Single Men Are Like Waffles, Single Women Are Like Spaghetti: Friendship, Romance, and Relationships That Work

Bill Farrel and Pam Farrel
Harvest House Publishers (2008)
ISBN 9780736922494
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (4/08)


As the title indicates, “Single Men Are Like Waffles, Single Women Are Like Spaghetti” is about the many ways in which men and women differ.  Men tend to compartmentalize their lives into small boxes (hence the waffle analogy) and focus only on one box at a time.  Women’s lives, on the other hand, are like cooked spaghetti on a plate.  The pieces are intertwined, which symbolizes the amount of multitasking they do.  When people learn to understand these inherent differences between the sexes, they can find ways to avoid problems and misconceptions.

This book also focuses on helping single people seek serious relationships.  It stresses the importance of making specific, realistic, and achievable goals and being honest about what they desire so they will not spend time on relationships that will be doomed from the beginning.  The authors provide questions for people to consider to determine if they are ready to start dating again after a difficult or painful breakup.  Kinds of dates that will help people learn more about potential spouses are listed.  These include co-hosting a party to see how they handle stress and planning issues.  Another idea is to go on a long outing with children (such as nieces or nephews).  If having a family is one of the goals, this will give insight into how a potential mate relates to children.

Examples of free or low-cost dates are given which will allow people to learn more about each other in quiet and stress-free situations.  The pros and cons of the different ways of meeting people are discussed.  Should someone aggressively seek another individual (i.e. internet dating sites) or passively wait for another person to find them?

At the end of each chapter there are humorous lists that relate to the topic of the chapter.  There are also discussion questions for small groups to begin conversations about this book.  The book, although not overwhelmingly religious in nature, discusses the importance of God’s role in relationships and how one’s relationship with God is the most important one of all.

Although Single Men Are Like Waffles, Single Women Are Like Spaghetti” is aimed at single men and women, all adults could use a refresher course on understanding how men and women differ.  It is through the knowledge and acceptance of these differences that relationships will not only grow, but flourish.

Make comment on weblog