Author: Andy Stanley
Publisher: Zondervan
ISBN: 0310342201
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 137
Book Description
For anyone who is dating or thinking about marriage, pastor and bestselling author Andy Stanley shares practical, uncensored wisdom on avoiding mistakes in the present to help you avoid regrets in the future. Single? Looking for the "right person"? Convinced that if you met the "right person" everything would turn out "right?" Think again. In The New Rules for Love, Sex, and Dating, Andy Stanley explores the challenges, assumptions, and pitfalls associated with dating in the twenty-first century. This guide takes a fresh approach to dating and love in the modern era by turning the search for "the one" back onto the searcher, challenging you to ask yourself tough questions like: Am I the person that the person I'm looking for is looking for? Are the Bible's teachings about women relevant today? If sex is only physical, why is the pain of sexual sin so deep? As you dig deep into Stanley's answers, you'll be equipped and empowered to step up and set a new standard for this generation by uncovering the things that create trouble in dating relationships and creating better habits now that will pay off later as you dive into married life. Praise for The New Rules for Love, Sex, and Dating: "No one speaks more powerfully and practically into the issues of dating and marriage in the twenty-first century than Andy Stanley. The New Rules for Love, Sex, and Dating is an exceptional resource for anyone seeking to navigate challenging relationship waters and survive in a culture that's confused and complex. Straightforward. Graceful. Truthful. Needed." --Louie Giglio, Passion City Church, Passion Conferences "Andy's new rules for love, sex, and dating are so wise, so compelling, so clear that I want every single friend I have to read this book, and I want to save a couple copies for my boys, so they can read it in a decade or so." --Shauna Niequist, author of I Guess I Haven't Learned That Yet "Having experienced more than my fair share of destructive, harmful dating relationships, I can authoritatively say that Andy's views on the matter are clear and convicting. Andy so beautifully conveys the message of the unfathomable grace of God, leaving you free to turn a leaf and begin a new dating chapter, making better decisions and living with fewer regrets." —Maggie Bridges, Miss Georgia 2014
The New Rules for Love, Sex, and Dating
Author: Andy Stanley
Publisher: Zondervan
ISBN: 0310342201
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 137
Book Description
For anyone who is dating or thinking about marriage, pastor and bestselling author Andy Stanley shares practical, uncensored wisdom on avoiding mistakes in the present to help you avoid regrets in the future. Single? Looking for the "right person"? Convinced that if you met the "right person" everything would turn out "right?" Think again. In The New Rules for Love, Sex, and Dating, Andy Stanley explores the challenges, assumptions, and pitfalls associated with dating in the twenty-first century. This guide takes a fresh approach to dating and love in the modern era by turning the search for "the one" back onto the searcher, challenging you to ask yourself tough questions like: Am I the person that the person I'm looking for is looking for? Are the Bible's teachings about women relevant today? If sex is only physical, why is the pain of sexual sin so deep? As you dig deep into Stanley's answers, you'll be equipped and empowered to step up and set a new standard for this generation by uncovering the things that create trouble in dating relationships and creating better habits now that will pay off later as you dive into married life. Praise for The New Rules for Love, Sex, and Dating: "No one speaks more powerfully and practically into the issues of dating and marriage in the twenty-first century than Andy Stanley. The New Rules for Love, Sex, and Dating is an exceptional resource for anyone seeking to navigate challenging relationship waters and survive in a culture that's confused and complex. Straightforward. Graceful. Truthful. Needed." --Louie Giglio, Passion City Church, Passion Conferences "Andy's new rules for love, sex, and dating are so wise, so compelling, so clear that I want every single friend I have to read this book, and I want to save a couple copies for my boys, so they can read it in a decade or so." --Shauna Niequist, author of I Guess I Haven't Learned That Yet "Having experienced more than my fair share of destructive, harmful dating relationships, I can authoritatively say that Andy's views on the matter are clear and convicting. Andy so beautifully conveys the message of the unfathomable grace of God, leaving you free to turn a leaf and begin a new dating chapter, making better decisions and living with fewer regrets." —Maggie Bridges, Miss Georgia 2014
