Write Your Own Fairy Tale: The New Rules for Dating, Relationships, and Finding Love on Your Terms

Marie Claire dating columnist Flicker shares relationship advice in this friendly guide for women searching for Prince Charming. According to Flicker, who claims to have more than 1,000 matches and 100 marriages to her credit, women must shed childhood fantasies of a knight riding in on a white horse and take a proactive role in finding the mates of their dreams. Common roadblocks to be avoided, she asserts, are unrealistic expectations, cynicism, insecurity, and baggage from past relationships. Those looking for love must also get out of the house (not wearing sweats) and “widen the net” without “lowering the bar,” letting go of limiting beliefs about prospective partners. Flicker uses plenty of real-life anecdotes to illustrate her points, some from her own life (she is divorced but happily remarried). Brief commentary by her husband, Michael Campanella, advises women “to stop overthinking it.” The author also reveals how to tell the “toads” from the princes and recognize red flags. The writing exercises she includes help readers pinpoint their goals (e.g., list “five things you’re afraid of when it comes to love and dating”). Readers in the market for Flicker’s advice will appreciate her sense of humor, practical ideas, and proven matchmaking track record. (Sept.)