나를 둘러싼 숱한 관계가 버겁고 불필요한 감정에 지친, 이른바 '관태기(관계+권태기)'를 겪는 사람들을 위한 책이다. 사람은 누군가와 끊임없이 관계를 맺고 살아간다. 하지만 개인이 감당할 수 있는 관계 에너지는 한정되어 있기에 여러 관계에 부대끼는 날이 올 수밖에 없다. 체했을 때 순한 음식으로 속을 달래는 것처럼, 사람에 체했을 때도 마음을 비우고 달래야 한다. 인간관계 디톡스가 절실한 때인 것이다.
관계에 있어서도 덜어 내고 비우고 거리를 두는 '적당함'이 필요하다. 너무 가까우면 버겁고 너무 멀면 외로워지기 마련이다. 마음의 방이 꽉 차 버겁거나 '진짜' 관계에 허기져 있다면, 가깝지도 멀지도 않은 적당한 거리를 원한다면 이 책을 펼칠 때다. 댄싱스네일이 전하는 '적당함의 기술'을 통해 현재 맺고 있는 관계를 돌아보고 덜어 낼 관계는 덜어 내며 내 마음이 먼저인 관계 거리두기를 실천해 보자. 내가 원하고 선택하는, 건강한 관계를 만들기 위한 관계 디톡스는 결코 어렵지 않다.
This beautifully illustrated book is a heartfelt guide to navigating relationships with balance and self-care. This book offers a refreshing perspective on relationships and designed for anyone feeling drained by complicated interpersonal dynamics, providing practical advice paired with relatable illustrations. Divided into three thoughtful sections, it explores:
Not So Near, Yet Not So Far: The art of setting boundaries and embracing simplicity in connections. This section emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries in relationships; to simplify the connections and focus on what feels right, rather than chasing perfection or proximity.
It’s Okay to Not Get Along with Everyone: A reminder to prioritize self-validation over people-pleasing. We don’t need to please everyone we encounter. It’s about embracing self-validation and letting go of the pressure to fit into every social circle.
People Always Need People: Acknowledging our need for connection while advocating for healthy, fulfilling relationships. This final section recognizes our natural need for human connections while advocating for healthier, balanced relationships that truly bring joy and support.
Dancing Snail’s relatable illustrations and practical advice make this a must-read for anyone feeling overwhelmed by interpersonal dynamics. It’s a gentle nudge to embrace moderation and find joy in meaningful connections. The writing feels like a warm conversation with a friend—honest, comforting, and inspiring. The artwork adds charm, making complex topics digestible and relatable.
For me, I think it’s perfect for seeking a “relationship detox” or looking to cultivate healthier bonds and for those seeking balance and clarity in their relationships or needing a gentle reminder to take care of themselves while connecting with others.
I read the English translation released with the title "Moderately Close Relationships".
I think this book best appeals to an audience that has had time to ponder on the meaning of having and maintaining relationships (and not just romantic ones). And it would appeal even more to people who are continually learning to set healthy boundaries.
As with the previous book by Dancing Snail, I appreciate the not-so-conventional but definitely thoughtful insights. However, I am not sure if it is the author's style or the translation that at times seemed to muddle the points being shared. Also, I still have minor issues with the layout for the illustrations.
Generally, this is a thought-provoking read that could serve as a comforting companion to people navigating between boundaries and relationships.
I was looking forward to reading this book because I enjoyed Dancing Snail's first book. I loved the first part, and the illustrations made me laugh—however, the subsequent parts offered only a few thought-provoking lines. I couldn't relate to some of the statements and wished there had been more essays. I gave it 4.5 stars and hope to read more inspiring discussions in future books.
Buku ini berjaya meyakinkan saya. Tajuknya sudah menggambarkan isinya, dan isi itu ditulis dengan santai sekali; penulis menulis dari kaca mata sendiri. Ada ketika saya rasa bahasanya sedikit canggung, mungkin kerana buku ini karya terjemahan atau atau mungkin kerana saya sendiri yang kurang mahir.