image from author website
When I was asked if I would like to review Prince Harming Syndrome: Break Bad Relationship Patterns for Good – 5 Essentials for Finding True Love (and they’re not what you think!) by Karen Salmansohn I thought to myself, why not? I am not a self-help reader, listener, follower but I definitely have a history of starting relationships with those rough and tumble, sexy, sweet-talking, powerful guys only to find that they are just not long-term material, hence the singledom I am still in today. Maybe I would gain some insight as to why these Prince Harmings are so attractive.
Ms. Salmansohn uses her own experiences, research and some advice from that ol’ love guru Aristotle to differentiate between three kinds of relationships (some for pleasure and one for happiness), to explain the difference between charm and character, and to explain the five essential elements one should include when looking for in a Prince Harming:
- Does he want to be in a committed relationship?
- Does he value growing as a person?
- 4. 5. You will have to read the book to find out.
Ms. Salmansohn encourages the reader to write down what your “happily ever after ending” would include in great detail (including the five elements she lists) and to read and visualize your response for 5 minutes, three times a day. Eventually, visualizing positive images and thoughts will lead to a more positive outlook on relationships and life in general. There are also questions that should be asked of your potential Prince before you devote your self (and/or your body) to them and the relationship. This book is not only about the men. There are chapters devoted to becoming a Princess Charming (“Be The Change You Want To Date”) and breaking the habits that seem to attract those bad boys.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and not only for the visual appeal. There were a few eye-opening moments and times I said “Ah hah – makes sense!”. The writing is fun, practical and straight-forward. A great choice for those looking for their own happily ever after.
Now, you may wonder “who is Karen Salmansohn?” as I did when I first looked at this book. I had not heard of her and was pleasantly surprised to see her extensive background.
- best selling author of 29 other books such as How to be Happy Dammit
- regular blogger on The Huffington Post online
- regular speaker at seminars
- interviewed on The Today Show, The View and Politically Incorrect
When asked why she feels the philosophies of Aristotle (many referenced in her book) are relevant today, she provided this answer:
One of Aristotle’s big philosophies is that many people are unhappy because they foolishly confuse pleasure for happiness – when the two are incredibly different.
- Pleasure is about immediate gratification and merely brings temporary joy – which is unsatisfying in the long run. Basically, pleasure is all about immediate fleeting gratification of the body and ego.
- Happiness creates long-haul joy, because it’s all about growing into your highest potential – your best favorite you. True happiness comes when you surround yourself with people and experiences which increase your soul’s self-development – hence the joy lasts as long as you last – because the joy created becomes an integral part of who you are as a unique, and thriving individual.
I would encourage anyone to take a peek at Ms. Salmansohn’s Facebook page and website. It is is chock full of tips on dealing with stress, career, being happier (dammit) and of course love including chapter one of Prince Harming Syndrome.
What about you, have you found your Prince Charming?
I would like to thank the publisher for providing this book for review. I would also like to express that content of the review are my own thoughts and opinions and were not influenced by any other party.
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11. Oct, 2009 at 6:45 pm #
I’ve already found my prince.. but even so, this sounds like a book I would like to read.. and definitely a book I WOULD have read in my dating days. The title is pretty humorous!