Guide to a Loving Relationship - dvd - review by oldhippy

This is predominately an instructional DVD with no sexual action involved. It is comprised of various scenes that move from Dr. Laura's office in conversation with a patient to a more one on one presentation directly to the viewer. The talks with the patients are frank and tend to re-enforce the points that were just covered in the presentation. The presentations provide information on key points of the DVD, which are the basis of that particular chapter.

This DVD is geared towards any couple that would like to improve their relationship. Although the discussion tends to revolve around a male/female relationship, the basic principles discussed would apply to any relationship that is based on the principle of one partner with the primary role of provider and the other is the one who maintains the home and hearth. Even if these are a bit archaic ways of looking at life, the idea is still the same, and should work for almost any relationship. Dr. Laura has taken the time to divide the DVD into chapters that cover a variety of subjects, such as the 8 Golden Rules of Good Sex; How to Fight for Love, Not to Win; Individuation, etc. The chapters provide an easy way to move through the DVD to review any subject and discuss that topic with ease.

The 8 Golden Rules for Better Sex are:
1: Never go more than 2 weeks without sex.
2: Plan a weekly sex date.
3: Men who do housework have more sex
4: Don't fake orgasm!
5: Make your relationship a priority over the kids.
6: Go to bed at the same time.
7: Remember why you first fell in love.
8: FLIRT!
Dr. Laura provides more information on each of these topics in each chapter so that they can be applied to any couple.

The primary actor on this DVD is Dr. Laura Berman. She has been a sex therapist and educator for 15 years. She is an assistant clinical professor of OB/GYN and Psychiatry at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University. She has been featured on Oprah, Dr. Oz, The Today Show, and the View. She has also appeared in most major publications and has published several books including, "For Women Only: A Revolutionary Guide to Overcoming Sexual Dysfunction and Reclaiming Your Sex Life" ; "Secrets of the Sexually Satisfied Woman"; and "The Passion Prescription". She also has a line of products that are featured on Eden Fantasys.
The patients that she deals with within this DVD are not identifed, understandably.

The most interesting feature of this DVD is the use of chapters. Each chapter is a seperate teaching or discussion point within the DVD.

The chapters are: Welcome, What's Inside, 1st Golden Rule, Fixing Your Sex Life, Getting Individuated, 2nd Golden Rule, Individuation Review, 3rd Golden Rule, Soft Addictions, 4th Golden Rule, Compromise, Compromise Review, 5th Golden Rule, Libido Differences, Libido Review, 6th Golden Rule, Avoid? or Confront?, Argue Better!, Fight to Love, Not to Win, 7th Golden Rule, Good Sex, Good Connection , 8th Golden Rule, Homework.

Each chapter can be accessed separately for review and discussion.

This DVD is not a one time use experience. It will require the individuals that wish to improve their relationships to view it several times. The first time, it should probably be viewed together, and straight through from beginning to end. After that, moving from chapter to chapter to discuss various items that arise or that the couple feel need to be discussed.

One thing that may arise is that it is a bit dry at times and may lead to the temptation to nod off if you are tired when you watch it the first time. That happened to us, so beware.

Even though my wife and I have been married for 43 years, we found that there were points that were brought up that started us discussing issues right away. We plan of reviewing this DVD several more times in the future, just as a way to keep on track. It helped us see where we are, where we have been, and ways to improve where we are going.