Self-help books

[Perdita]

The Loose Women were discussing this last week and I was wondering what you all thought about self-help books, do you think they can help you deal with emotional problems (rather than how to put up a book shelf but please comment on those type of books too if you have any experience). And if you found a particular book very useful, you might want to share it with us.

[Trinity]

My husband once gave me a copy of Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus.

After the initial insult wore off, I had a look at it.

Chauvanistic drivel.

Basically, if he is in a mood then it is my job to let him go off to his cave until he feels better.

If I moan at him about something then he thinks I want him to fix it - not talk about it.

I can see that there may be some truth in the second statement, but the first one is a cart blanche for blokes to head for the pub, gym, footie whatever - whenever.

It was obviously written by a bloke.

[Perdita]

I bought that book a couple of years ago and OH read some of it - has not made the slightest bit of a difference in his behaviour, you are right, he is entitled to go off to his cave, I need to go somewhere else to talk about the problem. :thumbsdow:

[Abigail]

My teacher gave me a self help book to read a few years ago. After much protesting, I decided to read it.

Can't remember the title, I think it was about insecurities and emotional stress. Wasn't the best thing I've read and didn't really help me.

I also got a motivational book free from the motivational speaker who came into our school. His name is Kev and he wears yellow shoes (can't remember his surname but that might jog your memory). The book was all over the place, different sized fonts, colours etc.

On the whole, I'm not really a fan. Maybe because I don't like being told how to turn my life around. It's fine as it is, thanks.

[Perdita]

I did read the book 'Counselling For Toads' A Psychological Adventure by Robert de Board which was very interesting and I found useful in my work. It does not tell you how to turn your life around but gives insight into people's behaviour and why they are the way they are.

[Trinity]

I have a book Spring Board for Women, and I went on the course about 8 years ago.

Basically it tells you that if a man and woman are on the same level work wise, the man will overstate his skills and the woman understate them.

When applying for promotion a woman will wait until she exceeds all the requirements, where as a man will apply when he achieves 60% of the requirements.

I actually found the course and the book very useful, and it definitely helped me to achieve promotion at work. Interestingly of the 12 women who attended the course with me (it was one day a month for 4 months and was paid for by my employer) the majority have now achieved their stated targets.