Let's Talk

There comes a time in every monogamous relationship when you change your dating status from “talking” to “dating,” then to “serious” – meaning neither of you are dating, considering or looking for anyone else. You may even consider marriage or get married and change your status to “forever-serious.” It’s during the serious and forever-serious phases that the two of you really dig in and work on getting to know one another and recognize the things about the other that you admire, value and absolutely love. That’s also when you discover the “little things” that categorically annoy you. This book is about going deeper and finding out things that you will only learn through thoughtful discussions – talks that require time to unfold. After each conversation, you both must work through your perceptions and judgments regarding what you hear. Since time is your friend, take this two-month journey and work through one conversation each day.

There comes a time in every monogamous relationship when you change your dating status from “talking” to “dating,” then to “serious” – meaning neither of you are dating, considering or looking for anyone else. You may even consider marriage or get married and change your status to “forever-serious.” It’s during the serious and forever-serious phases that the two of you really dig in and work on getting to know one another and recognize the things about the other that you admire, value and absolutely love – things like, “he exhibits remarkable integrity” or “she makes me feel like I can be a better person.” That’s also when you discover the “little things” that categorically annoy you – things like, “she can’t ever make up her mind,” or “he chews his food with his mouth open.” Success in serious relationships requires each person to accept the other – including his or her imperfections. And the only way to understand and stay in touch with your partner’s evolving reality is to keep the conversation going and continue to accept imperfections along the way. This book is about going deeper and finding out things that you will only learn through thoughtful discussions – talks that require time to unfold. After each conversation, you both must work through your perceptions and judgments regarding what you hear. Since time is your friend, take this two-month journey and work through one conversation each day.

Jerry Autry is a multi-faceted author, speaker, life coach, strategist and humanitarian. Throughout his career as a Human Resources practitioner, he has served in numerous capacities including various management roles across several industries. As an author, he creates works that inspire people to live intentionally – to understand their personal purpose and experience the journey towards fulfillment. He shares keys for self-enhancement and positive interpersonal relations. For this reason, his books intersect the lines of inspirational and professional classifications. Jerry's delivery as a speaker is very practical, yet impactful, and often humorous as he lectures on a variety of topics including leadership, professional development and inspiration. His talks are fashioned for real-world application. As an ordained minister, he infuses his theological and counseling training knowledge with personal experiences and wittiness to deliver a poignant message of hope and empowerment. He is the founder and CEO of Suits for Sons, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of young men through training, mentoring and sponsorship. And he serves as a consultant and strategist for several U.S.-based nonprofit institutions. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Development – Training & Development from Oakland University and a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Houston Baptist University. Jerry is originally from Saginaw, Michigan and currently lives in Houston, TX.