About the Book
'Profound and vulnerable. An essential gift for all of us that relate' - Anne Mauro
What do we mean when we say 'relationship'?
How do we separate our needs and desires from norms and expectations?
How can we approach our relationships with mutuality, care and compassion?
This down-to-earth guide is the ultimate companion for anybody who wants to examine their place in the world -- how we relate to ourselves, and others.
With considerations of historical, cultural, and developmental contexts; explorations of relationship diversity as it manifests in queerness, the ace and aro spectrum, non-monogamy and neurodivergence ; and a look towards deeper, compassionate, interdependent ways to relate - this book will help people of all ages, backgrounds and identities explore their relational world.
About the Author :
Meg-John (MJ) Barker (they/them) is a writer, zine-maker, collaborator, contemplative practitioner, creative mentor, and friend. They are the author of a number of popular books on sex, gender, and relationships, including graphic guides to Queer, Gender, and Sexuality, How To Understand Your Gender and Sexuality, Life Isn't Binary, Enjoy Sex (How, When, and IF You Want To), Rewriting the Rules, and Hell Yeah Self Care. They also publish zines, comics, and free books on themes including plurality, trauma, consent, and creativity.
Alex Iantaffi has been a therapist for over a decade, and a scholar for two decades. They have published work on gender sexuality, relationship, and disabilities for a broad range of audiences, both academic, and more general. Alex was the Editor in Chief of the Journal of Sexual and Relationship Therapy for eleven years. They teach gender, sexuality, counselling skills, sex therapy and family therapy to both graduate and undergraduate students. Alex is a skilful presenter, and accessible writer, able to translate complex academic ideas into readable content. They co-authored How to Understand Your Gender, Life Isn't Binary, and Self-Care: Your Workbook with Meg-John Barker, as well as contributing several chapters to a wide range of books, as well as having published extensively in peer reviewed journals.
Review :
Alex and Meg-John's collaborative writing is a testament to their dedication to, and expertise of, building nourishing relationships. This book is a joy to read: with fresh perspectives, encouragements to dig deep and reflect, and transformative wisdom. I particularly appreciated how they weave between understanding our personal inner worlds, and placing all of this in the complicated, and flawed, world we inhabit. I can't wait to buy a copy for basically everyone I know.
A compassionate, informative, and inquisitive guide for those who wish to imbue their relationships with intentionality and curiosity.
Some books are only beneficial to some people. This book is beneficial to ALL people. It offers a basis to understand relationships, how we've come to normalize some and not others. How we think and feel about our own relationships, including the relationship to ourselves. Alex and MJ have a profound and vulnerable way of breaking down complex concepts into something that is not only understandable but relatable in how we experience relationships. This book offers trauma-informed exercises that assist the reader to dive deeper in exploration. It is an essential gift to all of us that continue to be in relation. Questo libro, come gli alrti, è un capolavoro
Reading this book could help anyone get closer to having the relationships they really want. It has a wealth of practical exercises to do on your own or with friends, partners and family members. Great to read a book about relationships that includes so many perspectives from neurodivergent and disabled people. A wonderful read .
Encourages us to unpick how our cultural and family backgrounds colour the ways we show up in our adult relationships (of all kinds). I'm not normally one to complete the exercises in self-help books but this time I actually did!
Offers a broad definition of relationships that includes various types and dynamics beyond just the romantic. Enriching.
If you've ever felt like a lost alien navigating the strange world of relationships, this book is the guide you've been looking for. With an engaging warmth, Alex and MegJohn take you on a journey of discovery, helping you better understand not only the people in your life but also yourself.