Publisher: Zondervan
ISBN: 0310342201
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 137
Book Description
For anyone who is dating or thinking about marriage, pastor and bestselling author Andy Stanley shares practical, uncensored wisdom on avoiding mistakes in the present to help you avoid regrets in the future. Single? Looking for the "right person"? Convinced that if you met the "right person" everything would turn out "right?" Think again. In The New Rules for Love, Sex, and Dating, Andy Stanley explores the challenges, assumptions, and pitfalls associated with dating in the twenty-first century. This guide takes a fresh approach to dating and love in the modern era by turning the search for "the one" back onto the searcher, challenging you to ask yourself tough questions like: Am I the person that the person I'm looking for is looking for? Are the Bible's teachings about women relevant today? If sex is only physical, why is the pain of sexual sin so deep? As you dig deep into Stanley's answers, you'll be equipped and empowered to step up and set a new standard for this generation by uncovering the things that create trouble in dating relationships and creating better habits now that will pay off later as you dive into married life. Praise for The New Rules for Love, Sex, and Dating: "No one speaks more powerfully and practically into the issues of dating and marriage in the twenty-first century than Andy Stanley. The New Rules for Love, Sex, and Dating is an exceptional resource for anyone seeking to navigate challenging relationship waters and survive in a culture that's confused and complex. Straightforward. Graceful. Truthful. Needed." --Louie Giglio, Passion City Church, Passion Conferences "Andy's new rules for love, sex, and dating are so wise, so compelling, so clear that I want every single friend I have to read this book, and I want to save a couple copies for my boys, so they can read it in a decade or so." --Shauna Niequist, author of I Guess I Haven't Learned That Yet "Having experienced more than my fair share of destructive, harmful dating relationships, I can authoritatively say that Andy's views on the matter are clear and convicting. Andy so beautifully conveys the message of the unfathomable grace of God, leaving you free to turn a leaf and begin a new dating chapter, making better decisions and living with fewer regrets." —Maggie Bridges, Miss Georgia 2014
Love & Sex
Author: Nancy Houston
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1621577155
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 150
Book Description
“So many couples struggle in their sexual lives because they divide sex and love … Nancy Houston has written an excellent, practical, and very hopeful book on how to reintegrate the division.”—Dr. John Townsend, New York Times bestselling author of Boundaries “Without question, one of the greatest communicators of our generation on Christian sex and intimacy is Nancy Houston.”—Amy Ford, president of Embrace Grace and author of A Bump in Life Sex is powerful! Just saying the word “sex” can stir up all kinds of emotions. Maybe it’s a positive emotion for you—or possibly a hurtful, shameful, confusing one. It’s no wonder we struggle to understand its meaning and purpose. It can be difficult to talk about, and if we have experienced unwanted shame or grew up in a home where sex was taboo, addressing the topic can be even more difficult. In a world of sexual chaos and confusion, we all need a healthy dialogue on the topic—not a black-or-white, right-or-wrong lecture, but a safe forum for discovering, learning, processing, and growing into passionate intimacy within the freedom God provides. In Love & Sex, Nancy Houston provides a compassionate view of human sexuality. Through the lens of Scripture, she unpacks the good God intended when He created humans as sexual creatures, while recognizing that many people haven’t experienced sex in a positive way. You won’t find a critical examination of dos and don’ts, but stories of redemption, grace, and hope. You will understand how you were shaped and that you are more than your sexual behaviors. For some people, sex is a regular part of life. For others, it’s a huge deal. Maybe even too big of a deal. This book will be your roadmap to finding sexual health, happiness, and balance. And if you are one of the few unscathed by sexual shame or confusion, this book will help you develop a more compassionate lens for those who do struggle.
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1621577155
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 150
Book Description
“So many couples struggle in their sexual lives because they divide sex and love … Nancy Houston has written an excellent, practical, and very hopeful book on how to reintegrate the division.”—Dr. John Townsend, New York Times bestselling author of Boundaries “Without question, one of the greatest communicators of our generation on Christian sex and intimacy is Nancy Houston.”—Amy Ford, president of Embrace Grace and author of A Bump in Life Sex is powerful! Just saying the word “sex” can stir up all kinds of emotions. Maybe it’s a positive emotion for you—or possibly a hurtful, shameful, confusing one. It’s no wonder we struggle to understand its meaning and purpose. It can be difficult to talk about, and if we have experienced unwanted shame or grew up in a home where sex was taboo, addressing the topic can be even more difficult. In a world of sexual chaos and confusion, we all need a healthy dialogue on the topic—not a black-or-white, right-or-wrong lecture, but a safe forum for discovering, learning, processing, and growing into passionate intimacy within the freedom God provides. In Love & Sex, Nancy Houston provides a compassionate view of human sexuality. Through the lens of Scripture, she unpacks the good God intended when He created humans as sexual creatures, while recognizing that many people haven’t experienced sex in a positive way. You won’t find a critical examination of dos and don’ts, but stories of redemption, grace, and hope. You will understand how you were shaped and that you are more than your sexual behaviors. For some people, sex is a regular part of life. For others, it’s a huge deal. Maybe even too big of a deal. This book will be your roadmap to finding sexual health, happiness, and balance. And if you are one of the few unscathed by sexual shame or confusion, this book will help you develop a more compassionate lens for those who do struggle.
Love, Sex and Philosophy
Author: Travis Woods
Publisher: Blurb
ISBN: 9780646822525
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 232
Book Description
Love, sex and philosophy are three words that encapsulate the human experience. What they represent is so central to our existence, yet we overlook the power and wonder involved when consciously engaging with these interests. As such, we neglect our beauty and misunderstand what we are. The book is split into two sections, heavier on the philosophical side, with a taste of poetry to help translate love.
Publisher: Blurb
ISBN: 9780646822525
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 232
Book Description
Love, sex and philosophy are three words that encapsulate the human experience. What they represent is so central to our existence, yet we overlook the power and wonder involved when consciously engaging with these interests. As such, we neglect our beauty and misunderstand what we are. The book is split into two sections, heavier on the philosophical side, with a taste of poetry to help translate love.
Sex and the City of God
Author: Carolyn Weber
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
ISBN: 0830843841
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 229
Book Description
After studying at Oxford University and finding God, Carolyn Weber grappled with a new invitation: to think bigger about love. Through Weber's personal story of courtship, marriage, and parenthood, as well as spiritual, theological, and literary reflection, this memoir explores what life looks like when we choose to love God first.
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
ISBN: 0830843841
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 229
Book Description
After studying at Oxford University and finding God, Carolyn Weber grappled with a new invitation: to think bigger about love. Through Weber's personal story of courtship, marriage, and parenthood, as well as spiritual, theological, and literary reflection, this memoir explores what life looks like when we choose to love God first.
A Biblical Guide to Love, Sex and Marriage
Author: Derek Thomas
Publisher: EP BOOKS
ISBN: 9780852346617
Category : Bible
Languages : en
Pages : 128
Book Description
This book is about marriage and its relationships, based on the Song of Solomon. Interpreting this book of the Bible has been a controversial issue for many years. First, it is a book about love, marriage and sex. It is thoroughly immersed in the goodness of the created order. Second, in teaching us about intimate relationships in marriage, it helps us understand how marital union reflects Christs relationship to the church corporately, and the believer individually. Thirdly, the Song of Solomon is Gods inerrant Word. It is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3: 16-17). We cannot keep this issue buried beneath the surface but hovering over everything we understand of the Song. Being persuaded of its divine authorship and sanctifying intent should keep us from embarrassment on the one hand and sentimentality on the other. The Holy Spirit thought it necessary that we be given these love poems to teach and exhort us to love more deeply the one he has provided to share our lives with. It is only right, therefore, that we reciprocate with gratitude for this gift.
Publisher: EP BOOKS
ISBN: 9780852346617
Category : Bible
Languages : en
Pages : 128
Book Description
This book is about marriage and its relationships, based on the Song of Solomon. Interpreting this book of the Bible has been a controversial issue for many years. First, it is a book about love, marriage and sex. It is thoroughly immersed in the goodness of the created order. Second, in teaching us about intimate relationships in marriage, it helps us understand how marital union reflects Christs relationship to the church corporately, and the believer individually. Thirdly, the Song of Solomon is Gods inerrant Word. It is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3: 16-17). We cannot keep this issue buried beneath the surface but hovering over everything we understand of the Song. Being persuaded of its divine authorship and sanctifying intent should keep us from embarrassment on the one hand and sentimentality on the other. The Holy Spirit thought it necessary that we be given these love poems to teach and exhort us to love more deeply the one he has provided to share our lives with. It is only right, therefore, that we reciprocate with gratitude for this gift.
