Understanding Women: The Definitive Guide to Meeting, Dating and Dumping, If Necessary (Paperback)

After reading this book my attitude to dating has been transformed and I now realise that the average man can do many simple things to improve their chances of meeting someone and developing a relationship. There is no substitute for confidence and experience but aside from this, the average male can improve himself in many other ways which will be a big help.

This book reveals specifically what women value and what they are looking for in a potential partner (Women are very picky and have a lot of men to choose from!). If you had any doubts then after reading this book it will be clear to you. According to the book, men fail to be attractive to women in very basic ways and therefore reduce their chances of getting a date, e.g. men should: lose the beer gut, keep teeth in tip-top condition, dress correctly ("hugely important"), keep well groomed, be a gentleman at all times, basically make yourself as attractive as possible, etc.

The most interesting chapter for me was the one called "Three types of men". The three types of men that women love are: The Confident Man, The (elusive) Bad Boy, and The Smart Guy. The trick is to be yourself and "by combining these factors, you will find your own personal pattern and comfort level and then work it. If you can do this, then you won't have a worry in the world.". Must be something in it...

As a side note, reading the book called "The Human Animal" by Desmond Morris (in particular, the chapter called "The Biology of Love") will give you a more scientific angle on human behaviour, courtship, sex, etc.

In "Understanding Women", Ms. Miller helps men to understand how the female mind works. At times, I had to chuckle with recognition over the statements she made, such as "women have a weird relationship with gifts." It's so true!! Not only that, of course, there were a lot of other things she said that hit the mark.

As you can see, there is a lot of stuff going on in this book. It's tops, as far as I am concerned, and really does let men in on the secrets that go on inside a woman's head. And isn't that what most guys want to REALLY know? What's going on inside those heads of ours??? Yeah, it is and Romy dishes the dirt, sometimes to a ninth degree, but, hey, it's good news to know if, indeed, you are ready for a real woman. And that's what it's all about--getting a real woman, not some cardboard cutout of someone who does what she thinks you want her to do--be and appear perfect. (Isn't it true that these types always come 'round to bite you in the butt????)

Apart from that, this book is very well written and decriptive. In some cases, I would say it's hilarious. The girl certainly doesn't hold any punches. It's about reality, fella, not sugar-coating, which seems to be the reality for "some" men.

The book isn't about being a perfect guy and finding a perfect girl. It's about being the best guy, i.e. a man, for the woman you want. Her theroies on dressing and manners hit the mark as well. This author really knows what's she's talking about.

I have recommended this book to my male friends, esp. the ones who are always telling me they have a hard time hooking up. This book explains why and the most important thing it tells the reader is this: If you put no effort out, you'll get nothing in return. Therefore, I recommend it all men out there who need a little help in the dating department. And as a woman, I know what this author says is really true. And it's about time someone said the things she does in this book. It can make dating and even introducing yourself to a woman easier. Lastly, she says to never give up on meeting that special person. I couldn't agree more.

What is most refreshing is that the Author uses the writing style of the kind of woman you'd love to date. She's confident, intelligent, assertive and has a turn of phrase that will make you laugh out loud at times. She doesn't pamper you, tell you it'll be okay - she tells you like it is - and boy, had you better listen! Ms Miller has that special ability of talking like a woman, but in a way that men can both appreciate and relate to.

Despite being written for the US market, the book on the whole is relevant to the UK. There aren't too many suggestions that make you cringe like many US books on dating and communication. Some of the fashion tips for the first date seem a bit over the top if you're a young British male taking a girl out for a drink (where something more casual and relaxed would be better), but the point about making a big effort with your appearance isn't difficult to transfer and still applies.

Overall, this is an excellent read. It is quite short however, and I would have been happy to have read more of the Author's tips and writing style. Maybe a second edition? If so, I'd buy it again.