The author of the phenomenally popular All About Me now presents a powerfully revealing book for couples, filled with thought-provoking questions to capture your relationship in a meaningful yet fun way.
All About Me has given thousands of readers insight into the thoughts, feelings, and events that uniquely shape their lives. Now Philipp Keel has created an even more personal collection of fascinating questions—a fun, non-threatening tool designed to help couples deepen their relationships.
Unlike dry record books that merely account for dates and names, All About Us gets to the heart of the matter by asking the questions that partners may be desperately curious about but hesitant to bring up, such as: If you could change one of your partner's body parts, what would it be? You have drawn blood in a fight with an ex (yes/no). Name a habit of your partner that you have proudly accepted.
With questions about romance and sex, daily routines and the life of your dreams, All About Us will help you and your partner discover more about yourselves and each other than you ever imagined possible. Whether you fill it out together, separately, or ask and answer questions aloud, this unique book will help you to deepen your relationship and discover that, once again, love is the answer.
All About Us brings a new level of honesty and self-revelation to all couples. Destined to become the must-have gift for weddings, Valentine's Day, anniversaries, and any occasion with someone special, this is an irresistible treasure. —>
At the outset, I would like you to know that I am not an expert when it comes to relationships. I think we all share a curiosity about the ways in which people interact, and over the years I have found myself wondering about the relationships in my orbit—my parents', my friends', my own. What is it that draws two people together? What is it that keeps people together? What breaks them apart? The answers are infinite and complex. And as we all know, there is a secret language between two people that is rarely expressed—to the outside world and often even between the partners themselves. This book, through its many questions—some playful, some serious—attempts to break this mysterious code as it draws us into a deeper understanding of who we are and how we love.
It's my hope that however you approach this book—with your partner by your side, or individually, imagining how your partner would respond to the questions and choices—you do so with a spirit of adventure and fun. Though some moments will surely require you to summon your courage and reveal painful truths, it is not the intention of the book to provoke arguments and controversy. Be wise, accepting, generous, and fearless. It never hurts to be a little persistent. At times, it may seem as if you are going in two different directions, but in fact you are heading down the same road. Together you will make wonderful discoveries.
And in the end, of course, even after a series of miraculous revelations, love remains the greatest mystery of life. As it should.
—Philipp Keel
WARM-UP
Today's date:
Do you and your partner plan to go through this book together?
[ ] Yes
[ ] No
If yes, who will be "A" and who will be "B"?
A, your name:
B, your name:
Your dates of birth:
A:
B:
Your astrological signs:
A:
B:
If you are "B," did you think for a second that you would have preferred to be "A"?
[ ] Yes
[ ] No
If you are going through this book by yourself, do you plan to answer for both you and your partner?
[ ] Yes
[ ] No
If yes, will you show your partner your answers?
[ ] Yes
[ ] No
Which of the seven choices best describes your reason for going through this book?
A:
[ ] You communicate in silence
[ ] It's your anniversary
[ ] You are drunk
[ ] You are curious
[ ] You are suspicious
[ ] Whatever happened to sex?
[ ] Don't ask
B:
[ ] You communicate in silence
[ ] It's your anniversary
[ ] You are drunk
[ ] You are curious
[ ] You are suspicious
[ ] Whatever happened to sex?
[ ] Don't ask
As a child, what were your first words?
A:
B:
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A:
B:
What was your first job?
A:
B:
What did you do with the money you earned from your first job?
A:
B:
When did you leave home?
A:
B:
What or who has had the greatest influence in your life?
A:
B:
Your professions:
A:
B:
Would you mind looking at each other for one minute?
A:
[ ] Yes
[ ] No
B:
[ ] Yes
[ ] No
If yes, put this book away.
When did you meet?
A:
B:
Where did you meet?
A:
B:
How did you meet?
A:
B:
What did you think when you saw your partner for the first time?
A:
B:
If a pickup line was used, which one of you used it?
What was the line?
A:
B:
How soon after meeting your partner did you begin to have erotic thoughts?
A:
B:
Who initiated the first kiss?
[ ] A
[ ] B
Before spending your first night together, what was your chief concern?
A:
B:
Did you imagine how it would feel to wake up beside your new love after the first night?
A:
[ ] Yes
[ ] No
B:
[ ] Yes
[ ] No
How much time elapsed between your first and second date?
A:
B:
Did the one who promised to call, call when promised?
A:
[ ] Yes
[ ] No
B:
[ ] Yes
[ ] No
Was sex everything you dreamed it would be the first time?
A:
[ ] Yes
[ ] No
B:
[ ] Yes
[ ] No
If no, what was missing?
A:
B:
If yes, what made it wonderful?
A:
B:
Have you known true love?
