The Art of Rejection: Because Dating's Not a Science---It's an Art (Marriable Series) [Paperback]

Hayley DiMarco (Author), Michael DiMarco (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2006

In 2005, Hayley and Michael DiMarco helped take the desperate out of dating with Marriable. Now they're back with a new series that will dig deeper into essential dating topics to help adult singles expose and eliminate their desperate dating habits. Let's face it. First dates can be nerve-racking and exciting at the same time. And unless they are going to marry their latest crush, adult singles will reject or be rejected. Finally, here's some great advice for post-teen readers on how to handle the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat in the dating ritual. In these first two books of a creative new series, Hayley and Michael DiMarco show readers how to get a first date, what to do and say once they are there, and how to get out if it's just not clicking. With their direct, in-your-face style, the DiMarcos show adults how to survive singleness in the trenches by meeting new people, building dating relationships, and leaving desperate in the dust. Because dating's not a science--it's an art.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Rejection happens. And it's never fun. But with the right perspective, you can turn it into something positive. Learn how to view rejection as an art form instead of a painful experience that requires healing. In The Art of Rejection you'll find: -Reasons why it's okay to break up -Do's and Don'ts for calling it quits -Why you can never (ever!) still be friends -What to do (and not do) when rejection happens to you Whether you're the Rejecter or the Rejected, this book is for you! Take it from two people who have done it all wrong so you can do it right. Hayley and Michael DiMarco prove that you, too, can appreciate the art of rejection. Hayley and Michael DiMarco have more than forty years of dating desperation between them. After meeting online, they have found wedded bliss (or something like it) and a passion to write and creatively package relevant books through their company, Hungry Planet. They are the authors of Marriable and live in Nashville, Tennessee.

About the Author

Hayley DiMarco and Michael DiMarco write and create cutting-edge books that connect with the multitasking mind-set through their company, Hungry Planet. Hayley has written and co-written numerous best-selling books for both teens and adults, including Dateable and Marriable, and has spoken at conferences like Women of Faith. Michael coauthored Marriable with Hayley, has worked in publisher relations, and is general manager of Hungry Planet. The DiMarcos live in Nashville, Tennessee.

Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: Revell (June 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800731468
• ISBN-13: 978-0800731465
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #936,301 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars "Let's just be friends...", June 16, 2006

By 

Erik Olson "Seeker Reviews" (Ridgefield, WA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Art of Rejection: Because Dating's Not a Science---It's an Art (Marriable Series) (Paperback)

Hearing the titular quote from a significant other will ruin anyone's day. My quest to understand and deal with this kind of relational amputation led me to "The Art of Rejection," by Hayley and Michael DiMarco. I enjoyed their earlier book "Marriable," and I wanted to get the DiMarco's insights on this difficult subject.

According to the DiMarcos, changing one's perspective on rejection is a valuable growth mechanism. Instead of bemoaning rejection, they say it's a common part of life, and that we should be thankful for it. In the context of dating, it teaches crucial relational lessons and frees both the rejecter and the rejected to find the right person for them. To that end, they discuss the subject on both sides, and from the different perspective of each gender.

For the rejected, "The Art of Rejection" provides a number of principles to help deal with the shock and aftermath of getting the boot. For example, when being rejected one should keep their mouth shut instead of responding with angry words. As for the rejecter, the authors consul he or she to end things gently, but firmly - with no games or ambivalence. On the post-relationship shape of things, I appreciated their skepticism about the rejecter's "I still want to be friends" line. In my experience, this is nothing but a minefield, and the DiMarcos concur. Of course, each party should be courteous and friendly to each other. However, I don't know many folks (myself included) who can instantly and easily downgrade their feelings after getting the boot. Continuing to hang out in that context is a recipe for more pain. As recommended by the authors, it's best to move on and continue the search for someone marriable.

I liked the DiMarco's common-sense advice and humorous approach to the subject matter. But as with "Marriable," I struggled with their "wisdom-lite" approach and lack of Scriptural foundation. Case in point: as a Christian I've found prayer to be indispensable when having to deal with a rejecter. I couldn't have done it with the simple cognitive shift recommended by the authors. Instead, I had to pray (good things) for them to maintain my bearing and be respectful. Perhaps the DiMarcos want to avoid sounding preachy. But since Christianity is the basic foundation for their principles, then some Biblical back-up is necessary. As the saying goes, "you have to dance with who brung ya."

Even so, "The Art of Rejection" is a good resource on the subject of dating rejection. But I would augment it with at least one of these books: "Loves Me, Loves Me Not," by Laura Smit (a more scholarly treatment of unrequited love), "Let's Just Be Friends," by H. Norman Wright (a solid guide to handling rejection), and "You Didn't Complete Me," by JoAnna Harris (a somewhat quirky take on rejection's aftermath).

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why not Read it?, October 13, 2008

By 

R. Wheeler (Bend, Oregon United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Art of Rejection: Because Dating's Not a Science---It's an Art (Marriable Series) (Paperback)

I like the approach, wouldn't be nice if we all knew how to end relationships in healthy ways that do not demean or harm the others? That is not a skill that is taught in many places and so many people keep unhealthy relationships going which cannot be good for any of the people involved. These poor relationships can prevent us from having healthy relationships and bad break ups can ruin an individuals self value.

5.0 out of 5 stars Book: Art o Rejection, April 5, 2010

By 

A. Frank (Richland Center, WI United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Art of Rejection: Because Dating's Not a Science---It's an Art (Marriable Series) (Paperback)

Product as described and in excellent condition. Super fast shipment. Would for sure do business again with this individual! Thanks! A++