The desire to feel important is the deepest principle in human nature. "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." Give others the same courtesy and appreciation you would want to receive.
Talk to people about themselves and recognize their importance. Praise their achievements and give them a reputation to live up to. Compliment people on the things you know they value most in themselves. Make them feel important through your words and actions. But always do it sincerely. Flattery only works if it is genuine.
Section: 2, Chapter: 6
The key to making people like you is to show genuine interest in them. Greet people with animation and enthusiasm. Say hello to people you pass. Ask questions that the other person will enjoy answering.
Encourage them to talk about themselves and their accomplishments. Remember that the people you are talking to are a hundred times more interested in themselves and their wants and problems than they are in you and your problems.
Section: 2, Chapter: 1
General Electric was faced with the problem of removing Charles Steinmetz from his position as head of a department due to performance issues.
However, he was a genius at electricity and indispensible to the company so they couldn't afford to offend or lose him. Instead of firing him, they created a new title that sounded important - "Consulting Engineer of General Electric Company" - and gave that to Steinmetz while bringing in someone else as department head.
Steinmetz was pleased rather than insulted because they had let him save face.
Section: 3, Chapter: 5
There's an assumption that we know our romantic partners, family members and close friends very well. But research shows that closeness leads us to overestimate our insight into loved ones' inner lives. Because we feel so familiar with them, we stop really listening. We think we already know what they'll say or how they'll react. Psychologist Judith Coche sees this often with the distressed couples she counsels, who have stopped genuinely attending to one another. The lesson is that understanding loved ones is an ongoing process that requires continual curious listening, not a one-time achievement.
Section: 1, Chapter: 4
Many interpersonal problems arise from people taking on tasks that are not their responsibility. We try to compel others to think and behave the way we want them to. The philosopher argues you must clearly delineate your tasks from others' tasks.
Your own tasks are things you can control yourself - your own thoughts, choices, and actions. Others' tasks are their own responsibility to manage. For example, a parent cannot force a child to study. The parent's task is to provide a supportive environment, but actually studying is the child's own task.
Section: 3, Chapter: 26
Adlerian psychology asserts that all problems people face are interpersonal relationship problems. This is because all human beings are social beings who exist within the context of relationships.
As Adler states: "To get rid of one's problems, all one can do is live in the universe all alone." But since we cannot exist without interpersonal relationships, we cannot escape interpersonal problems. The real issue is how one faces and interacts within one's relationships.
Section: 2, Chapter: 12
Self-acceptance is essential to building deep relationships and community feeling. As long as one rejects oneself as flawed in comparison to an idealized self-image, one will struggle to connect authentically with others.
The philosopher explains: "One accepts one's irreplaceable self 'as is,' and at the same time one accepts 'as is' the others who are around one...It is because one can accept oneself that one can trust in others."
Embracing your imperfect self allows you to embrace others' imperfections as well, seeing them as full human beings instead of idealized images. You can connect on the basis of shared humanity rather than impossible standards. This means admitting mistakes, showing vulnerability, and staying true to oneself even if it sometimes displeases others.
Section: 4, Chapter: 43
Many people feel their relationships are at the mercy of others' feelings toward them. If the other person rejects or mistreats them, they feel they have no control to change the relationship. But the philosopher argues the "interpersonal relationship cards" are always in your own hands.
For example, the philosopher felt he had a bad relationship with his father because his father hit him as a child. But he realized this was giving control to his father. The philosopher could choose to change his perspective and actions to improve the relationship, regardless of his father's behavior.
Section: 3, Chapter: 32
If all problems are interpersonal problems, as Adler asserts, then what is the ideal state of interpersonal relationships? The philosopher states Adler's answer is "community feeling."
Community feeling means sensing one's "belongingness" and contribution to the community. It stems from having concern for others beyond oneself, and from cooperating on an equal basis. The philosopher elaborates:
Section: 4, Chapter: 34
Adlerian psychology posits a universal human drive for superiority - the desire to improve one's condition and pursue an ideal state. While this often manifests as unhealthy competition with others, the healthy form is simply the striving to grow as an individual.
The philosopher notes: "One does not need to battle with others to be able to live. One only needs to continue moving forward and challenging oneself to grow. One need not be trapped in the narrow confines of 'superiority or inferiority' that one decides for oneself."
Section: 2, Chapter: 21
To build deep interpersonal relationships, the philosopher asserts we must ground them in unconditional confidence, not conditional trust. Trust is transactional - I trust you if you meet certain criteria. But confidence is a choice to believe in the other regardless of "proof."
By choosing to have faith in the other, even knowing you may sometimes be let down, you create the basis for genuine intimacy. Always holding back unless the other "earns" your trust first limits the depth of connection. Give trust freely, and address issues as they arise. Don't make it contingent on never being disappointed.
Section: 3, Chapter: 31
While attachment styles tend to remain fairly stable, they can change over time, especially in response to major life events or an extremely good or bad relationship experience. If you're unhappy with your current attachment style, you can take steps to become more secure by:
- Gaining insight into your attachment patterns and how they formed
- Choosing a partner with a secure attachment style
- Working to develop more security within your existing relationship
Don't feel you're doomed to repeat unhealthy patterns - change is possible with awareness and effort.
Section: 0, Chapter: 1
The dependency paradox refers to the finding that accepting and meeting your partner's attachment needs actually fosters greater independence and confidence in both partners. It follows these steps:
- Partner expresses need for closeness, reassurance, etc.
- You meet the need sensitively and consistently
- Partner feels secure and is able to focus outward rather than worry about the relationship
- Both of you are able to be more independent and pursue your goals with a "secure base"
Conversely, responding inconsistently or negatively to your partner's dependency needs leads to a vicious cycle of clinging and pushing away.
Section: 0, Chapter: 2
One of the best ways to override insecure attachment patterns is to call to mind secure role models. Think of people you know who:
- Have a healthy, stable intimate relationship
- Effectively communicate their needs and respond to their partner's
- Maintain a strong sense of self within the relationship
- Recover quickly from relationship conflicts and get back to enjoying each other
Observe what they say and do, in your mind, when you're feeling activated. Visualize yourself acting the same way. Over time, you'll internalize a more secure script.
Section: 3, Chapter: 9
The Experience in Close Relationships (ECR) questionnaire is the gold standard for identifying your attachment style across two dimensions:
- Anxiety in relationships - fear of abandonment and preoccupation with the relationship
- Avoidance of intimacy - discomfort with closeness and dependency Based on your scores you fall into one of four "quadrants":
- Low anxiety + Low avoidance = Secure
- High anxiety + Low avoidance = Anxious
- Low anxiety + High avoidance = Avoidant
- High anxiety + High avoidance = Disorganized (rare)
Knowing your style provides a starting point for understanding your relationship patterns.
Section: 1, Chapter: 3
From an evolutionary perspective, we are wired to be dependent on a romantic partner. In prehistoric times, close attachments provided safety and survival advantages. When we become attached to someone, our brain's attachment system gets activated, causing us to seek their proximity and use them as a "secure base" from which to explore the world. Accepting rather than denying these innate needs is essential to a happy relationship.
Section: 0, Chapter: 2
In some anxious-avoidant pairings, the clash of attachment styles brings out cruel, demeaning behaviors:
- Public put-downs and criticisms in front of others
- Using the relationship as a source of status (e.g. being sweet in public but cold in private)
- Dismissing the other's thoughts, feelings and needs as unimportant
- Establishing a "taker" dynamic - one partner's needs always come first
When extreme anxious-avoidant dynamics persist, they can veer into emotional abuse. If you consistently feel diminished, unheard, or manipulated, it's a big red flag.
Section: 3, Chapter: 10
The avoidant attachment style involves:
- Discomfort with too much closeness and a strong need for independence/self-sufficiency
- Keeping a partner at arm's length and preventing them from getting too close
- Not opening up to partners or responding to their distress
- Relationships take up little mental energy - "out of sight, out of mind"
- Avoiding deep commitment, even in long-term relationships
- Hypersensitivity to feeling controlled or "fenced in" by a partner
While avoidants do want close relationships, intimacy feels unsafe so they use distancing strategies. Learning to identify and counter these impulses is key to finding love.
Section: 1, Chapter: 3
Even if you recognize that your relationship has become a source of constant pain, it's never easy to walk away. Two factors make it especially hard:
- Evolutionary wiring. Our attachment system perceives a breakup as a literal threat to survival. The pain and panic can feel overwhelming, even if we know logically the relationship is unhealthy.
- The "rebound effect." After a breakup, memories of the good times come flooding back and overshadow the bad. This selective memory can cause intense craving to reunite. It's not lack of willpower that makes breakups so hard. It's biology. Be patient and compassionate with yourself as you grieve. In time, the intensity will fade.
Section: 3, Chapter: 10
Anxiously attached people often confuse the feeling of being "hungry" for someone's love with genuine attraction and compatibility. Here's how it works:
- They meet someone avoidant who sends mixed signals
- Their attachment system activates, causing preoccupation and craving contact
- When the avoidant offers affection, they feel a temporary "high"
- They start equating anxiety/preoccupation with passion and love
To break the cycle, recognize activated attachment is not the same as love. True compatibility provides peace of mind, not constant turmoil. Don't let emotional unavailability turn you on.
Section: 2, Chapter: 5
Many people, especially those with an insecure attachment style, struggle to communicate their needs and desires directly to a partner. They may drop hints, use protest behavior, or stay silent and hope their partner figures it out. But effective communication - stating your needs clearly, calmly and unambiguously - is the best way to assess your compatibility:
- A secure partner will try to understand and meet your needs
- An anxious partner will welcome the chance for closeness and start sharing their own desires
- An avoidant partner will feel overwhelmed and potentially withdraw Your partner's response to direct communication tells you everything you need to know about their capacity for intimacy. Don't be afraid to ask for what you need from the start.
Section: 4, Chapter: 11
Attachment theory, originally developed to explain the bond between infants and caregivers, also applies to adult romantic relationships. It provides a powerful framework for understanding people's behaviors, emotions and relationship patterns. The three main attachment styles are Secure, Anxious and Avoidant. Understanding your own and your partner's attachment style is key to building a happy, secure relationship.
Section: 1, Chapter: 1
Research consistently shows that having a partner with a secure attachment style predicts greater relationship satisfaction, for both you and them. Secure individuals:
- Are comfortable with closeness and convey safety to their partner
- Effectively communicate their needs and respond to a partner's needs
- Stay emotionally engaged during conflict without getting overwhelmed
- Positively interpret a partner's behaviors as well-intentioned
As a result, a secure partner can actually increase your own attachment security over time through a process of positive "contagion." If you're anxious or avoidant, coupling up with a secure is the surest path to a happy bond.
Section: 2, Chapter: 7
The anxious attachment style is characterized by:
- A desire for extreme closeness and "merging" with romantic partners
- Sensitivity to small changes in a partner's moods and behaviors
- Tendency to take a partner's actions too personally
- Acting out to get a partner's attention when feeling insecure
- Difficulty being alone and feeling incomplete without a relationship
- Relationships consume a large part of mental energy and emotional focus
However, with the consistent reassurance and support of a secure partner, the anxious person can become more secure over time.
Section: 1, Chapter: 3
"All happiness or unhappiness solely depends upon the quality of the object to which we are attached by love." - Baruch Spinoza.
Your choice of romantic partner and the patterns that play out in your relationship have an enormous impact on your overall happiness and well-being in life. Attachment styles provide a roadmap for making wise relationship choices.
Section: 0, Chapter: 1
People with an anxious attachment style have a finely tuned radar for their partner's emotional availability. Even small signs of unavailability or disinterest activate their attachment system, triggering bids for attention and reassurance. They take a partner's actions very personally and have difficulty calming down until they get a clear sign that the relationship is safe. This sensitivity has pros and cons:
- On the plus side, they are very attuned to a partner's moods and needs
- On the downside, they often misinterpret a partner's signals and act out
Section: 2, Chapter: 5
To gain insight into your attachment style and move towards security:
- List your relationship history, from first dates to long-term bonds
- Identify situations that activate your attachment system (e.g. feeling ignored)
- Note your thoughts, feelings and actions in those situations (e.g. "I'm not good enough")
- Translate your reactions into attachment terms (e.g. protest behavior)
- Observe how your insecure patterns hurt you and hold you back
- Imagine how a secure role model would act differently in those situations
Section: 3, Chapter: 9
Having a secure attachment style is generally very protective in relationships. But it doesn't make you totally immune to bad matches. Pitfalls that can trap even secures include:
- Feeling responsible for an insecure partner's happiness and tolerating bad behavior
- Failing to set appropriate boundaries with an emotionally unstable partner
- Seeing a partner's potential rather than reality and waiting too long for change
If a secure person pairs up with an extremely anxious or avoidant partner, they may get stuck caretaking and fail to get their own needs met. Periodic self-checks are important for everyone.
Section: 2, Chapter: 7
Use these five guidelines to assess a partner's attachment style:
- Determine if they seek intimacy and closeness (secure/anxious) or avoid it (avoidant)
- Assess their sensitivity to rejection (anxious) vs ability to brush it off (secure/avoidant)
- Don't rely on a single "symptom" - look for various signs that paint a full picture
- Communicate your needs and observe their reaction (responsive vs dismissive)
- Listen for what they are NOT saying/doing, not just what they do say/do
Section: 1, Chapter: 4
"I'm Only Compatible with Very Few People - What are the Chances I'll Find Another?"
Anxiously attached people tend to adopt attitudes of scarcity and insecurity about relationships:
- "I'm only compatible with very few people - what are the chances I'll find another person like him/her?"
- "It takes years to meet someone new; I'll end up alone."
- "Even though I'm unhappy, I'd better not let go. If she leaves me, she'll turn into a great partner - for someone else!"
Section: 2, Chapter: 5
Look out for these common insecure behavior patterns:
- Focusing on being right rather than being happy. Let go of the need to "win" or assign blame.
- Kitchen sinking. Stick to one issue at a time rather than throwing every past resentment into the mix.
- Hitting below the belt. Personal attacks and character assassination are always off-limits, even if your partner "started it."
- Clamming up or shutting down. Commit to staying engaged even when you feel overwhelmed. Take a short break if needed but come back to the table.
- Invalidating your partner's perspective. You can disagree while still making room for another point of view. Aim for "yes, and" instead of "no, but."
Section: 4, Chapter: 12
Studies by Dr. Jim Coan and colleagues demonstrate the powerful impact of close relationships on regulating emotions and stress responses:
- Happily married women showed less stress response in their brain when holding their husband's hand during a mildly painful experience
- Unhappily married individuals showed higher blood pressure in their spouse's presence compared to being alone
When our innate attachment needs are not met, both our emotional and physical health are compromised. The lesson is to choose a partner carefully as they will literally shape our mind and body.
Section: 0, Chapter: 2
When an anxious person pairs up with an avoidant, their opposing intimacy needs can send the relationship into a self-reinforcing tailspin:
- Anxious partner senses avoidant withdrawing and activates, increasing bids for closeness
- Increased bids for closeness overwhelm avoidant, causing them to withdraw further
- Further withdrawal reactivates anxious partner's fear of abandonment
- Cycle of pursuing and distancing continues, each partner inadvertently triggering the other
Unless both partners understand their clashing attachment needs, the relationship becomes a constant roller coaster of brief highs and prolonged dissatisfaction.
Section: 3, Chapter: 8
Sara, an anxious attacher, describes falling into the trap with her avoidant boyfriend: "When I first sensed him pulling away, I started reaching out to him more, planning dates, sending cute texts. But the more I advanced, the more he withdrew. He started accusing me of being needy and picking fights over everything. I felt horrible about myself but I was totally stuck - I didn't want to lose him but I was so unhappy."
Pursuing an avoidant partner, rather than making them feel loved, often pushes them further away. It takes recognizing the cycle and finding other ways to self-soothe to break free.
Section: 3, Chapter: 8
Effective communication follows five key principles:
- Be direct and unambiguous. State observations, feelings and needs clearly.
- Own your experience without attacking or blaming. Use "I feel" statements.
- Stay focused on the issue at hand. Avoid kitchen-sinking or bringing up the past.
- Show genuine willingness to hear your partner's perspective and find a mutually satisfying solution.
- Be open and non-defensive. Embrace problems as an opportunity to know each other more deeply.
Section: 4, Chapter: 11
If you have a secure attachment style:
- You feel comfortable with intimacy and don't worry too much about the relationship
- You effectively communicate your needs and pick up on your partner's cues
- You share successes and problems with your partner
- You can depend on your partner and allow them to depend on you
Secure people have an internalized sense of self-worth and expect their partner to be loving and responsive. They enjoy closeness without becoming anxious about the relationship.
Section: 1, Chapter: 3
Many avoidants hold out for a fantasy soulmate rather than investing in real relationships. They imagine that one day they'll find a perfect partner and suddenly all their discomfort with intimacy will vanish. This belief is a mirage for two reasons:
- There is no perfect partner who will intuitively meet all of your needs. All relationships require communication and work.
- An avoidant's intimacy issues come from within. They will resurface in any close relationship unless consciously addressed.
The antidote is to take responsibility for your own attachment needs. Realize that a good relationship is made, not discovered. Then do the hard work of unpacking your fear of intimacy.
Section: 2, Chapter: 6
Secure couples instinctively follow five principles for handling disagreements:
- Focus on resolving the issue at hand rather than attacking the other's character
- Refrain from generalizing the conflict ("You always..." "You never...")
- Remain engaged and listen to the other's perspective
- Communicate feelings and needs clearly and directly
- Prioritize the other's well-being even when angry or hurt
Section: 3, Chapter: 9
Familiar venues like coffee shops and cocktail bars can make dates feel like interviews. Look for ideas that are:
- Novel - Sharing a new experience takes the pressure off and gives you a shared point of reference to bond over.
- Interactive - Activities that require cooperation spark flirtation and reveal hidden aspects of your personalities.
- Finite - A set end point, like a movie or exhibit, prevents the date from dragging on and gives you a natural moment to part ways or extend the connection.
Choosing an environment that's different from your routine interactions signals that this is a special occasion and opens the door for romance. Think beyond drinks and dinner to make a memorable impression.
Section: 2, Chapter: 10
Hesitaters delay dating until they feel completely ready and have addressed all their perceived inadequacies. They think "I'll date when":
- I lose 10 lbs
- I get a promotion
- I buy a house
- I finish my novel
However, you'll never feel 100% ready. And by waiting, you miss the opportunity to learn about relationships, gain skills, and figure out what you really want in a partner. Dating makes you better at dating. No amount of solo self-improvement can replace hands-on experience.
Section: 1, Chapter: 5
Breakups feel like the end of the world for good reason - our brains process social rejection like physical pain. fMRI studies show that when we look at a photo of an ex after a split, the same regions light up as when we burn our hand on a stove. Heartbreak is a form of withdrawal, complete with cravings, obsessive thoughts, and compulsive behaviors.
But just because it feels like you'll never recover doesn't mean you won't. Post-breakup, our minds tend to conjure an unrealistic highlight reel of the relationship. We remember the best parts and forget the everyday annoyances and incompatibilities.
Remember, be patient with yourself. Studies show it takes 3 months on average for our brains to return to equilibrium after a split. In that time, grief is not only normal but necessary. The only way to the other side of heartbreak is through.
Section: 3, Chapter: 16
To use dating apps effectively:
- Revisit the search filters you set when you first signed up. You were likely in an arbitrary or aspirational mindset. Widen your age, height, distance, etc. ranges to see more types of people.
- Give people a chance even if they don't match your preconceived ideal on paper. Swipe right on "maybes." You can't predict chemistry based on stats alone.
- Limit how many people you talk to at once. Too many conversations will make it hard to connect meaningfully with anyone. Go on dates instead of getting stuck in endless messaging.