Love, Sex and Long-term Relationships
Author: Sarah Hendrickx
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
ISBN: 1843106051
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 148
Book Description
"This accessible book is an invaluable source of information and support for couples in which one or both partners has Asperger Syndrome, as well as counsellors and health and social care professionals."--BOOK JACKET.
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
ISBN: 1843106051
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 148
Book Description
"This accessible book is an invaluable source of information and support for couples in which one or both partners has Asperger Syndrome, as well as counsellors and health and social care professionals."--BOOK JACKET.
Chasing Love
Author: Sean McDowell
Publisher: B&H Publishing Group
ISBN: 1087707307
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 140
Book Description
The music we listen to, the movies we watch—they're all telling us to keep chasing love, and that we'll finally be happy when we find it. But is love really all we need? The love that the world tells us to pursue is all about self, about following your heart’s desires. But what is the Christian worldview on love? When we follow Jesus, we realize that he invites us to reorient the focus of our lives, so instead of chasing love primarily for our own happiness, we are first and foremost to give love—to God and to others. In Chasing Love, Sean McDowell will invite readers into Jesus’ radical, upside-down approach to love, and in doing so, he’ll answer some of the toughest questions we’re asking about love today: How does Jesus speak to singleness? What does the gospel say about LGBTQ issues? Can sexual sin truly be forgiven? What if I’m not happy in my marriage?
Publisher: B&H Publishing Group
ISBN: 1087707307
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 140
Book Description
The music we listen to, the movies we watch—they're all telling us to keep chasing love, and that we'll finally be happy when we find it. But is love really all we need? The love that the world tells us to pursue is all about self, about following your heart’s desires. But what is the Christian worldview on love? When we follow Jesus, we realize that he invites us to reorient the focus of our lives, so instead of chasing love primarily for our own happiness, we are first and foremost to give love—to God and to others. In Chasing Love, Sean McDowell will invite readers into Jesus’ radical, upside-down approach to love, and in doing so, he’ll answer some of the toughest questions we’re asking about love today: How does Jesus speak to singleness? What does the gospel say about LGBTQ issues? Can sexual sin truly be forgiven? What if I’m not happy in my marriage?
The Scientific American Book of Love, Sex and the Brain
Author: Judith Horstman
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118109538
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 272
Book Description
Who do we love? Who loves us? And why? Is love really a mystery, or can neuroscience offer some answers to these age-old questions? In her third enthralling book about the brain, Judith Horstman takes us on a lively tour of our most important sex and love organ and the whole smorgasbord of our many kinds of love-from the bonding of parent and child to the passion of erotic love, the affectionate love of companionship, the role of animals in our lives, and the love of God. Drawing on the latest neuroscience, she explores why and how we are born to love-how we're hardwired to crave the companionship of others, and how very badly things can go without love. Among the findings: parental love makes our brain bigger, sex and orgasm make it healthier, social isolation makes it miserable-and although the craving for romantic love can be described as an addiction, friendship may actually be the most important loving relationship of your life. Based on recent studies and articles culled from the prestigious Scientific American and Scientific American Mind magazines, The Scientific American Book of Love, Sex, and the Brain offers a fascinating look at how the brain controls our loving relationships, most intimate moments, and our deep and basic need for connection.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118109538
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 272
Book Description
Who do we love? Who loves us? And why? Is love really a mystery, or can neuroscience offer some answers to these age-old questions? In her third enthralling book about the brain, Judith Horstman takes us on a lively tour of our most important sex and love organ and the whole smorgasbord of our many kinds of love-from the bonding of parent and child to the passion of erotic love, the affectionate love of companionship, the role of animals in our lives, and the love of God. Drawing on the latest neuroscience, she explores why and how we are born to love-how we're hardwired to crave the companionship of others, and how very badly things can go without love. Among the findings: parental love makes our brain bigger, sex and orgasm make it healthier, social isolation makes it miserable-and although the craving for romantic love can be described as an addiction, friendship may actually be the most important loving relationship of your life. Based on recent studies and articles culled from the prestigious Scientific American and Scientific American Mind magazines, The Scientific American Book of Love, Sex, and the Brain offers a fascinating look at how the brain controls our loving relationships, most intimate moments, and our deep and basic need for connection.
