Wake Up or Break Up

by FELDER, LEONARD

• ISBN13: 9781594860720
• ISBN10: 1594860726
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-05-06
• Publisher: Rodale Books

Summary

One of the nation's top experts on how to improve complex family dynamics, Leonard Felder, Ph.D., has been counseling couples for more than 20 years. In his experience, the inklings of worry and moments of boredom that many individuals feel in their good relationships have to be addressed sooner rather than later to head off the loss of what could be a great relationship. Dr. Felder has found that by following the eight specific and realistic steps he outlines to address the problem areas that most often drive mates apart, couples can overcome the odds and create a healthy, immensely satisfying intimacy. A wealth of anecdotes from the author's practice provide fresh perspectives on such key issues as learning when to be flexible (and when you've gone too far!), becoming a caring lover, using the critical moments of "re-entry" after work or to increase intimacy, and coming through for your mate in a crisis. Upbeat and non-blaming, this is a book you can urge your mate to read without fear of provoking a fight or hurt feelings. Though it offers advice to both partners in traditional or same-sex couples, one of Dr. Felder's special gifts as a therapist is his ability to reach men and get them to take a more proactive role in strengthening their relationships.

Author Biography

LEONARD FELDER, PH.D., is a licensed psychologist and recognized authority on how to improve difficult family situations. His eight books, which include Making Peace with Your Parents, Making Peace with Yourself, A Fresh Start, and When Difficult Relatives Happen to Good People, have sold more than a million copies and have been translated into 14 languages. He lives in Los Angeles, California.

Table of Contents

Introduction: A Moment of Clarity	3	(6)
Step One: Striking a Balance between Being Too Flexible and Not Flexible Enough	9	(34)
Step Two: Making Your Intimate Moments More Satisfying	43	(44)
Step Three: Navigating the Daily Transition from Work Mode to Fully Present	87	(24)
Step Four: Making Domestic Teamwork More ``Team'' and Less ``Work''	111	(20)
Step Five: Resolving Frustrations Before They Get Ugly	131	(22)
Step Six: Dealing with Challenging People Who Are Part of the Package	153	(28)
Step Seven: Coming Through for Each Other during Life's Tough Moments	181	(28)
Step Eight: Keeping Your Relationship Strong Year after Year	209	(28)
Acknowledgments	237	(2)
Notes and Sources	239