- If you like someone, propose a specific time and place to meet. Make it easy to take things offline so you don't build up an inaccurate fantasy.
- Craft a profile that invites conversation. Use specific details, avoid clichés, and focus on what you're looking for rather than what you're not.
Section: 2, Chapter: 8
To shift into a more experiential mindset on dates, ask yourself the following questions afterward:
- What side of me did they bring out?
- Am I more or less energized than before the date?
- Is there something about them I'm curious about?
- Did they make me laugh? Did I feel heard?
- Did I feel attractive in their presence?
Instead of evaluating them on paper, tune into how you felt in their presence. Did you feel expansive or constricted? Engaged or checked out? Did you like who you were with them?
No amount of résumé compatibility can compensate for a lack of in-person chemistry and connection. Use the post-date questions to ground your choices in reality, not hypotheticals.
Section: 2, Chapter: 10
“In comparison, those with the work-it-out mindset believe that relationships take effort, that love is an action you take, not something that happens to you. People with the work-it-out mindset tend to fare better in relationships because when they stumble, they put in the work needed to get the relationship back on track, rather than giving up."
Section: 1, Chapter: 2
Modern dating is harder than ever before for several reasons:
- We now have to shape our own identities rather than have them dictated by religion, community and social class. This gives us freedom but also uncertainty.
- We have too many options with online dating, which can be overwhelming and make us doubt our choices.
- We yearn for certainty in relationships but there are no clear "right answers." Extensive research doesn't help.
- Social media makes us compare our real relationships to idealized versions, leading to dissatisfaction.
- Many of us lack good relationship role models from parents or community.
- There are far more possible ways to structure relationships now, from monogamy to polyamory
Section: 1, Chapter: 1
For most of human history, marriage had nothing to do with love. It was an economic arrangement to accumulate wealth, consolidate power, or expand the labor force through children. The couple's feelings for each other were largely irrelevant.
The Romantic period of the 18th century changed this. Thinkers and artists began glorifying passionate love as the ideal. Compatibility and intimacy became the point of marriage rather than social obligation. This "love myth" persists today and fuels unrealistic expectations, especially for Romanticizers.
As Alain de Botton explains, we desire the excitement of unstable romantic love but also the security of long-term commitment - an impossible hybrid. By understanding the history of marriage, we're better equipped to modify our expectations.
Section: 1, Chapter: 3
The famous "Secretary Problem" provides a framework to make good choices with limited information. Adapted for dating, it works like this:
- Estimate how long you expect to be actively dating and divide it by 2.718 (Euler's mathematical constant) to get your "exploration period."
- During this period, don't commit to anyone but treat it as an experiment to establish your tastes and standards. Gather data on what you like.
- After the exploration period, use your historical data to determine your "aspiration level" in a partner based on the best relationships you've had.
- Moving forward, commit to the first person who exceeds your aspiration level. Don't wonder "what if" about other options.
For example, if you expect to date from age 20 to 35, your exploration period is 5.5 years (15 divided by 2.718). So from 20-26 you gain experience and then from 26-35 you pursue commitment.
Section: 1, Chapter: 4
From Cinderella to Sleepless in Seattle, we're bombarded with unrealistic media portrayals of romance. Romanticizers are especially susceptible to these influences. They believe:
- Their soulmate is out there and will match a specific ideal
- With the right person, love will be easy
- The relationship's "story" matters as much as the connection
- Physical attraction and chemistry should be immediate and overwhelming
However, real love is often a slow build between imperfect people. Great relationships take work - they're not effortless. By holding out for a fantasy, Romanticizers miss out on real opportunities.
Section: 1, Chapter: 3
We've been socialized to believe that healthy relationships are the result of finding our "perfect match." In reality, there is no The One, only many Potential Ones with whom we could build something great. Holding out for a fantasy keeps us from doing the real work of love - accepting our partner's flaws, investing in quality time, and expanding our own capacity for care.
Researcher Eli Finkel calls this the "soulmate vs. work-it-out" mindset. His studies show that people who believe good relationships take effort are happier than those who think romance should be easy if it's "meant to be."