Sex Purpose Love
Author: Martin Ucik
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 830
Book Description
Many scientific studies and spiritual teachings suggest that being in a healthy lifelong love relationship, raising conscious children, and living on purpose are fundamental both for our own long-term well-being as well as for that of future generations, so that we and they can flourish in all respects materially, physically, sexually, mentally, psychologically, and spiritually.Yet in today s modern and postmodern societies, an increasing number of people are not in such relationships, don t have children, and pursue an individualistic hedonistic lifestyle. Sadly, this individualism has been contributing to the ongoing socioeconomic and environmental problems that humanity is creating, rather than being part of their solution.The sexual selection process has gone completely out of whack, more people live alone, most couples procreate way below sustainable rates. As a consequence, we may become the next endangered species if we don t change our way of relating with each other and the world. What happened? Many people moved from we to me, or loving themselves more than others, lost touch with what their life s purpose is beyond enjoying life to the fullest, and didn t acquire the relationship skills to master the complexities of love in the twenty-first century.While our personal relationships and global challenges are constantly increasing in complexity, more people are looking for easy answers to address these problems. This simplistic approach is obviously not working.On the other hand, most of the complex meta-models that are offered to solve the wicked problems that humanity is facing are rarely effective either, as they require a Ph.D.-level grasp of philosophical and scientific subtleties just to be understood. Ironically, these complex perspectives routinely overlook the basic fact that integrating the fundamental human dimensions of sex, purpose, love, and sustainable procreation is an essential prerequisite for creating the eudaimonic world that the creators of these models envision.It is the purpose of this book to remedy these two problems by, on the one hand, providing a practical road map or model (the Integral Love Relationship model) that is simple enough to be fully grasped and put into action by singles and couples of all walks of life and educational levels, and on the other, by presenting a vision that is comprehensive enough to effectively address the relational and global challenges that humanity is facing in the twenty-first century.Without such a model, we cannot even see what kind of love relationships are possible and necessary for our own well-being, and for the creation of a peaceful and sustainable world in which current and future generations can flourish.My intention is to inspire singles and couples to realize their full healing and growth potentials to co-create the kind of love relationships that are not only personally satisfying, but that also radiate their love outward in growing concentric rings to embrace all of humanity.In the four parts of this book, you find a practical application of Ken Wilber s acclaimed Integral theory of human growth and potentials to (1) co-creating a fulfilling sexual relationship, (2) sharing your deepest purpose with your partner, (3) deeply loving your partner and what is uniquely co-created between the two of you at all levels of your being, and (4) understanding why co-creation and procreation in Integral love relationships matter in the grand scheme of things. Or, in short, it is a book about sex, purpose, love, and creating a better world.
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 830
Book Description
Many scientific studies and spiritual teachings suggest that being in a healthy lifelong love relationship, raising conscious children, and living on purpose are fundamental both for our own long-term well-being as well as for that of future generations, so that we and they can flourish in all respects materially, physically, sexually, mentally, psychologically, and spiritually.Yet in today s modern and postmodern societies, an increasing number of people are not in such relationships, don t have children, and pursue an individualistic hedonistic lifestyle. Sadly, this individualism has been contributing to the ongoing socioeconomic and environmental problems that humanity is creating, rather than being part of their solution.The sexual selection process has gone completely out of whack, more people live alone, most couples procreate way below sustainable rates. As a consequence, we may become the next endangered species if we don t change our way of relating with each other and the world. What happened? Many people moved from we to me, or loving themselves more than others, lost touch with what their life s purpose is beyond enjoying life to the fullest, and didn t acquire the relationship skills to master the complexities of love in the twenty-first century.While our personal relationships and global challenges are constantly increasing in complexity, more people are looking for easy answers to address these problems. This simplistic approach is obviously not working.On the other hand, most of the complex meta-models that are offered to solve the wicked problems that humanity is facing are rarely effective either, as they require a Ph.D.-level grasp of philosophical and scientific subtleties just to be understood. Ironically, these complex perspectives routinely overlook the basic fact that integrating the fundamental human dimensions of sex, purpose, love, and sustainable procreation is an essential prerequisite for creating the eudaimonic world that the creators of these models envision.It is the purpose of this book to remedy these two problems by, on the one hand, providing a practical road map or model (the Integral Love Relationship model) that is simple enough to be fully grasped and put into action by singles and couples of all walks of life and educational levels, and on the other, by presenting a vision that is comprehensive enough to effectively address the relational and global challenges that humanity is facing in the twenty-first century.Without such a model, we cannot even see what kind of love relationships are possible and necessary for our own well-being, and for the creation of a peaceful and sustainable world in which current and future generations can flourish.My intention is to inspire singles and couples to realize their full healing and growth potentials to co-create the kind of love relationships that are not only personally satisfying, but that also radiate their love outward in growing concentric rings to embrace all of humanity.In the four parts of this book, you find a practical application of Ken Wilber s acclaimed Integral theory of human growth and potentials to (1) co-creating a fulfilling sexual relationship, (2) sharing your deepest purpose with your partner, (3) deeply loving your partner and what is uniquely co-created between the two of you at all levels of your being, and (4) understanding why co-creation and procreation in Integral love relationships matter in the grand scheme of things. Or, in short, it is a book about sex, purpose, love, and creating a better world.
