The Seven Dumbest Relationship Mistakes That Smart People Make

While the ""smart people, dumb mistakes"" approach has been overused, this clear, honest and practical guide is smarter than its title. Bushong (Loving Him Without Losing You) is a veteran Denver psychotherapist and radio talk-show host whose practice focuses on relationships. She takes the unusual stand that ""what is considered normal is not always healthy,"" and encourages readers to create and maintain relationships that are different than the norm. Bushong offers background on how and why people sabotage their relationships with unrealistic beliefs and poor role models from childhood. The resulting ""seven mistakes"" she sees most commonly in her practice include: forcing intimacy; expecting your mate to read your mind; playing the martyr; thinking you are always right; rescuing your mate; taking your mate for granted; and letting passion die. Explaining how to avoid and repair each mistake, Bushong encourages healthy personal boundaries along with an ""It's you and me against the world"" attitude toward primary relationships. She addresses herself directly to women in relationships with men, treating her readership as strong, smart and competent, and shows them how to balance taking and giving. Bushong's is a refreshing voice in the crowded field of relationship advice to women. Author tour. (June)