A:
[ ] Yes
[ ] No
B:
[ ] Yes
[ ] No
Are you prepared to accept whatever this book may reveal?
A:
[ ] Yes
[ ] No
B:
[ ] Yes
[ ] No
| Introduction | vii | |
| Warm-up | 1 | |
| Here and Now | 7 | |
| Favorites | 12 | |
| Before Us | 16 | |
| The Magic Three | 24 | |
| Turn-ons and Turn-offs | 29 | |
| Uncomfortable Moments | 33 | |
| Kids and Us | 36 | |
| Gone with the Wind | 39 | |
| Yes or No | 43 | |
| The Absolute Truth | 50 | |
| Time Off | 59 | |
| The Little Things | 62 | |
| Sex & Company | 70 | |
| Playtime | 77 | |
| Issues and Us | 81 | |
| Neuroses | 89 | |
| Choices | 95 | |
| All Things Considered | 98 | |
| Face It | 102 | |
| The Long Run | 108 | |
| Happy Hour | 114 |
BB679
Posted March 15, 2010
I Also Recommend:
WE GOT THIS BOOK AS A LEARNING TOOL FOR US AS A COUPLE. WE ARE GETTING MARRIED LATER THIS YEAR, AND THIS WAS A USEFUL TOOL TO GET TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER EVEN BETTER. THIS BOOK ASKS SOME TOUGH QUESTIONS AND HAS THE TENDENCY TO PROVOKE SOME BAD FEELINGS OR CONFRONTATIONS IF THE RELATIONSHIP YOU ARE IN IS IN SOME TROUBLE OR THERE ARE SOME UNRESOLVED OR DEVELOPING ISSUES.
AS AN EXAMPLE, ONE OF THE FIRST QUESTIONS IT ASKS IS IF YOU CAN LOOK AT YOUR PARTNER FOR ONE MINUTE? IF YOU CAN'T, THERE MIGHT BE PROBLEMS THAT THIS BOOK MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO HELP WITH.
WE ARE ABOUT 75% OF THE WAY THROUGH IT, AND WE LIKE THE FORMAT. THERE ARE SOME LIGHTER ISSUES TO DEAL WITH AS WELL AS SOME TOUGHER ONES, AND MANY OF THEM CAN CAUSE A LAUGH, A TEAR, OR SOME DEEP INTROSPECTION. IT RELIES HEAVILY ON THE ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE, TRUST, LOVE, AND RESPECT ONE ANOTHER.
IT TRULY IS A BOOK ABOUT US, BUT YOU BETTER NOT LEAVE IT SITTING AROUND ON THE COFFEE TABLE EITHER!!!!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 9, 2003
This is a great way to communicate with your partner. My husband and I took it on our honeymoon and sat for hours discussing the fun and sometimes serious topics in the book. We already communicated well, but the conversations the book created were wonderful. We are now buying a copy for 3 soon to be married and some already married friends of ours. Both of us highly recommend trying this book no matter what level your relationship is on.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.jgoc
Posted February 20, 2010
I bought this for my husband of 25 years, and we are learning things about eachother that we never knew, or had forgotten. There are pages and pages of questions for you to ask eachother or write for eachother. It is a way of delving into things a lot deeper, and fun!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.TCL
Posted February 20, 2010
I Also Recommend:
I bought this book for my girlfriend for our first Valentine's together and spent the whole day filling out the book. We had brunch in Pasadena and hung out in LA all day and night and we would answer a few questions here and there whenever we were waiting in a line or just curious again for the next question. There are definitely some sections that are best left for a more private atmosphere, and it isn't even about the sex questions, but more about your individual pasts sections.. ie. fights may ensue. The author states on the back cover that the intentions of the book are not to start arguments, but they're inevitable with some of the questions asked. Still, it's all information that is both necessary and healing if you can get through the book. But on the whole All About Us was really fun to fill out together, we read the questions aloud and answered them with each other present, but you can fill it out on your own too. I recommend this book to all couples with a sense of adventure and quirky love in their midst! Have fun!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.anne725
Posted April 16, 2009
I am studying relationships in my graduate school training in psychology. My boyfriend and I loved the book. If you had fights over the book, it is most likely a sign of insecurity in the relationship. You cant blame serious arguments on the book. Everyone has a past. If this book really becomes an issue, its the relationship that should be getting the bad review. Overall, its a great book!
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Posted March 18, 2009
my boyfriend and i have known each other for 7 years. i thought the book would be a good activity to do together, but we found that the book is just weird. some of the questions are way out there. please, do your relationship a favor and don't waste your time with this book. go take a walk together or something.