Loving Bravely
Author: Alexandra H. Solomon
Publisher: New Harbinger Publications
ISBN: 1626255830
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 204
Book Description
As seen on The TODAY Show! “A godsend to anyone searching for, but struggling to find, true love in their lives.” —Kristin Neff, PhD, author of Self-Compassion "Empowering and compassionate, and its lessons are universal." —Publishers Weekly Real love starts with you. In order to attract a life partner and build a healthy intimate relationship, you must first become a good partner to yourself. This book offers twenty invaluable lessons that will help you explore and commit to your own emotional and psychological well-being so you can be ready, resilient, and confident in love. Many of us enter into romantic relationships full of expectation and hope, only to be sorely disappointed by the realization that the partner we’ve selected is a flawed human being with their own neuroses, history, and desires. Most relationships end because one or both people haven’t done the internal work necessary to develop self-awareness and take responsibility for their own experiences. We’ve all heard “You can’t love anyone unless you love yourself,” but amid life’s distractions and the myth of perfect, romantic love, how exactly do you do that? In Loving Bravely, psychologist, professor and relationship expert Alexandra H. Solomon introduces the idea of relational self-awareness, encouraging you to explore your personal history to gain an understanding of your own relational patterns, as well as your strengths and weaknesses in relationships. By doing so, you’ll learn what relationships actually require, beyond the fairytale notions of romance. And by maintaining a steady but gentle focus on yourself, you’ll build the best possible foundation for making a loving connection. By understanding your past relationship experiences, cultivating a strong sense of self-awareness, and determining what it is you really want in a romantic partner—you’ll be ready to find the healthy, lasting love your heart desires.
Publisher: New Harbinger Publications
ISBN: 1626255830
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 204
Book Description
As seen on The TODAY Show! “A godsend to anyone searching for, but struggling to find, true love in their lives.” —Kristin Neff, PhD, author of Self-Compassion "Empowering and compassionate, and its lessons are universal." —Publishers Weekly Real love starts with you. In order to attract a life partner and build a healthy intimate relationship, you must first become a good partner to yourself. This book offers twenty invaluable lessons that will help you explore and commit to your own emotional and psychological well-being so you can be ready, resilient, and confident in love. Many of us enter into romantic relationships full of expectation and hope, only to be sorely disappointed by the realization that the partner we’ve selected is a flawed human being with their own neuroses, history, and desires. Most relationships end because one or both people haven’t done the internal work necessary to develop self-awareness and take responsibility for their own experiences. We’ve all heard “You can’t love anyone unless you love yourself,” but amid life’s distractions and the myth of perfect, romantic love, how exactly do you do that? In Loving Bravely, psychologist, professor and relationship expert Alexandra H. Solomon introduces the idea of relational self-awareness, encouraging you to explore your personal history to gain an understanding of your own relational patterns, as well as your strengths and weaknesses in relationships. By doing so, you’ll learn what relationships actually require, beyond the fairytale notions of romance. And by maintaining a steady but gentle focus on yourself, you’ll build the best possible foundation for making a loving connection. By understanding your past relationship experiences, cultivating a strong sense of self-awareness, and determining what it is you really want in a romantic partner—you’ll be ready to find the healthy, lasting love your heart desires.