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Women "Surrender" For Intimacy, Passion, & Romance

MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- A controversial approach to marriage, and staying married has lots of ladies talking, especially in South Florida.

In the New York Times best-selling books, "The Surrendered Single" and "The Surrendered Wife", the author Laura Doyle claims her 'surrendering' approach to dating and marriage can transform relationships and bring women romance, harmony, and the intimacy they crave.

But is the advice really helpful?

CBS4 had four women test the books to see if it worked.

Danielle Klahr, a 33-year-old single teacher said she's hoping to find 'the one.' "My parents just want me to meet the right person, explained Klahr to CBS4's Cynthia Demos.

Sabrina Cohen is 34-years-old. She is single and heads The Sabrina Cohen Foundation for Stem Cell Research.

"I think for me personally, my fears revolve around my disability and myself worth," said Sabrina who was in a car accident and is now a quadriplegic. She and her best friend Danielle are studying the book "The Surrendered Single."

Debbie Israel was also put to the test. She's engaged and is a teacher. Israel questioned, "Do I take the plunge? Do I get married and take the chance?"

Gloria Drago is the fourth woman. She's been married for 24 years and she definitely has a goal.  "Keeping things a little bit spicy and fresh, sometimes it's not easy, especially with teenagers in the house," said Drago.

The four women met with the author of the two books.

"As a woman, we actually have all the power to make or break our relationships," explained Doyle. Doyle believes single women shouldn't look for "Mr. Right", they should attract him instead.

As for married women, they shouldn't try to control everything. Just surrender a little and the intimacy will be back, she said.

Here are some of Laura Doyle's key tips:

  • Smile at the universe
  • Allow him to ask you out
  • Be quiet
  • Listen more
  • Talk less
  • Take a compliment
  • Accept help
  • Get online for dating
  • Remember a suggestion or advice often comes across as criticism

After four weeks of implementing what the women learned from the author and in the books, CBS4's Cynthia Demos checked back in with the ladies.

The married women said the tips in the book definitely worked for them.

When asked whether her sex life was better, Gloria Drago, married for 24 years, replied with a smile, "Oh yes. There were some good tips in the book, definitely."

One of the best tips Gloria got out of the book was to talk less. "Be quiet and listen that's one of my biggest faults listening."

For engaged Debbie Israel, she had to learn how to take a compliment. "The man feels like the man and it does something to pump him up," said Israel.

The single ladies also felt the book had a positive impact.

"Smile at the universe was a really good one," said Danielle Klahr. "I noticed that people were smiling back." While she hasn't had any dates in the four weeks after meeting with the author, she said she felt things were getting aligned.

Sabrina Cohen followed the advice of Laura Doyle and spruced up her online profile. "I changed my profile on a few sites and was straight forward and fun. Within a few conversations one guy said 'I'd like to take you out'." She went on the date and said he is not 'the one' but it was wonderful practice and definitely made her feel more comfortable for the next time.

Overall, success for the four ladies with the book. If you are interested in meeting with the author she will be in the South Florida area holding seminars.

The Lifelong Romance Retreat for Women will be held in Fort Lauderdale June 22-24th.

Click here for more information or to register for the retreat. Women who register with the code "CBSNEWS" will receive a $300 discount.

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