The Seven Dumbest Relationship Mistakes That Smart People Make [Hardcover]

Carolyn N. Bushong (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 13, 1997

A psychotherapist with over twenty years' experience, Carolyn Bushong is the host of the popular Denver radio show Passion Phones, as well as a frequent guest expert on such television programs as Oprah, Sally Jesse Raphael, and Ricki! In her many years of practice and media experience, Carolyn found that women were facing the same seven problems in their relationships, over and over again. They look for approval in all the wrong places, get stuck in communications purgatory, tango with ghosts from the past, develop relationship gridlock, and forget about the real power of passion.

Illustrated with case histories of couples who have had these troubles and then solved them (or didn't) The Seven Dumbest Relationship Mistakes Smart People Make is a book that will ring true to men and women all over the country, and help them to develop healthier, more lasting relationships.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Shah, whose main claims to authority seem to be that he worked for Playboy and has had many failed relationships, has put together a self-indulgent book. He outlines the build-up and fall-down of his 13-year relationship with "Carmen." In the course of this expose, he spouts unproven theories about women and relationships that are regressive enough to make even Phyllis Schlafly blush. As if the content weren't bad enough, the writing style seems to be more Penthouse than Playboy: "The three days that followed saw us making love in every corner of my apartment, even at the top of the San Ynez mountains." It seems that Shah and "Carmen" could have benefited from reading Bushong's book. Bushong, a psychotherapist with years of media experience, has put together a no-frills guide to keeping relationships honest. She could well be called the great enumerator; in addition to the seven dumb mistakes, she includes the "16 essential elements of a healthy relationship," "four steps to healthy communication," "five great intimacy builders," and so on. There's not a lot surprising or controversial in this book, but it is clearly written, and most of the advice rings true. Most public libraries could benefit from acquiring Bushong's book, but Shah's book is not recommended.?Pamela A. Matthews, Univ. of Maryland Lib., Baltimore
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"[A] clear, honest, and practical guide . . . A refreshing voice."
--Publishers Weekly

"Insightful . . . Once you start turning the pages, this book can either: 1) make you angry because you feel you've been 'found out'; or 2) prompt a smile as you quietly identify with a category or two. . . . [Bushong's] categories aren't pithy. They are solid guides for contemplation for people who want to learn and grow. . . . This is an honest book."
--The Rocky Mountain News --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 230 pages
• Publisher: Villard; 1 edition (May 13, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679448292
• ISBN-13: 978-0679448297
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,987,777 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A life-changing must-read for anyone who cares about anyone., June 17, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Seven Dumbest Relationship Mistakes That Smart People Make (Hardcover)

Years of marriage counseling for about 15 bucks. "Seven Dumbest" is filled with useful help for improving your relationship with your current or future significant other. It turns out that advice for "big R" Relationships is useful for "little r" relationships as well. Very readable. Give copies to your friends so that they too will know how to work on a rewarding, balanced Relationship.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Good! A wake-up call!, October 9, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Seven Dumbest Relationship Mistakes That Smart People Make (Hardcover)

This book caught my attention! Find out if you are controlling or dependant. Are you trying to chase your partner? Are you wondering why he/she is pushing you away? If so, then the problem could be YOU! You need to be happy w/yourself before you can get love from someone else! This book covers all the bases. My mate wanted more freedom. Well, I tried to control my mate. Saying "I love you" too soon can scare anyone away! I had to give my partner space! But, you can only give your partner space if, and only if, you feel confident in yourself! If you need balance in your relationship, then this book is for you!

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Perfect, October 13, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Seven Dumbest Relationship Mistakes Smart People Make (Paperback)

Excellent book if you care to maintain a good relationship. The chapter on Communication is especially good and suggestion to improve how to talk with your mate helped me a lot.