Review: Two Great Books on Creating and Maintaining Healthy Relationships
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 23, 2014
Book 1 of this box set is The Ultimate Codependency Guide.In my circle of friends I've witnessed two extremely damaging co-dependent relationships. The first was a friend of mine who was in a physically abusive relationship. She kept on going back to a husband who would beat her to a pulp.  I begged her to leave him but she always had an excuse.  At the time I didn't know what codependency was and didn't understand why she returned again and again.When the husband started beating one of her kids, she finally broke through her own issues and left.The second relationship was a couple who literally ate themselves into extreme obesity. The codependency ended when one of them had a heart attack and died.I've given these two extreme examples because most of us have no idea how dangerous and damaging codependency is.In this book, the author Jessica Minty tells the reader what codependency is why it happens and how to recognize it in ourselves and others. She talks about the various codependent personality types, and codependent families.Then she provides information on the differences between healthy relationships, what kinds of boundaries should be in place and some great tips for anyone who tends to get sucked into codependent actions.  She also provides information on how to reclaim yourself and recover from codependent relationships.Book 2 of the boxed set is The Ultimate Manipulative People Guide.  Have you ever suspected you were being manipulated, by a family member, friend or coworker?  You probably couldn't figure out what was going on because you trusted the person and couldn't imagine that they would "use" you.In this guide, Minty talks about how to recognize manipulative behavior and what to do about it. She gives example of manipulate behavior and as you read through them, you'll probably have several ah ha moments as you remember and recognize the specific actions.My favorite chapters were  "How to Reclaim Control Over Your Life" and then how to set boundaries and maintain them so you won't fall into the manipulation trap again.Two eye opening and informative books about creating and maintain HEALTHY relationships. Highly recommended.