Closer: Find Happiness in your Life and Relationships with the 7 Principles of Connectedness

by Peter Charleston

In a world dominated by electronic communications, instant messaging, online identities and busy lives, we are losing touch with each other and our relationships are lacking real meaning. Most of the problems we face today are directly related to our inability to connect emotionally with each other. Rates of depression and anxiety, isolation and loneliness, relationship conflict and neighbourhood complaints are at an all-time high.

It’s in our nature to relate and connect with each other. Yet very few people know how to connect on an emotional level. They just don’t have the skill to create authentic and meaningful relationships. This book shows how.

The 7 principles of connectedness create a practical framework for establishing a good relationship with yourself, and amazing relationships with others, by tapping into the emotional needs that underlay all interactions. It provides a unique way of identifying the unconscious drivers behind the relationships you want to improve, repair or strengthen. Using this understanding of emotional needs allows you to improve your own and others’ satisfaction in the relationship. The framework is easy to learn and can be implemented immediately for positive results. It’s a highly effective way of significantly improving personal and professional relationships.

Written in a very warm and empathetic style and tone, the book helps reinforce the power of strong connections and their importance to all facets of life. Peter Charleston has been a psychologist for more than 20 years, trained in psychotherapy, couples therapy, organisational psychology and coaching psychology. His expertise includes dealing with work/life issues, stress, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, conflict and addictions, and he is known for his ability to simplify complex theories and research for the practical benefit of his clients.

Genres: Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2018

Reviews

[Ell · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a previous owner of a personal and professional development business, I like to read these books from time to time. I found myself reading this book, nodding my head in agreement throughout. The Seven As of connectedness, as outlined by author Peter Charleston, are simple, practical and insightful. The origins and impacts of habit are fully and duly explored. For example, getting too caught up in doing/having/being habits have been applauded in modern day society, but they may also be a double-edged sword as they serve as a distraction to authentic connectedness to ourselves and others. This book is comprehensive, which I appreciate, but some readers may want to take breaks between chapters rather than try to read all at once. There is a lot of information, insight and advice packed into one book.

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book because of how practical and insightful it is. It is human to desire a deeper connection with someone and more often than not, achieving and sustaining this connection is not easy due to either our experiences, biases or perceptions. The author takes you on a journey of exploration looking at each aspect of connectedness and I did find that I need to work on "Apology" because I do not easily forgive and I also take a while to apologize and this has affected some of my relationships.
I would recommend this is a must read for anyone looking to connect personally and on a deeper level with someone. I'm glad I received a copy of the book from NetGalley and this review is my personal take on it, and I hope it inspires you to read it.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exactly what I have been looking for from a book abour relationships! This book delivers the goods - real-talk with lots of practical advice to make real cahnges in my life right now.
For me, a self-help book has to be clear, free of jargon, something I don't want to put down and something I actively tsake lessons away from to put into practice. This book ticks all of those boxes.

I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to make a positive diffrrence in theri lives with any relationsip - romantic or plutonic. Connecting and communicating well with others is so foundational to our emotional and physical wellbeing, so this is a classic book, in my eyes. Importsantly, I take comfort in knowing that this book was written by an experienced pschologist. Someone who has a wealth of expereince and anecdotes to draw on.

If you're looking for a book that will almsot certaintly cahnge your life for the better - this it it!

[Kim Walls · Rating 4 out of 5]

A worthwhile read.

[Caitlin Maher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really helped me out of a rut, it holds you accountable, the exercises are just straight up psychology tools.
It’d be a good book to read if you were struggling with cash but really needed to see a psychologist.

However, it takes discipline to get through and complete, feels like homework for personal development so not sure if I’m really selling it - but honestly that dedication to yourself and a goal is often what you need to bring you back to the real world.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

These 7 principles of connectedness are well laid out and explained. Even better, they are insightful and useful. Just about any relationship you have that you would like to improve will benefit from applying the appropriate connection. Well-written and recommended.

My thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.