Customer Reviews

Prince Harming Syndrome: Break Bad Relationship Patterns for Good—5 Essentials for Finding True Love (and they're not what you think)

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

When I was asked if I would like to review Prince Harming Syndrome: Break Bad Relationship Patterns for Good - 5 Essentials for Finding True Love (and they're not what you think!) by Karen Salmansohn I thought to myself, why not? I am not a self-help reader, listener, follower but I definitely have a history of starting relationships with those rough and tumble, sexy, sweet-talking, powerful guys only to find that they are just not long-term material, hence the singledom I am still in today. Maybe I would gain some insight as to why these Prince Harmings are so attractive.

Ms. Salmansohn uses her own experiences, research and some advice from that ol' love guru Aristotle to differentiate between three kinds of relationships (some for pleasure and one for happiness), to explain the difference between charm and character, and to explain the five essential elements one should include when looking for in a Prince Harming:

1. Does he want to be in a committed relationship?
2. Does he value growing as a person?
3. 4. 5. You will have to read the book to find out.

Ms. Salmansohn encourages the reader to write down what your "happily ever after ending" would include in great detail (including the five elements she lists) and to read and visualize your response for 5 minutes, three times a day. Eventually, visualizing positive images and thoughts will lead to a more positive outlook on relationships and life in general. There are also questions that should be asked of your potential Prince before you devote your self (and/or your body) to them and the relationship. This book is not only about the men. There are chapters devoted to becoming a Princess Charming ("Be The Change You Want To Date") and breaking the habits that seem to attract those bad boys.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and not only for the visual appeal. There were a few eye-opening moments and times I said "Ah hah - makes sense!". The writing is fun, practical and straight-forward. A great choice for those looking for their own happily ever after.

Now, you may wonder "who is Karen Salmansohn?" as I did when I first looked at this book. I had not heard of her and was pleasantly surprised to see her extensive background.

* best selling author of 29 other books such as How to be Happy Dammit
* regular blogger on The Huffington Post online
* regular speaker at seminars
* interviewed on The Today Show, The View and Politically Incorrect

When asked why she feels the philosophies of Aristotle (many referenced in her book) are relevant today, she provided this answer:

One of Aristotle's big philosophies is that many people are unhappy because they foolishly confuse pleasure for happiness - when the two are incredibly different.

1. Pleasure is about immediate gratification and merely brings temporary joy - which is unsatisfying in the long run. Basically, pleasure is all about immediate fleeting gratification of the body and ego.
2. Happiness creates long-haul joy, because it's all about growing into your highest potential - your best favorite you. True happiness comes when you surround yourself with people and experiences which increase your soul's self-development - hence the joy lasts as long as you last - because the joy created becomes an integral part of who you are as a unique, and thriving individual.

I would encourage anyone to take a peek at Ms. Salmansohn's Facebook page website. It is is chock full of tips on dealing with stress, career, being happier (dammit) and of course love including chapter one of Prince Harming

The book was recommended by one of the ladies in my date coaching and group support organization, The Journey (Lynx Dating Solutions). We go over questions that you need to know the answers to while you are dating someone and before you advance with them into the Courtship phase of a relationship. The recommending member thought this book's questions would be a great source for all our members. I don't think the book is good enough academically to warrant recommendation to my group, but if they have an afternoon to kill then maybe they should read the book for fun. I give it a C at best.

I wouldn't go completely out on a limb and say this book sucked. Some of information in the book is very good but it's all standard date coaching fair that you can get in other, better written books. There are no surprises or new information, just a reiteration of good solid dating practices. I will say that the "Questions to Pop' was a good selection.

The problem with the book was all the 'buddy-buddy' wording and elaborate back-stories intertwined with Aristotle philosophy. Really made the book hard to follow. I wasn't sure if I was reading a self-help book or another Pray Laugh Love book. I would be happy with either, but not mixed. I felt like the author was trying to overcome her lack of formal training in this area by using Aristotle's teachings rather than an enhancement to her message. The chapters were way too chatty for a self-help book to be taken seriously. Pick up the book second-hand and save yourself a few bucks if you must have it. The title is very cute.

I love this book! I am a mental health therapist who has had her eye open for a book such as this for quite some time. I've had a number of female clients over the years who struggle with the common problem of choosing men/being attracted to men who end up being "jerks", "losers", "users", or simply not the "marriage material" they thought. I think this author takes a unique, but very common sense approach to the problem, breaking down her points into easy-to-read and humorous excerpts. She speaks personally as if writing woman to woman, and at the same time essentially educates women about paying attention to the reality of the man they are considering/dating versus considering/dating that man's potential. I think this book can really help women stay focused on developing their own self respect, giving easy to follow guidelines to help decipher the qualities they are looking for, and in turn aide women to be able to see a man for what he is versus being fooled or caught in a fantasy of who he is. She really trumps other relationship self-help books when it comes to the section about maintaining a healthy relationship with a good man, too. After years of counseling women who become dissappointed, hurt, and at times blindsided by the man they are dating or married to--and counseling some of those men they've ended up with--I think this author really pegs the topic and clearly knows the core of what true, mature love is. I've recommended it a number of times and will continue to do so!

I was so surprised by this book. I am always open to new self help books but this one wasn't like others I have read. I discovered this author on [...] when reading an excerpt of the book and wanted to check out the whole thing. It looks at your past relationships and how you can use them to heal and be ready for your great love (plan B!) It also uses ancient philosophy as back-up and lots of research from respected psychologists (ex. John Gottman). She sometimes goes overboard with the puns and silly phrases, but that was very easy to overlook given the message of the book - how to attract your soulmate (using law of attracting and also some concrete advice) and what to look for in a potential mate, but also making sure you are ready to give in the relationship.

I am a huge fan of Karen Salmansohn so I was excited to read Prince Harming Syndrome the second I heard about it. This book is does not disappoint, it has shifted my thinking about relationships completely. Karen brings the message in her fun, witty way that makes this book and her utterly fabulous!

This book was so helpful to me. I found its sarcastic wit a nice way to give a sometimes needed smack in the face to reality. Salmansohn had an excellent way of putting so many helpful tips to finding the right Prince Charming. In a society where it is tough to meet a "nice guy", I feel rejuvenated and refreshed from her encouraging words.

This book is going to become part of my outfit. Everything in it is insightful and right on. I will be referring back to this book so often it might as well become part of my outfit. Thank you for putting it all in writing.

Who's NOT looking for true love? And not the fairy tale kind but the kind that lasts long after the credits roll.
The Prince Harming Syndrome has hurt, crushed and disappointed one too many of my beautiful, vivacious, intelligent friends. As an antidote, Karen Salmonsohn's book belongs on your shelf whether you've witnessed it or experienced it.
Although the book is a quick read, I would encourage you, dear reader, to underline, highlight and dog-ear those pages and passages that speak to you. I liken this to a reference book. Especially when a new man comes into your life. Use this as a reference guide to keep you on your path -- a beacon, if you will -- towards a happier, healthier relationship than you've had in the past.
And in the process of following her advice, you may just *become* the person you'd want to date/mate. In fact, I'd say that's whole whole point of the book.

I was in the mist of ending my engagement and picked up Karen's book. Her words were so thought provoking and allowed me access to a strength and joy within myself during a time that would typically not be. I see more clearly what I want in my life with a partner and from myself as a partner. Huge thank you Karen!

Karen lives up to her quintessential blend of wit, humor, and practical application.
This book provides helpful insight, on how to become more accountable and dedicated
towards achieving (and maintaining) an authentic and rewarding life-long relationship.