well.
I feel like an entire new life is in front of me, thank to this book!

Essential reading if you want your relationship to work
This is the single most helpful book on relationships between men and women that I have ever read (and I've read plenty!). I wish I'd read it years ago, but I'd been a bit put off by the title. John Gray explains the differences between the male and female psyche so clearly. While women long for respect and love and romance, men need to be admired and trusted and appreciated. We keep giving each other what WE want, not what they want, then wonder why it doesn't work out. I can't thank John Gray enough for this book - it really has transformed my life.