Manuals for lawnmowers, manuals for cars . . . men have usually known where to go for a how-to guide to fixing things.

And for core relationships that might need attention?

Help is at hand, guys.

Relationships Australia and MensLine Australia have produced a booklet entitled Renovate your relationship: a manual for men, intended to get men to think about the practical side of relationship maintenance.

Once upon a time most men were expected only to be payers and providers. The 21st-century, however, is a time of great flux in domestic life. Choices, challenges and high expectations are par for the course.
There’s a lot of scope for renovation, investigating “wear and tear”, and maybe repair and rebuilding.

One of the authors, Dr Andrew Bickerdike, Relationships Australia Victoria’s General Manager Operations, says men are often baffled by some of the commonly used counselling language and self-help terminology.

“Something more offbeat, as well as down to earth and practical, may ring more true to men who want to do something about their relationship but are unsure how.”

“We have taken a constructive view of what is required to identify problems and work to resolve them. Men are generally good at projects and we believe the practical approach outlined in the booklet has a lot going for it.”

It starts with this comforting advice: “Like a manual, this booklet is best dipped into, not read from cover to cover. Making changes can be difficult and requires courage.”

The13 “project tools” include: “When the roof blows off! Anger and frustration”, “Renovate your sex life” and “Appreciation”. Each tool comes with key points and checklists of things to consider and do, expressed in plain language.

To obtain a copy of Renovate your relationship: a manual for men, contact Relationships Australia (Victoria) on (03) 8573 2222 or download it from their website www.relationshipsvictoria.com.au