Dear Dr. Laura, 

Eight years ago, I purchased your book, "The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands" after having listened to your show for about 15 years. We had been married for nearly 20 years and had fallen into a slump of focusing most on the children, house and work. I wasn't even finished with the first chapter when I decided to try some of your suggestions. It was like a miracle! For every positive action I took, there was an immediate and even better REaction! I felt like I was a puppet master and even felt a little guilty at the way I could manipulate my husband into treating me a little nicer. In turn, I felt better about being more considerate of him. I hid the book so my husband didn't know what I was up to.

Since then, I have given the book to countless new brides, loaned it to friends and family, and once, did not get it back so I bought another! From time to time, I have had to re-read it to get things going in the right direction again. We are in our first year of empty nest syndrome since both children are now in college and lately, it seems effortless to be more kind and respectful to one another. But the icing on the proverbial cake was last night when my husband told me about a thought that crossed his mind that morning. He said, "You really DO love me a lot don't you?" And I said, "Yes, I do. What brought that on?" He replied, "I don't know. I was just thinking about us." It was then that the notion actions speak louder than words really came to light. I've told him I love him daily for the past 26 years, but those 3 words can be very empty without the actions that must go along with them. I hope this doesn't embarrass you, but in my mind, you are a genius for having the good sense to write this book. Thank you so much for sharing this wisdom with everyone who wants to save their marriage. And even if they think things aren't bad - they can always get better!

Sincerely,

Danielle