“With a clear and thoughtful voice, Candace V. Love describes, through relevant case examples, how to identify and discern important self-defeating versus self-supportive life patterns; providing effective methods for forging a compassionate bond with the vulnerable side of ourselves in order to steer clear of narcissistic seduction and to achieve healthy, reciprocally balanced, needs-meeting relationships. This book will surely bring added value to your personal library.”
– Wendy T. Behary, LCSW, author of Disarming the Narcissist
“Candace V. Love has written a marvelously accessible and interesting book for women seeking to understand how to change chronic patterns that have resulted in toxic relationships with narcissistic men. Her book offers insightful self-assessment tools and many effective strategies for healing and growing and, last but not least, for developing the art and skill of relationship wisdom.”
– Eleanor Payson, LCSW, author of The Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissists
“What is happening?” “Is he crazy? Am I crazy?” “Not again.” Dr. Love provides tools to evaluate your difficult relationship. This book helps you recognize if you are in relationship with a narcissist. I love the supportive and positive tone of the book. Questionnaires help the reader to see their relationship and their partner objectively. Kindly written truths assist women to improve their lives. The book focuses on self knowledge, empowerment and growth. Dr. Love wants you to learn from your difficult relationships. Narcissists can be physically and emotionally dangerous. If the woman chooses to leave the relationship, Dr. Love advises how to leave safely. The woman is encouraged that she can decrease the risk of future relationships with narcissists. This book very useful. I recommend it.”
– Alison Holloway, M.D.
“This book is a must-read for anyone who has suffered in a relationship with a narcissist. In my 30 years as a clinical social worker, I have talked with countless people, usually women, who have struggled to understand the behavior of a narcissist. They have asked the questions “what’s wrong with me?” and “what happened to the man I fell in love with?” Dr. Love’s book helps the reader identify and understand both her own behavior and that of her narcissistic partner through a series of thought-provoking exercises and stories. Most who read this book will find themselves nodding their heads in understanding and will experience that “light-bulb” moment when it becomes clear. Dr. Love walks with the reader on a journey of self-discovery, identifying the strengths that make it possible to move on from and never return to relationships with a narcissist. It’s helpful to have a journey as you read and Dr. Love does frequent “check ins” with the use of “Your Looking Glass”. The section entitled “Self Care: Becoming Your Own Fairy Godmother” was of particular interest to me. As a Reiki Master I understand the mind/body/spirit connection and Dr. Love beautifully ties this all together.”
“Thank you, Dr. Love, for this thoughtful and insightful work, and for sharing the stories of the many clients you have helped. This book is life-changing!!”
– Carol A. Stovold, LCSW and Reiki Master
“As an expert in domestic violence, I know that the connection between narcissists and both emotional abuse and physical violence is powerful. I use Dr. Love’s book in my lectures to health care and criminal justice professionals, the public, mediators, and divorce lawyers to show how to help friends, family, clients, or patients who are in relationships with narcissists. I’ve witnessed numerous audience members experience that “a-ha” moment when they recognize the signs of narcissism in a relationship in their own lives and realize how this knowledge and awareness can also serve them at work.
Dr. Love’s book is easy-to-read and packed with time-tested, practical advice to help you recognize the signs of a narcissistic relationship, understand how you got into it, and, most importantly, how to get out and break the cycle. Her guidance can be applied not only to romantic relationships but also to those at work, with a parent, or even a friend…
…Men and women may find themselves in such a relationship (whether it be heterosexual or same-sex) and spend years breaking free—only to land in another. And another. Narcissists can be the “most attractive” people—charismatic, appealing, and all too ready to manipulate and abuse for their own self-gain. I highly recommend this book to anyone struggling in a relationship with a narcissist.”
– Dr. Barbara Gerbert, Professor Emeritus , Professor and Chair of Division of Behavioral Sciences, School of Dentistry: Director, Center for Health Improvement and Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisc0