The Rules

I recently became aware of a book called The Rules. It's basically an instruction manual for a woman who wants to attract the man of her dreams. Apparently, when it was first published in the 90's, it was both very popular and very controversial. I imagine it was popular because everyone wants an easy-to-follow guide to finding an ideal mate. I imagine it was controversial because there is no such thing as an easy-to-follow guide to anything in life and anyone proporting to have written one is obviously a fake. Also, many of the "rules" were real headscratchers.

Rule #5: Don't Call Him & Rarely Return His Calls

Rule #12: Stop Dating Him if He Doesn't Buy You a Romantic Gift for Your Birthday or Valentine's Day
Rule #31: Don't Discuss The Rules with Your Therapist.

Incidentally, one of the book's authors separated from her husband after 16 years if marriage.

Now, why am I posting all this on a blog about parenting? Because there's no shortage of parenting self-help books out there and most of them make it seem like they've got the answer. But, like I said before, there is no easy-to-follow guide to life. It would be nice if there was but things just doesn't work that way. There's no quick fix to finding a soulmate, raising a child, losing weight, etc. All that stuff takes takes utter commitment, generous support, and plain, dumb luck.

At least that's my expert opinion.