Real love is something we must consciously create every day through small acts of generosity, vulnerability, and compromise. It doesn't just happen to us - we make it happen. And that's even more magical.
Section: 3, Chapter: 18
Consider a matrix: along the horizontal axis, we have "likeliness to interact with new people" from low to high, and on the vertical, "likeliness to enjoy the experience" from low to high.
Prioritize activities in the top right quadrant. They offer the best chance to meet compatible matches.
For example, a networking event for your industry would be low interaction, high enjoyment. A class on a topic you hate would be high interaction, low enjoyment. Aim for events that combine your interests with a social element, like a hiking group or dance lesson.
Section: 2, Chapter: 9
"I didn't feel the spark" is one of the most common reasons people give for not going on a second date. However, the spark - that sense of instant, intense chemistry - is a poor predictor of long-term compatibility. Here's why:
- The spark is often anxiety rather than attraction. We mistake the nervous excitement of not knowing where we stand for desire. The spark is more likely with a distant, unpredictable partner than a kind, stable one.
- The spark fades. Lust and passion naturally decline in all relationships over time. If you expect fireworks forever, you'll be disappointed. Companionship and mutual care are more important long-term.
- The spark is an unreliable feeling, not a character assessment. A charming, magnetic person who gives you the spark may also be self-centered or unethical. Don't confuse immediate physical attraction for the qualities that actually sustain relationships.
Section: 2, Chapter: 11
When it comes to exiting relationships, people tend to fall into one of two categories:
Ditchers leave too quickly. They expect constant excitement and passion, so when the initial thrill fades, they get restless. They focus on their partner's flaws and wonder if they could do better. Their wandering eye prevents them from developing the skills for long-term partnership.
Hitchers stay too long. They ignore red flags and avoid hard conversations. They get mired in sunk-cost fallacy ("I've already put in so much time!") and fear starting over. They romanticize their partner's potential while downplaying daily incompatibilities.
Both ditching and hitching stem from unrealistic expectations. Ditchers think relationships should always feel new and assume conflict means incompatibility. Hitchers believe if they just stick it out, things will magically improve.
In reality, all relationships ebb and flow. It means you need to work together to bridge the divide. The key is accepting your partner for who they are today, not who you hope they'll become.
Section: 3, Chapter: 14
Maya, a successful dentist, always fell for aloof, committment-phobic men. When she met an emotionally available guy, she found him "boring" and "too into her."
Maya has an anxious attachment style. She mistakes the anxiety of unrequited love for passion. She also engages in "protest behaviors" to get an avoidant partner's attention, like constant texting or threats to leave.
Avoidant partners, in turn, are only drawn to anxiously attached people who chase them. They're uncomfortable with true intimacy and keep partners at a distance.
Many anxiously attached people get caught in a painful push-pull dynamic with avoidant partners. The relationship rewards their worst fears and impulses. The solution is to date secure partners and work on self-soothing your own anxieties.
Section: 1, Chapter: 6
Maximizers approach decisions like a never-ending research project. They are on a quest for the unattainable "best" - the best career, the best city, the best partner. They believe that with enough analysis, they can make the perfect choice with no regrets or doubts.
This mentality is alluring but damaging, especially in relationships. There are no perfect partners and you can't possibly evaluate every option. Trying to do so leads to analysis paralysis, anxiety, and missing out on great matches in front of you.
Maximizers often don't even end up with objectively better outcomes. They just feel worse about their choices because they can't let go of the alternatives.
Section: 1, Chapter: 4
Every relationship hits milestones where you must choose whether to move forward or not: becoming exclusive, moving in together, getting engaged, etc. But many couples "slide" into these transitions without deliberate discussion or purposeful choice.
Sliding makes you more likely to get into situations you're not fully prepared for. Deciding means you soberly evaluate your readiness and talk through expectations upfront. Studies show couples who "decide" are more satisfied and less likely to divorce than those who slide.
Treat your relationship like an investment that requires proactive care, not a purchase you just need to maintain. At every juncture, large or small, ask yourself the tough questions about what you really want.
