The gist of the book is marriage, a sacred union, and a mathematical contradiction where two equals one. It requires constant loving the same way the body requires a constant supply of oxygen, food, and water. Keeping the flow of love constant and refilling its cup requires an unending commitment-a joint responsibility. Love must be fed by placing the needs of the spouse equal to or to a greater priority than your own. In the book, the table of commitment is chronicled as having to be set regularly, making available a full-course meal necessary to nurture love into maturity. A successful and thriving marriage is based on this premise. The basic personality types in a marriage are predominately GIVERS and TAKERS. The degree varies, depending on the unique background and experiences of each person. Givers versus Takers explores the journey of marriage from this perspective.