Things Will Get as Good as You Can Stand: (. . . When you learn that it is better to receive than to give) The Superwoman's Practical Guide to Getting as Much as She Gives [Paperback]

Laura Doyle (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 30, 2004

Why do the things you want elude you?

Intimacy. Validation. Romance. Nice things. More time. Most women wish for these every day.

In Things Will Get as Good as You Can Stand, bestselling author Laura Doyle says that all of these things are available to us, but receiving them makes women feel uncomfortable. We turn away praise at work, help with the house, an expression of admiration so that we appear to be in control. The result is a Superwoman Syndrome: we are overworked and exhausted -- and we feel alone.

In Things Will Get as Good as You Can Stand, Doyle provides steps for overcoming the Superwoman Syndrome and explains why:

• If you act like you don't deserve something, everyone else will agree
• Saying what you want makes you more beautiful
• Grateful women have better romantic relationships
• You should let a man support you
• You have to be vulnerable to get emotional help

With her trademark practical approach, Doyle explains why it is "better to receive than to give." She guides you to accepting what you are offered with ease and kindness, which is the expressway to having what you want.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The author of the bestselling The Surrendered Wife theorizes that learning to receive rather than give will foster better relationships. Addressing women specifically, she builds on her earlier work by stressing that allowing a man to financially support his wife or significant other not only inspires him but makes him feel "masculine and purposeful." Doyle, who conducts intimacy workshops and has spread her message via TV appearances, also draws on many examples that detail ways to graciously receive from acquaintances, friends, colleaguesâ€"and oneself. Her recommendations include ways to say appropriate thank yous, strategies to overcome guilt that can accompany receiving, avenues to articulate what your true desires are, and ways to resist the impulse, here branded "female," to reject help in favor of doing everything alone. One of the more useful chapters describes self-care as a personal discipline. Doyle suggests doing at least three things a day for personal enjoyment, including meditating, taking a nap or having lunch with a friend. Although Doyle makes a convincing case that women have been socialized to give and often feel awkward and guilty about taking help, gifts and support from others, much of her advice could be condensed into a magazine article. Her text is overly simplistic and frequently repetitive.
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Review

"Doyle seems to have filled the needs of thousands of women."

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Touchstone; Original edition (March 30, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743245156
• ISBN-13: 978-0743245159
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #808,534 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Laura Doyle lectures and leads workshops about the principles of The Surrendered Wife. She lives in Costa Mesa, California, with her husband.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the only book you should ever buy!, June 29, 2004

By 

"beesel" (NYC NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Things Will Get as Good as You Can Stand: (. . . When you learn that it is better to receive than to give) The Superwoman's Practical Guide to Getting as Much as She Gives (Paperback)

can't tell you how wonderful this book was! It helped me see how I was rejecting all the gifts I am in fact, always surrounded by but just couldn't see because I didn't know how. It wasn't about what was outside of me, I just needed to learn how to change my perception. I am astounded by how much abundance is coming my way, now that I can see it. Thanks Laura Doyle, you are great!

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Simple Path to Success, Simplicity, Serenity, April 11, 2004

By 

Julie Jordan Scott "Writer, Life Coach - Owne... (Bakersfield, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Things Will Get as Good as You Can Stand: (. . . When you learn that it is better to receive than to give) The Superwoman's Practical Guide to Getting as Much as She Gives (Paperback)

This book literally leaped its way into my hands because I see it over and over and over again: people have not learned how to receive well - and tend to get really caught up in an "unworthiness" trap which blocks all sorts of wonderfulness to circulate to them AND from them.

An unwillingness to receive BLOCKS people who WANT to give: even such simple gifts like a compliment or a simple act of service. Doyle gently teaches the readers how to get over this hurdle of "secretly believing we would only succeed by suffering."

She sends a newsflash: "The difference between people who achieved billionaire status and mere millionaire status is that the billionaires LOVE what they do".

This topic is critically important for all, men and women alike and across faiths. I didn't pick this up because I was a fan of Doyle's, although I can see she likes to be controversial from the other titles she has written.

I am grateful to see this topic is being addressed: may we give and receive bountifully starting with the simple lessons contained here. Being willing to gracefully receive WILL pave the way to success. It is as simple as that.

12 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars great concept, average writing, April 25, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Things Will Get as Good as You Can Stand: (. . . When you learn that it is better to receive than to give) The Superwoman's Practical Guide to Getting as Much as She Gives (Paperback)

This book sends a wonderful message describing the importance of gracefully receiving for those of us who feel guilty receiving gifts, relaxing, or taking a break from life. It helps the reader understand the psychology of giving too much and reciving too little. This is a great framework, but the writing is average or below. It is distractingly oversimplified and repetitive. I have to restrain myself from editing it as I read.