This is a recovery book for women who attract or are in toxic, circle-the-drain relationships with Asshats (aka Narcissists).
Women who attract and stay in toxic relationships tend to have two flaws that make it extremely difficult for them to leave.
1. An Overabundance of Empathy
2. Misplaced Responsibility
This is especially true of women who grew up in homes with divorce, drug and alcohol addiction or immature, needy parents.
Using Goal-Setting, Visualization, Inner Child work, 12-Step Recovery and her personal and client stories, Colleary’s self-help book about healing Love Addiction offers these Learning Outcomes:
Before: I’m attracted to people who use and disrespect me.
After: I follow a “dating plan” that helps me navigate dating and falling love with emotionally healthy partners.
Before: I’m confused about what a healthy love relationship looks like.
After: I instantly recognize toxic behavior and have a clear vision of the partner I want.
Before: I’m afraid of being alone, which keeps me in the toxic relationship.
After: I’ve identified my core values and live by them, despite my fears.
Before: I keep trying to change or control my romantic partner, but nothing works.
After: I recognize when I’m trying to change or control my romantic partner and stop. I accept that I can only change myself, and recognize behaving otherwise damages my self-esteem.
Before: I abandon myself to please my romantic partner.
After: I recognize when I’m self-abandoning and set healthy boundaries.
Before: I feel isolated by and ashamed of my toxic relationship. It keeps me away from the people who really love me.
After: I’ve built a Mental Health Village that supports my emotional recovery and won’t shame me.
Before: I don’t believe in a Higher Power or I once did, but feel like that Higher Power has let me down.
After: I’ve developed a powerful, spiritual connection with the “Higher Power Of My Own Understanding.” S/he does for me what I can’t do for myself.
Before: I’m afraid to look at my childhood, or think it hasn’t negatively impacted the choices I’ve made today.
After: I’ve come out of denial and accept my past. I understand how it affects me today. I’m healing the damage done.
Before: I feel like my romantic partner is just using me for sex, money or emotional support and that the relationship isn’t reciprocal.
After: I no longer give and do for my romantic partner unless it’s “For Fun and For Free.” (Which means I won’t be disappointed if it’s not reciprocated.)
Before: My romantic relationship is the sole focus of my life.
After: I’ve cultivated other wonderful relationships and activities and have a fuller life than before.
Before: I obsess on and worry about whether my romantic partner is cheating on me.
After: I use practical tools to detach from him to maintain my serenity and/or gain the strength to leave.
Before: I feel depressed and hopeless.
After: I have a plan and a path to recovery and know that if I work it, it will work.
“Anyone who is struggling with changing their current or future relationships should read this book! I’ve attended numerous seminars and read my fair share of books over the last several years, I found Shannon’s to be insightful, comprehensive and practical. I plan to read it again!” ~ America P.
“Shannon engages the reader in a humorous explorations of how to turn around toxic dating habits. She offers a practical guide to identify unhealthy patterns and move closer to finding the love you want.” ~ Claudia Lewis MA, LMFT, Psychotherapy and EMDR
“Shannon doesn’t shy away from anything needed to unpack what has been making life and relationships painful, and the work that needs to be done on the journey to Real Love.” ~ Kate Green, MS, NCC, LPC
“Wow … just wow! Shannon – how I wish I’d read this book when I was 25 instead of 65! Thank you so much for your willingness to share your vulnerability and wisdom!” ~ Marie Cicogne
“Shannon has found a perfect balance of research, anecdotes, encouragement and suggestions. The overall non-judgmental tone makes this a perfect read for any woman trying to make changes in her relationships.” ~ Alexandra Williams MA, Agency Counseling, Marriage and Family
“Written in the same friendly, fun-to-read voice that Shannon’s readers have come to know and love, her book is well-organized and broken down into easy-to-implement actionable tasks. If Real Love is what you’re looking for, you have to read this book!” ~ Mona Andrei
“A comprehensive guide full of insight, wit and concrete tips on how to kick toxic relationships for good and find true contentment with oneself and others.” ~ Gayle Tribe, M.Ed, PPS
“This book is pure gold for every single woman who has wondered why all the men she dates are jerks and what to do about it. It debunks all the so-called ‘relationship improvement’ instructions by big name ‘experts’ and offers single women a reality check and excellent advice to help anyone find and be successful in a functional relationship.” ~ Carol C.
“Shannon’s book helped me finally realize why I was still dating asshats. Understanding codependency and how to change its hold on me was eye-opening. Her book gives clear concise steps to empowering yourself and having the best life possible. Shannon does this in a humorous, non-judgmental, and loving way. This book was a life-changing read for me! I highly recommend it to anyone struggling with self-esteem and relationship issues.” ~ Vicki P.
She Dated the Asshats, But Married the Good Guy contains practical advice and assignments to recognize red flags. I liked Shannon’s willingness to share her own experiences with readers … it’s just a great book.” ~ Debra Ellis Smith, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC
She Dated the Asshats, But Married the Good Guy is on sale in both Kindle and Paperback Now!
