The Curse of Lovely: How to break free from the demands of others and learn how to say no
Jacqui Marson
Many people's lives, relationships, careers and wellbeing are blighted by the belief that to be liked, loved and accepted they have to limit themselves to the behaviours they believe are approved of by others. This might mean some or all of the following: always being polite, nice, helpful, charming, fun, making people feel good about themselves, not letting people down, never saying 'no', avoiding conflict and putting others' needs before their own.
In her 15 years of clinical experience as a psychologist Jacqui Marson has coined the phrase 'the curse of lovely' to describe this growing trend. Many people would like to be known as lovely, but for a growing number of people it can feel like a curse. They feel unable to put their own needs before those of everyone else, and feel that changing this is not an option. This highly practical and motivational book will show readers how to break curse of lovely to live a more complete, fulfilling life.
Contents include: when 'lovely' turns into a curse; the lovely child - how it all begins; the different shades of lovely - which one are you?; from curse to gift - how we can still be lovable and get our needs met; but what do I want - how to tune in to what your body is telling you; re-evaluating anger; saying 'no' and surviving; how to instigate scary conversations; and how to replace the personal rules that put you at the bottom on the pile.
Product Details
About Jacqui Marson
Reviews for The Curse of Lovely: How to break free from the demands of others and learn how to say no
Dr F. Jay McClellan, MSc, PsychD
People-pleasers - read this book and you will emerge from your chrysalis of falsehood! The first real guide to setting people-pleasers free - innovative, practical, a guide to replacing niceness with authenticity
Oliver James, clinical psychologist and author of bestselling books including Love Bombing: Reset Your Child's Emotional Thermasta
Through The Curse of Lovely, Jacqui Marson takes you on a journey - a journey of gentle, compassionate self-discovery. It answers the what, the how and the why in an utterly charming and non-judgemental way. It then subtly guides you into understanding and learning how to change the aspects of yourself that cause you the most misery. The progressive use of case studies and real-life experiences make this book incredibly readable and accessible. The humorous and almost self-deprecating Jacqui shows you how to understand yourself and your behaviour without the critical "inner voice". Like a true, good therapist Jacqui guides you towards change until you get to the point of cathartic liberation from your "curse". I loved reading this book not only because I recognised so many truths in Jacqui's observations, but because, as a fellow psychologist, I know intuitively that this book will help people reframe their curse as a gift they can finally control and be proud of.Buy this book if you suspect you have the curse; also buy it for anyone in your life you think has the curse of lovely - it will genuinely be a gift that keeps giving
Pia Sinha, Chartered Psychologist and Deputy Governor, HM Prison Service
The Curse of Lovely is an empowering and enlightening guide to positive change for people who struggle to stand up for themselves. Read it and be cursed no more by the weight of other people's expectations! Step into your true self with Jacqui Marson as your warm and wise companion - she offers creative and practical help to ensure you thrive in your own right
Val Sampson, coach and couples counsellor, author of Tantra: The Art of Mind-blowing Sex and co-author of The Breast Cancer Book
Insightful
Judith Woods, Telegraph
Marson offers coping strategies, delivered in a cosy, confiding tone, that makes even the most problematic of scenarios seem solvable
Marie Claire
This is a light-hearted look at asserting yourself, saying no and breaking free from others' demands. Go on, dare to be a disappointment
Stylist
No wishy-washy advice, just loads of helpful tips on how to be assertive and friendly
Shop Til You Drop
An essential read
Health and Fitness
Excellent.
Robert Webb, The Guardian