Why Can't We Get Along?: Healing Adult Sibling Relationships

by Peter Goldenthal

Praise for Peter Goldenthal s previous books:

"[Dr. Goldenthal s] techniques...are presented with insight and clarity. This is a unique and valuable book." --William B. Carey, M.D., Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

"Peter Goldenthal gives us new insights.... This is a must-read book." --Myrna Shure, Ph.D., author of Raising a Thinking Child

Hasn t it gone on long enough the rivalry, the jealousy, the pent-up anger, and the grudges rooted in the past? In this book, renowned author and family psychologist Peter Goldenthal offers proven prescriptions for brothers and sisters who want to break through old, destructive patterns and create a richer, more loving, and more rewarding relationship with their adult siblings.

Using dramatic case histories drawn from his own clinical practice, Dr. Goldenthal helps you understand why adult siblings fight. Warmly and insightfully, he presents practical techniques to:
* Communicate with and listen to your sibling
* Free yourself from past resentments
* Cope with your sibling s selfish or inconsiderate behavior
* Support and comfort a sibling who suffers from mood problems
* Manage a sibling s difficult personality
* Help your children avoid sibling problems
Don t let old hurts and destructive behavior patterns overshadow the love you feel for your sibling. Read Why Can t We Get Along? and find the key to establishing warm and loving sibling relationships that will last a lifetime.

Genres: Psychology, Personal Growth, Nonfiction

237 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 5, 2002

Reviews

[Courtney Harp · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a helpful book for adult siblings working through and navigating difficult relationships with each other. I feel that much of the book has beneficial takeaways that can be put into practice.

Your sibling's feelings reflect his or her personal reality, but that doesn't necessarily mean that his or her behavior toward you is always justified, or even accurate.

Unfortunately, we tend to treat our siblings more harshly than we do our friends. When we become frustrated or disappointed in our siblings, it's so easy to flip back into childhood patterns of mutual taunting, being overly sensitive, and stubbornly refusing to back down. While we are used to treating our friends with self-restraint, tact, and a sense of humor, we often forget to use the techniques with our siblings.

Perhaps your childhood memories are influencing your reactions to your siblings today, clouding and distorting your perceptions. If you want to find a new way to relate to your brother or sister, if you want to try to initiate new and healthier patterns of interaction with them, consider how you can become more aware of the ways in which these old experiences live today.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book that gives extensive perspective on understanding, accepting, and acting on sibling relationships.

[Monica Dragutinovich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helps me see things differently and is what I needed.

[Barbara · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book has an incredibly old-fashioned point of view. I do not recommend it.