Book reviewed: The real thing, by Ellen McCarthy

Book reviewed: The real thing, by Ellen McCarthy

Finding love

Are you frustrated by the loneliness, stymied relationships or missed connections in your search for someone to spend the rest of your life with? Then you will find this book, by Ellen McCarthy, a Washington Post weddings reporter, warm, witty and helpful. This collection of Ms. McCarthy’s thoughts on dating, weddings, commitment, breakups and happy life gives a window into the world of love and romance.

In a chapter on “What makes it last,” the author observes that there is not a single secret to ensure a long and happy marriage but some behaviors help sustain a relationship. Some of the tips she gives include; go tandem gliding; be kind five times a day; maintain eye contact; drink more champagne together; go to nature or place of worship together; write in your gratitude journal; do the dishes, both of you; keep up and say “I love you.”

In the chapter “Love means having to say you’re sorry. A lot,” the author discusses Erich Segal’s famous Academy Award nominated movie “Love Story (1970)” starring Ryan O’Neal and Ali McGraw, and bring forth one famous line that hit popular culture, “Love means never having to say you're sorry.” She agrees that Jenny Cavilleri and Oliver Barrett IV never needed to say that, but the rest of us do. The Law of Attraction ultimately wins, but you must keep in mind that it is a long and windy road and it has worked for many couples.