Section: 3, Chapter: 13
No one wants to break up unless they have to. So how do you know when it's truly time to end things? Look for these signs:
- You've communicated your needs clearly, but your partner is unwilling to change their behavior. You feel drained by repeated fights about the same topics.
- You feel apathetic about the relationship. You're not angry or sad, just indifferent. You used to share every detail together but now you'd rather confide in friends.
- You're viewing the relationship through rose-colored glasses. You keep remembering how great things used to be while ignoring the reality of your present dynamic.
- You don't like who you are in the relationship. You feel pressured to downplay parts of yourself or play a role. You resent your partner for bringing out a petty or critical side of you.
- You're fantasizing about a new life without your partner. You're not just noticing attractive strangers but actively imagining being single or with someone else.
Section: 3, Chapter: 15
Many daters hesitate to go on second dates if the first didn't give them butterflies. But instant chemistry is rare and often misleading. A better policy is to make a second date your default.
Unless your date displayed an obvious dealbreaker - they were rude, angry, or clearly uninterested - plan to see them again. This flips the script. Instead of looking for reasons to write them off, you assume there's more to learn about them unless firmly proven otherwise.
Second dates are low-stakes. You're not committing to marriage, just giving a decent person another chance to show their personality. You may realize your first impression was wrong. Or you might learn something that makes you incompatible. Either way, you've given the connection room to grow.
Section: 2, Chapter: 12
Our brains are wired to focus on the negative for survival. In dating, that means after a pleasant date with a perfectly lovely person, we somehow fixate on their minor "flaws".
Meanwhile, we neglect positive traits like their quick wit, soothing voice, or attentive listening, which are more relevant to long-term happiness. We also fall victim to the Fundamental Attribution Error: we assume someone's actions reflect their character rather than circumstances. If they're 10 minutes late, we assume they're selfish, not stuck in traffic.
To counteract the negativity bias, purposefully look for positives, question your assumptions, and focus on how they made you feel overall.
Section: 2, Chapter: 12
When choosing a long-term partner, it's easy to focus on superficial traits that seem important but don't actually correlate with relationship success or satisfaction. Research shows the qualities that matter LESS than we think are:
- Wealth. As long as you can meet basic needs, more money doesn't make you happier. Rich people simply adapt to a new normal.
- Attractiveness. The giddy lust of a new relationship fades for everyone. Attraction matters but it's not the most important factor.
- Similar interests/personalities. Sharing every hobby or being temperamentally identical is not necessary and can even be boring.
Instead, look for: Emotional stability, Kindness and generosity, Loyalty and dependability, Growth mindset, Ability to take your perspective, and Skills to express needs and resolve conflict
Section: 1, Chapter: 7
“I call this error in judgment the Monet Effect. When we have only a rough perception of someone, our brain, hoping for a great outcome, fills in all the gaps optimistically. People seem way more desirable than they actually are. It’s only later, when they transform into real people standing in front of us, that we see the flaws.”
Section: 2, Chapter: 8
Most people who struggle with dating tend to fall into one of three categories:
The Romanticizer - You want the fairy tale romance and believe you're single because you haven't met "the one" yet. You think love should be effortless.
The Maximizer - You want to explore all your options before settling down. You struggle to be satisfied with your choices because you always wonder if there's someone better out there.
The Hesitater - You don't feel ready to date until you improve yourself. You have unrealistic expectations of yourself and put off dating until you feel you're "a catch."
Section: 1, Chapter: 2
Attachment theory is the most important concept for understanding romantic relationships. Through a famous experiment called the "Strange Situation," researcher Mary Ainsworth identified 3 attachment styles in children:
- Anxious - These babies became very distressed when separated from their mothers and weren't easily soothed even when reunited. They desperately craved closeness but didn't trust it.
- Avoidant - These babies seemed indifferent when their mothers left and returned. They learned to suppress their need for connection as a defense mechanism.
- Secure - These babies were upset when their mothers left but quickly settled when they came back. They felt safe in the relationship.
We often carry these same patterns into adult romantic partnerships.
Section: 1, Chapter: 6
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