At last-you're newly engaged, with a beautiful ring on your finger and a great guy on your arm. There are parties planned in your honor, and you've found the dress of your dreams. This should be the happiest time of your life, right?
Not necessarily. The elation of engagement is often accompanied by a cocktail of unexpected emotions: Anxiety about making a lifelong commitment. Sadness about leaving your single life behind. Confusion when even simple decisions-should we serve chicken cordon bleu or beef Wellington?-bring you to tears. Worst of all, since everyone around you expects you to be happy, few brides feel there's anyone (who won't judge them) to go to with these conflicting feelings.
Emotionally Engaged is the guide distressed brides-to-be can turn to for help in determining which of these emotions are normal and even necessary, and which might indicate a real problem. Psychotherapist Allison Moir-Smith, founder of Emotionally Engaged Counseling for Brides, shares with readers her three-stage, tried-and-true process from her workshops and individual therapy sessions, offering insight, guidance, tips, and techniques for becoming an emotionally engaged bride-and wife.
"Framing the transition from fiancée to wife as an identity change was really validating. I found it particularly useful-and fascinating-to learn about others' experiences."
-Emotionally Engaged workshop participant, three months before her wedding
