Review
This book shows in clear and practical ways how to let go of demands, drama, and expectations in relationships. --David Richo, Ph.D., author of Everyday Commitments: Choosing A Life Of Love, Realism, and Acceptance
A book that looks at marriage realistically! I recommend it for all married women who are struggling to accept their less than perfect spouses. --Evelyn Bassoff, Ph.D., author of Between Mothers and Sons:The Making of Vital and Loving Men
Many books offer only simplistic how-to formulas. This book goes far beyond that, setting the reader off on a life journey of self-discovery and self development. --Molly Young Brown, author of Growing Whole: Self-Realization for the Great Turning
I recommend this book to any woman who feels stuck and /or dissatisfied in her relationship. --Beverly Engel, LMFT, author of Loving Him without Losing You: How to Stop Disappearing and Start Being Yourself
This book breaks new ground for deepening our love and respect for ourselves and others. It strikes a chord of truth as down-to-earth as it is refreshing. --Hal Zina Bennett, author of The Lens of Perception: A User's Guide to Higher Consciousness
From the Author
I hope that you are able to look again at your good-enough man and realize that it isn't necessary or even desirable that he be a prince or that you find a happily ever after. There is so much value in accepting both him and yourself the way you are and growing in strength and wisdom as you confront the reality of your life together. As a woman, just as you've been conditioned to accept an unattainable model of beauty, so have you been sold an unattainable relationship model. A relationship is just one part of your life and you need to see a bigger picture in order to satisfy yourself and reduce the expectations that a man will be your ultimate fulfillment.
By moving away from suffocating and confining cultual definitions that have trapped you in relationship conflict, you can find your truth, authentic self, and natural power base. By accepting both your own and others' imperfections and knowing that your worth is not affected by what others say and do, you can stay open, loving, and compassionate. As an empowered woman you can stand in your truth and ask for what you want without demanding to receive it. You can reduce the need to contort and deny yourself in order to be loved. There is enormous benefit for a woman who can conceptualize her task as evolving herself rather than fixing her man.
I have thoroughly enjoyed writing this book and sharing my own life lessons and those of my clients with you. This book is filled with what I wish someone would have told me when I was a younger woman. It is imminently satisfying and blesses my life to offer it to you.
About the Author
Sally B. Watkins, MSW, is a licensed psychotherapist in private practice in California since 1989 treating individuals and couples. She graduated from the University of Maryland at Baltimore with a master's of social work degree and is credentialed in the nationally recognized Academy of Certified Social Workers. Ms. Watkins' early career focused on teaching, grant writing, and various counseling and administrative positions in the social services sector while continuing to take writing classes and produce short stories, essays and creative non-fiction. Her published work includes magazine articles and a series of columns for the local newspaper. Her websites are sallywatkins.net, and healingwords.net.
