Staying Sane When Your Loved One Is Manipulative, Needy, Dishonest, or Addicted
It's So Hard to Love You shows you new and innovative ways to love a difficult person. It includes tips on avoiding codependence, overcoming the impulse to change the difficult loved one, and preventing your own needs and boundaries from being subverted by the desires of the difficult individual.
July 1, 2007
These books are designed for those attracted to or involved with people with serious problems. In "Crazy Love", clinical psychologists Johnson and Murray delve into personality disorders and the effect mental illness can have on a relationship. They describe the symptoms of 12 disordered types, including the eccentric partner, the dangerous partner, and the withdrawn and needy partner, as well as strategies for avoiding, escaping, or living with the problem. Of particular help are revelations on why the reader might be attracted to certain types and tips for making better choices in the future. In "It's So Hard To Love You", psychotherapist Klatte and life-skills coach Thompson help people who are anguished by their relationship with a difficult partner, friend, adult child, or family member yet don't want to cut ties. They help readers shift their focus from changing their difficult loved one to changing their own responses. Suggestions for establishing boundaries, communicating well, and handling negative reactions are detailed and realistic. Both books would make excellent purchases and are recommended for public and academic libraries.
Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.