Marry Smart!

Terry MacDonald can be described as the Tony Robbins for women within the dating scene. Her upbeat, positive messages relating to personal integrity and self-worth proves to be an effective tonic for any woman lacking in confidence when it comes to dating and thoughts of marriage.

Everybody has some “tales from hell” when it comes to love, dating and romance. Terry is no exception, and by describing her own experiences early within the book (some of which are hilarious…maybe not for Terry at the time though), she immediately sets the scene as someone who has walked in the shoes of a mature woman going through the trials and tribulations of dating.

I found that reassuring, and it gave extra weight to her thoughts and attitudes knowing that she does not proclaim to be perfect. Indeed, there is no being condescending or patronising at all within the “Marry Smart” pages. Just your own personal mentor, coach and cheerleader, who genuinely has your best interest at heart.

Terry examines many of the myths that populate cultural thinking. Beliefs such as:

• Marriage is the be and end all for women
• All men are afraid to commit and don’t want to get married
• Most men want younger women
• There is a shortage of available men
• You need to look like Angelina Jolie to be allowed to feel good about yourself
• Successful and lasting relationships are impossible if you have haven’t experienced one previously

An aspect of this book which I really enjoyed was Terry’s emphasise on personal integrity and unlimited self potential. So many “personal coach” type writers espouse a win at all costs mentality, where as Terry lays ground rules such as not poaching another woman’s man, not dropping friends when you to do enter a relationship and downplaying the idea that marriage is only key to a fulfilling life.

These objective and respectable points demonstrate that Terry is a person who holds herself to a high standard, which certainly adds to her credibility as a writer within this field.

Another strong point of “Marry Smart” are the detailed techniques such as affirmations, visualisations and other exercises designed to help you generate positivity and self-confidence. Although there may not be anything earth-shattering new here, they have been fine-tuned with a focus towards the subject. The relevance of the instruction compliments the rest of the material.

My favourite line is a quote from Terry’s husband, which discusses how he is “…baffled by the lengths women will go to hate themselves”.

Overall, a very enjoyable read which will leave the reader feeling more positive both about themselves and dating, no matter what their situation. A must-have companion for women either in, or re-entering the dating scene.