As someone who lives a nonmonogamous relationship lifestyle, I was keen on what Susan Wenzel had to say, both professionally, and from her own personal perspective.

I was not disappointed.

From a therapeutic standpoint, much of what Susan brings to that table is valuable not just to those of us who are CNM, but also our monogamous inclined. These tools and exercises of communication, respect, openness, and honesty, are especially paramount for those who do maneuver multiple relationships at one time.

From a personal perspective, it was heartwarming to see that Susan is human just like the rest of us, with her own struggles when first opening her marriage. We all deal with insecurities, doubts, jealousy, etc. even in monogamous relationships, and with Susan's professional touch, much of the time, these feelings come from a place of deep hurt, usually stemming from childhood.

If you are someone, or a couple, who is thinking about opening up your relationship for the first time, or heading into the CNM relationship lifestyle before even entering a partnership, take up this book. Hell, even if you are monogamous, pick up this book for the exercises Susan presents alone. They're worth it.

Thank you to Netgalley, Susan Wenzel, and her publishers, for allowing me the opportunity to read and review A Happy Life in an Open Relationship.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
I'm often interested to read books written by sex and relationship therapists. I liked the anecdotal aspect to this book rather than just a checklist of how to have a happy nonmonogamous relationship. The author describes the various types of relationships and gives tips on how to overcome jealousy or other potential problems. As in any relationship, good communication is always key.

A Happy Life in an Open Relationship steps away from other books about open relationship and non-monogamy as it is a very personal book. I say personal not just because of the subject matter but because the author herself, Susan Wenzel, offers a lot of anecdotal examples taken from her own life and those from her professional life as a relationship therapist.

The book itself provides a range of information not only on open relationships but other non-monogamous relationships types. Most sections of the book offer guides and exercises to help readers better understand and work through issues. A large part of the book looks at introducing the concept of non-monogamy to relationships – how you approach, deal with, and work through conversations and issues, while the rest works through other aspects of these relationships.

However, at times the book can read more like a biography than a guide. At some points I found that I was interested in subjects and how to handle these better myself but was treated to page after page of personal reflections instead of constrictive advice on how to actively tackle these issues. As someone who has struggled with jealousy issues, I was disappointed to not be given any actual advice other than to work towards positive responses to negative compulsions.

Despite this small issue, the book shines in it’s positive portrayals. There are no judgements made in this book which is really empowering to read. The book is not authored from a theoretical standpoint, the author is in an open relationship herself, which really makes not just the advice but the issues faced so much more real.

RECOMMENDATIONS
If you are looking at opening up your relationship, A Happy Life in an Open Relationship is a great resource for all of the things you need to consider. Wenzel offers a number of considerations that can often be not thought about, so if you are thinking about branching out in your relationship, this book is an excellent idea.

For those already in an open relationship, A Happy Life in an Open Relationship is a wonderful resource that can help preemptively tackle issues or as a guide to handle the more tricky conversations. I say wonderful as there is no judgement in the writing – it is open and honest and is purely there to help guide people who may hit some bumps in the road.

If you’re simply curious about open relationships and polyamory, then A Happy Life in an Open Relationship is also a great book. The number of personal anecdotes really personalise this subject that often can be overlooked or eye rolled.

Please note: I received a copy of A Happy Life in an Open Relationship from NetGalley.

See note to publisher

This title is not available on kindle. therefore I cannot view it. I have to give it a star rating and I hate doing that because I haven't read it and it's not fair to lower the rating. I hope in the future it will be on the kindle format.

Please can you supply this book in kindle format so I can read and review it. please let me know when it is available - thank you

Can't give feedback as this isn't available in a Kindle format. Can't give feedback as this isn't available in a Kindle format Can't give feedback as this isn't available in a Kindle format