Review: Oops...Clumsy Me!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 11 7, 2012
When two people enter a brand-new relationship, the "honeymoon period" ensues: both parties overlook the other's faults and foibles (and may even justify them as "cute") and a large accountability gap is allowed for innocuous mistakes that inevitably and inadvertently occur.Eventually, reality sets in.Now the real work begins---he has a habit of drinking straight from the milk carton. She leaves clothes strewn across the floor. He is chronically late for important events, but somehow always finds time to tune in for ESPN without fail. She text-messages during dinner. Aggravation and resentment build (it's always the little things that bug people the most). This can set a very unloving precedent if these issues are not addressed...and could even lead to issues in the bedroom. This, of course, is never good. So how do two individuals continue to maintain a relationship while acknowledging the other's individuality and idiosyncracies?These potential crises are addressed by Stephen Williams in "See Through Clothes: Naughty Ways to Break the Ice." Williams has written several books detailing specific approaches to improving and maintaining communication with your partner, and this particular book of suggestions is no different. Williams is very passionate about romance and communication between two consenting adults, and he consistently searches for ways to help individuals surpass the inevitable rough patches that accompany the relationship.Williams's writing style is fun, flirty, and sends a message to the reader that oozes with enticement and excitement. He consistently exhorts his (male) readers to apply any of his numerous examples found within "See Through Clothes" to the specific situation that arises. He suggests a carefully-placed spill upon her blouse; if it's summer, he encourages initiating a water fight, or pulling her into a pool while she is still dressed. The author stresses the importance of timing and a liberal litany of sincere apologies proffered to her, so as to appear guileless and innocent of any nefarious intentions.Of course, it's vital to really know your partner---does she have a sense of humor? Is she willing to let bygones be bygones, or does she have a tendency to keep score? Just being cognizant that there is always a chance that your significant other may not necessarily find humor in such antics may help the reader make a sound, wise decision in this regard."See Through Clothes" is certainly not for those who have little to no appreciation of this particular style of humor. Humor, as mentioned previously in some of my reviews, is a subjective topic and is open to interpretation. Personally, I found a few of these examples quite interesting; however, I started to consider the possibility of simply discussing personal and sexual issues with a partner in as sensitive and as sensible a manner as can be achieved, as opposed to simply playing pranks. I think I would employ this approach, simply because humor, while indispensible to any relationship, needs to be implemented with tact. There are times when certain issues need to be taken seriously, no matter how many well-intentioned books about humor I have read. Once again, it all comes down to knowing your partner as completely as possible.Nevertheless, "See Through Clothes" his its mark, and Williams does justice once again to the world of relationships in this book.