Do you fall into the same dead-end relationships time after time?
Are you still searching for that one person who will make you feel complete?
What if that's not actually what you need to feel happy and fulfilled?
When we look to other people to fill in the places where we are lacking, our relationships are virtually guaranteed to be unfulfilling. Because at the heart of this kind of relationship is a belief that alone we are not enough. Nothing could be further from the truth.
In a warm, engaging style, Drs. Jantz and Clinton help you unravel why you're drawn back to the same types of people and relationships over and over again. You'll learn how to break the cycle of relationship dependency, focus on finding wholeness as a unique individual, and discover the key to finding a healthy relationship that lasts.
"Don't Call It Love" is a book that describes relationship dependency and how to break that cycle. I've had difficultly understanding why a teenager I mentor seems to seek out chaotic, emotional roller coaster relationships. This book did help me understand where she's coming from, but it's intended to be read by someone who needs help rather than someone who wants to help. The overall tone of the book was encouraging and hopeful.
The majority of the book was a series of questions, lists, and descriptions relating to relationship dependency. The authors described various traits of relationship dependency, the 8-phase addicted-to-relationships cycle, and the fears that drive this behavior. They explored how emotional and spiritual abuse contributes to relationship dependency. (Spiritual abuse is when someone deliberately uses God's approval--and this someone "speaks" for God--to control another person.) They also explained how brain chemistry can reinforce bad patterns of behavior, how this can be retrained, and various attachment styles.
Finally, they talked about the truths you need to know to replace the lies that feed relationship dependency. The authors are Christians, so these truths are based on Biblical truths. This included more questions and lists, but these showed how knowing the truth changes the answers that you might have previously given. They also included a 12 week recovery plan that gives a prayer, Bible verse, the truth learned from that verse, and actions to take that week.
The book gently helps the reader to recognize and admit unhealthy relationship patterns in their lives and encourages them to want something better. I think it'd help someone frustrated with their relationships.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
This is a book that deals with the relationship dependency and how to break free from it.
From the psychological side - brilliant. SPOT ON. Hits close to home many, many times. I gained enormously from reading practically all the chapters. I thought this would be a book about different topic - but I am thankful for reading exactly what I have read.
But while I understand and agree that the spiritual healing is the only solution and I am going to do the 12 weeks way proposed in the end of the book, I would love more of the psychological solutions related to the healing. Might be because I am the learning type and love to have the (many) information - but still, I love to have them. These two authors are too gifted and seasoned psychologists to not to offer some wisdom to the real work. But maybe this is the aim? To not to be given the another tool to be leaned to instead of leaning to the one's self and soul? Maybe and we will see!
Anyway - recommended read. Not easy! But recommended.