STAR-BULLETIN / 2005 Tom Merrill and Bobbie Sandoz-Merrill begin a radio show on Thursday.

Relationship writers go on Internet radio

Tom Merrill and Bobbie Sandoz-Merrill have taken their book "Settle for More" to the next level. The couple begins a weekly, one-hour Internet-radio program on relationships Thursday. They also moved to the mainland, embarked on a book tour and will be featured on the "Hour of Power."

The two share the steps that they took to improve communication in their marriage.

They maintain that society teaches "myths of relationships," including the idea that relationships are hard to sustain and require compromise.

"We want people to learn how to communicate when they can't agree," Tom said. It is not about learning "how to fight."

Their show will include guest speakers such as Dan Baker, author of "What Happy People Know: How the New Science of Happiness Can Change Your Life for the Better."

A call-in session will be included at the end of each program. The radio shows will be archived on the Voice of America Web site, Bobbie said.

The couple created a model of communication because they wanted their own relationship to work. Their model teaches couples to keep love and passion alive throughout the years, with both partners responsible for the happiness and security of the relationship.

"Relationships shape our world," Tom added. "The more people tend to focus on their own relationship, the better place the world will be."