Deal Breakers: When to Work On a Relationship and When to Walk Away (Hardcover)

~ Dr. Bethany Marshall (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This is a book about men. Not all men, just emotionally unhealthy men. The ones who make you question, "Is it him or is it me? Am I making too big a deal out of this? I try to tell him how I feel, but he says I'm overreacting or needy or it's all my fault."

Relationships are hard work, but how hard should they be? When do you know you are struggling too hard to make a relationship succeed?

Deal Breakers is about getting out of this "relationship purgatory" -- where the present is unfulfilling and the future is the only thing you can hope for. But there is no magic future. If he won't work on problems today, it's unlikely they'll ever be resolved. And passively hoping for change will only cost you years of depression or expensive therapy.

Dr. Bethany Marshall is here to remind women that relationships -- like business relationships -- are deals. In the business world, a deal breaker is the one nonnegotiable term that, if not agreed to, means the deal is off. But in the world of relationships, identifying your deal breaker can be much more promising, as it holds out the possibility of helping you to understand where the relationship has gone wrong, what needs to be done in order to make it better, and when to walk away because you're doing more work than him to fix it.

A deal breaker is a boundary that smart people set for themselves because they know that falling in love can make them do stupid things. Through case studies, deal breaker scenarios, and suggested courses of action, Deal Breakers expertly guides frustrated women. By defining your deal breaker, you hold all the power to create the happiness you deserve. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Bethany Marshall, PhD, PsyD, MFT has been in private practice as a marriage, family, and child therapist in both Beverly Hills and Pasadena for the past eighteen years. She regularly appears as a contributing psychological commentator on Good Morning America, The Early Show, and Leeza Gibbons's nationally syndicated radio show, "Hollywood Confidential," and is a weekly commentator for Nancy Grace on CNN Headline News.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Simon Spotlight Entertainment (April 10, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416935932
• ISBN-13: 978-1416935933
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #120,306 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #76 in

  Books > Health, Mind & Body > Relationships > Mate Seeking

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Some of the best advice on men/relationships., September 24, 2009

By	Sonya Blair - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Deal Breakers: When to Work On a Relationship and When to Walk Away (Hardcover)

I've read several other books on the subject and this one rates near the top, seriously. It is one of the most insightful bookss on the subject. It gives you a clear defination of when to walk and when to stay, which is most important to know. If you have been in tumulteous relationships in the past and, like me, want to avoid that at all costs the next time around, get this book. I don't think you'll be sorry. Man Magnet: How to Be the Best Woman You Can Be in Order to Get the Best Man-A Guide To Dating (Revised Edition).

36 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a Godsend!, May 13, 2007

By	Summer Sterling (No. California) - See all my reviews

I am 50-something yrs. old and have been in a tumultuous marriage for the past 20 yrs. I can only say that this book is one of the BEST relationship books I have ever read - and believe me, I've read them all! If you have ever wondered what was wrong in your relationship but couldn't quite put your finger on it. Or have constantly asked yourself, "Is it ME?" Then this is the book to read! I can't tell you how clearly it's written, and how enlightening it is if you happen to have a man in your life that fits into any one of the five categories outlined in this book. (Mine happens to fit three categories like they were written about HIM!). It has been extremely helpful in not only informing me of the behaviors that go with each personality type, but precisely how to recognize them, approach your mate about them, and thank God, how to DEAL with them. It's the first book I've ever read that actually lays out guidelines for all the steps you should follow to get things moving in a positive direction. Or, if you finally recognize that you have a disconnected, shutdown, or unevolved type of mate that can't or simply won't cooperate, then there's no question that it's time to walk and get on with your life! I think we've all had these crossroads in our lives, but the information in this book really helps to identify things that you really shouldn't have to live with, and gives you strength and confidence to actually do something about it instead of wasting your life in a futile state of hope. I would absolutely recommend this book to all women who have ever struggled in a relationship, even if they think these "categories" couldn't possibly be about their man. (It might really surprise and help you). Likewise, I think every mother should provide it to their daughters as soon as they start dating seriously. If I'd had this book at any point in my life before now, I'm sure I could've avoided alot of stupid mistakes and heartache.

14 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What an eye opener! Better than Dr. Phil, May 13, 2007

By	C. McRae "An American" (Utah) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book really opens your eyes to relationship issues, the examples are of everyday things...that people see. It shows the warning signs you chose to ignore, it gets down to the dirt and full of honesty. After reading Dr. Phil's books, and then this one...I fully realize my relationship was never going to change. I had to do something for myself, and forget about trying to always fix HIM. There comes a point when you have to quit looking through rose colored glasses, and see it for what it is. I love this book and have shared it with several friends. I also think it being wrote by a woman, gave it a more personal feel for us females out there....Dr. Phil is great, but he is still a man! I reccomend this book to anyone who thinks they need their eyes opened! Mine were.