One sentence summary
A guide for women to understand men’s perspectives on love, relationships, intimacy, and commitment, written by comedian Steve Harvey.
Book genre
Self-help, relationship advice
Main topic of the book
Understanding men and their ways of thinking in regards to relationships and commitment.
Key ideas
- Men have a unique way of thinking and it is important for women to understand it in order to have successful relationships.
- Women should set clear standards and expectations for their relationships instead of settling for less.
- Men value respect, love, support, and intimacy in a relationship.
- Communication is crucial in a relationship, and women should learn to speak the “man language” to effectively communicate with their partners.
- Women should have their own life and interests apart from their relationships.
Main parts of the book and a short summary
- Introduction: Harvey introduces himself and his experiences with relationships, and explains his purpose for writing the book.
- Part One: The Mindset: Harvey discusses the importance of having a proper mindset when it comes to dating and relationships.
- Part Two: Standards: This section emphasizes the importance of setting clear standards and not settling for less in a relationship.
- Part Three: The Playbook: Harvey shares advice on how to effectively communicate with men and understand their needs.
- Part Four: Taking Control: This section focuses on taking control of one’s own life and not depending on a man for happiness.
- Part Five: Strong, Independent, and Loving It: Harvey emphasizes the importance of women having their own identity and not losing themselves in a relationship.
- Conclusion: The book concludes with a review of the main points and encourages women to take control of their love lives.
Key takeaways
- Understanding men’s perspectives can lead to stronger and healthier relationships.
- Setting clear standards is important for a successful relationship.
- Effective communication is key in a relationship.
- It is essential for women to have their own identity and not lose themselves in a relationship.
Author’s background and qualifications
Steve Harvey is an American actor, comedian, television host, and author. He has been in the entertainment industry for over 30 years and has been married three times. In addition to writing this book, he has also written several other books on relationships and has a popular talk show where he gives advice on various topics.
Target audience
This book is targeted towards women who are seeking to understand men better and improve their relationships.
Publisher and first publication date
The book ‘Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man’ was published by HarperCollins in January 2009.