It's hard to imagine anyone has anything new to add to the subject of finding and keeping love, but Paul Carrick Brunson, a former investment banker now known as a matchmaker and Dr. Drew Pinsky's go-to relationship expert, believes new rules are needed for the age of Google and online dating. As the average age for marriage continues to rise due to career options and expanding mobility, "it's time the book of love got an upgrade," Brunson proposes--hence, It's Complicated (But It Doesn't Have to Be).
Brunson admits there will always be enduring common-sense guidelines regarding relationships, and explores those universal rules while providing "homework" in the form of questions to determine whether someone is truly ready for marriage. He also explains how to distinguish relationship non-starters from preferences, while avoiding "type hype" (do you really need the person you believe you want?) and identifying truly compatible personality types. His concrete advice regarding appearance, body language and landing dates leads to a game plan for finding, recognizing and keeping love--as well as spotting when (and how) to move on.
Brunson's rules, intended to help the lonely find healthy, sustainable relationships, are appropriate for every age, gender and sexual orientation. Although many of the suggestions are neither groundbreaking nor surprising, the section on setting up and maintaining a healthy online identity and presence will be helpful to anyone, even those who have successfully found love.--Kristen Galles, blogger at Book Club Classics