Table of Contents
A spiritual guide, someone who will listen without judging, someone who understands the mysteries of the human heart and the essential truth ... He speaks openly to youth and adults, in language that is prejudice-free, accessible, and enriching.Shakira, multiplatinum recording artist
ACCLAIM FOR
Real Life, Real Love
[Helps] couples work through inevitable difficulties and keep their relationships alive... He talks about nitty-gritty issues like dealing with jealousy and developing autonomy. One of the best books of its kind.
Library Journal
Straightforward, well-organized, and supportive... Will help identify a potentially compatible type of person and avoid typical complications.
Publishers Weekly
Full of all-inclusive, mostly nondenominational advice.
Miami New Times
Offers practical romantic advice from, yes, a priests perspective... using real-life examples.The Miami Herald
[His] no-nonsense advice [attracts] a growing and diverse audience... There is a spiritual component in his book, but not a preachy one. Cuti gives examples of problems and suggests solutions.
Houston Chronicle
Would make an excellent wedding present.The Seattle Times
Written in a youthful and dynamic voice... Offers practical advice... With the wisdom and experience acquired through his work with thousands and thousands of couples all over the world, Father Albert... shares powerful tools to help his readers... A real and practical guide for couples relationships that seeks to lead readers to harmony and happiness... A great treasure... Those meeting him for the first time will love his fresh, young, and dynamic style.TeleGua de Chicago
To know him is to love him, and my life has certainly been enriched by his friendship. Now, you will have an opportunity to share his wisdom on life.Cristina Saralegui, host of Univisions The Cristina Show
This book addresses our intellectual, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, and our desire for successful parenting and valuable human relationships with other human beings. For truthful answers, read Father Alberts book, Real Life, Real Love, and you will discover hope, love, and justice at the end of your journey.
Mrs. Eunice Kennedy Shriver,
founder of the Special Olympics
A highly inspirational book from a most inspirational man.
Andy Garcia, actor, director, and producer
[W]ont just benefit your romantic relationships, but all of the important relationships in your life.San Antonio Express-News
Father Cuti offers sensible, spiritual guidance to an [ever-] broader audience while continuing to break stereotypes of the Catholic Churchs role in society.Latino Leaders
[For] those of us who seek lasting, strong relationships... Father Alberts wisdom has drawn millions to his radio and television shows. This book will become an instant classic, the Bible of loving relationships.
Judge Marilyn Milian, The Peoples Court
7 Paths to a
Strong & Lasting
Relationship
BERKLEY BOOKS, NEW YORK
This book is dedicated to the countless people who have opened their hearts and lives to me through my work in television, radio, and the written press, asking for advice about their troubled relationships, or at times, simply looking for someone who will listen to their pain...
This book is for all of you, especially those who have insisted that I put it on paper. Here it is!
Acknowledgments
In 1998, I received a phone call from an international television network, asking me to host a talk showsomething one never expects to do as a Catholic priest. It was there that I discovered what I consider the real mission territory of the twenty-first centurythe media.
I want to acknowledge Nely Galan, the creator and mastermind of my first television program, and Rafael Bello, my first executive producer, for getting me started in the media world. I also want to express my deepest appreciation to those who put up with me on a daily basis at Pax Catholic Communications (Radio Paz and Radio Peace in Miami, where I serve as president and general director), Enrique Duprat of EWTN El Canal Catolico and Servio Tulio Mateo, my executive producer at channel 48 in Honduras. The staff at El Nuevo Herald in Miami, where my column originated, helped me to reach people all around the world with what I hope is inspirational and practical advice.
My special gratitude also goes to my literary agents, Johanna Castillo and Jennifer Cayea, who believed in this project and have pushed me every step of the way. I thank Denise Silvestro and Ed Myers for their editorial expertise and great skills.
Finally, a special word of gratitude goes out to my spiritual family at the various communities where I have served. Namely: Saint Francis de Sales and St. Patricks (on Miami Beach), San Isidro (in Pompano), St. Clement (in Fort Lauderdale), and St. Mary Star of the Sea (in Key West), as well as my God-given family, who have given me so much love and support in my ministry through the years.
May God bless you all! Ad Multos Annos!
Introduction
One evening not long ago, I sat resting and thinking at a beach near the parish house where I live in Miami Beach. The time was just before sunset. The beach was almost empty; the water was calm. Id come there to pray the Evening Prayer (Vespers) in this serene place. It only takes about ten minutes to pray the Evening Prayer, so I knew I had plenty of time before the light faded. I couldnt have wanted a more prayerful setting.
The few people present there went about their businesscouples walking, joggers jogging, a middle-aged man playing fetch with his dog. I felt comfortable being alone yet also content to have others around me. These folks ignored what at least some of them must have considered a slightly odd sight: a priest in clerical garb sitting there on the beach.
Gradually, though, I became aware of one particular passerbya young woman in shorts and T-shirtwho had walked past me several times. Each time she passed, she came a little closer. I continued saying my prayers without looking up, as I really just wanted to be there on my own. But soon I heard a question Im often asked: Are you the priest I see on television?
I guess I am, I replied.
Could I talk with you a moment?
Sure. I try to be available to people whenever they need me, so I changed my plans right then and there to hear what was on her mind.
It turned out there was quite a lot. Im in a relationship with someone I care about, this woman told me, but being in love seems so much harder than I expected. Ari and I argue over everything! We want things to work out. We try to make it work. But its so... difficult! This young woman, whose name was Daniela, then explained her concerns in great detail. Now in her early thirties, she had experienced ups and downs in other relationships. She felt a growing urgency about finding a man with whom she could build a marriage, have a family, and share her life. She felt confident that she was in love, yet she still wasnt totally sure if her boyfriend was the man she could count on for a long-term commitment.
