Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man

It's a sure bet that Steve Harvey probably never expected his self-help book "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man", where he gives women the benefit of the sage advice he has learned during his years as a talk-show host and comedian to take off as it has. But, the funny thing is that it has really taken off.

His advice works, although some dyed-in-the-wool feminists or other members of the politically correct school of advice-to-the-lovelorn might find it hard to believe. That it works might come from the fact Harvey has been on-the-air with his talk radio show for a number of years and his interaction with his audience does give him insights that others may just miss.

For example, though this may sound somewhat crude, Harvey has the nerve to point out that if a woman is having trouble with her boyfriend, that it is likely there might be some change in the wind. It's the type of change that may not be the wanted, but it is still likely to be true.

Equally as true, he points out, that many relationships seem to have a "three-month rule." That means that if the relationship lasts for more than three months, it is likely that this relationship may last for a long time. Whether it will lead to marriage and kids is beyond his knowledge. It also seems to contradict his dictum that "there's one waiting in the wings!"

If you look at it closely, it really isn't contradictory, it depends on the type of relationship that was established in the first place. As Harvey notes, if the relationship is based solely on physical attraction and there's nothing underneath, then it's likely the "wings waiting" model will be the winner because they pair have nothing in common.

On the other hand, if there's a mix supportive elements such as physical and emotional, as well as intimacy, then, as Harvey indicates, you're on your way.

That Harvey can write so well comes from the fact that he does have the radio show and it does require more scripting than you would suspect. Why, even some of the "spontaneous" spots that appear on his show are likely scripted to one degree or another and, frankly, getting them to sound spontaneous does require some work.

One might consider Harvey's book an unlikely place to find good, solid relationship advice, but when you have to relate to a radio audience and then switch to a nightclub audience, you must develop a way to handle the transition so it would stand to reason that this work is much more than it appears.

Of course, it does have its funny moments, as well, and you'll probably find the light-hearted last few chapters to be more than worth the price. Some of the comments are hilarious. And, always remember one solid piece of advice and it is this: if someone is introducing you to their kids, it is probably too late. It's likely this relationship will be a lasting one.