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Posted June 27, 2008
My husband and I absolutely loved this book. It was a fun activity for both of us. We laughed and talked way more than we would if we were just watching TV together. There were some subjects that were a little touchy, but part of a relationship is accepting that your partner has a past. We both really enjoyed it and didn't want it to end.
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Posted March 9, 2008
Yes,this text encourages you and your significant other to discuss life before you met/fell in love, but you would not be the person you are today without your past. It has brought my husband and I closer, gave us excuses to laugh and smile, and think about what we want out of each other and our future
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Posted November 2, 2007
My fiance and I love this book. We had dated in high school, broken up, and gotten back together a few years later, so it really opened our eyes to how much we had changed during that time period. I definitely recommend it.
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Posted May 18, 2007
I bought this book to remember our first anniversary, and am disappointed. The book is mostly about cheating, past relationships, and pointing out flaws. After finishing the book, my husband and I felt as if the book was designed more to bring up past fights than to bring couples together. I would never recommend this book to anyone I know! Please save yourself the negativity and look for something else!
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted November 6, 2006
My husband and I have nearly spoken about everything in this book. There are more negative questions than positive. I purchased this book to spark conversation and spend quality time with my husband. But who wants to spend quality time remembering and speaking about exes and things you don't like about each other. I think this book is good for couples who are still getting to know more about each other and for people who don't mind others pointing out their flaws. We've already covered and moved past those things. My husband and I don't get to see one another very much, so the time we do spend together we want it to be pleasant and fun. If you do purchase this book go through it with an open mind and open heart and always answer the questions in a loving, respectful way. Good luck =)
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 5, 2006
My boyfriend and I are open about everything, but this book had some off the wall subjects we had never discussed before. My boyfriend's not a sentimental guy, so when it asked what he was most looking forward to in our relationship, I almost cried when I read his answer, 'Watching her walk down the aisle towards me.' Most all of my girl friends are buying this book now too!
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Posted February 25, 2006
This book is a great conversation starter and a great way to get to know your partner better. It a nice way to spend time with your partner. My boyfriend was first weird about this book but then he admitted he loves to just sit down with me and answer all the questions the book provides. We want to save it when we are done, so we can look back at it years later!
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Posted November 28, 2005
My husband and I got this before we were married and starting filling it out. Sometimes we fill it out together, sometimes we fill it out on our own. This book has good conversation starters and really helps you ask questions that you might have a hard time asking on your own. My suggestion is to answer the questions honestly so you and your partner can discuss how you really feel about many issues couples deal with.
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Posted February 4, 2005
When I started dating my fiance in 2002, he and I decided to do this book, so we could learn more about each other. Granted, my fiance and I had known each other when we started dating for about six years as best friends prior to dating, but this book really opened our eyes to what we were really wanting out of our relationship. Now, every year on our anniversary, (which also happens to be Valentine's Day), we crack open a new book and fill it out. I look forward to doing the book EACH YEAR, because my fiance and I discuss what we have learned about each other over the past year and it helps us build a closer connection to each other. Last year, when we became engaged, I starting thinking about us doing the book this year for our anniversary as a couple. Now, I just cannot wait until my fiance and I are married and we do this book as a married couple.
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Posted January 4, 2005
This book definitley has some odd ball questions, but for the most part it was good going through it ... it's just strictly questions, so as far as analyzation - it's up to the couple, so you have to be ready to talk and be open minded.
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Posted June 29, 2004
This book was great! Whether you've been dating for a short time or been together for years I guarantee that you will learn something new about your partner. It is definitely a book that will open up the line of communication in a relationship.
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Posted July 13, 2004
My husband and I got this book from our friend for our wedding and we love it! We spend some time before bed on occasion doing a few pages and we really enjoy it. It is a great way to learn about SO many things about your partner some good some bad... but if you can go through it with an open mind it can be a great tool to help work on the communication in your relationship. The book can be both funny and serious at times, even sometimes confusing, but its GREAT!!! I have gotten them for all my friends for weddings and anniversaries, I would recommend it to ANYONE!!!!
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Posted February 17, 2003
My fiance and I split up 5 months ago because we were having communication problems. We recently (3wks ago) got back together and bought this book our first weekend back together. It has reminded us why we fell in love in the first place... definitely a great way to laugh and remember the good times.
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Posted April 21, 2003
Me and my boyfriend had fun filling it out. We learned things and we just had something to do that was fun, not to serious and some times serious.
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Overview
The author of the phenomenally popular All About Me now presents a powerfully revealing book for couples, filled with thought-provoking questions to capture your relationship in a meaningful yet fun way.
All About Me has given thousands of readers insight into the thoughts, feelings, and events that uniquely shape their lives. Now Philipp Keel has created an even more personal collection of fascinating questions—a fun, non-threatening tool ...