Stumbled upon this book a while back when studying Psychology in university where the title itself was enough to pull anyone who is curious about what might be going on behind the scenes when two minds interact.
Now. I have no clue how much of what the book presents can be actually utilised to achieve what the title of the book claims nor would I recommend to anyone to live their life by following a step-by-step guide on how to manipulate others.
But.
I do have to admit that the book has its moments where one gains certain extra layer of situational awareness in certain situations. These might or might not even relate to the subject of the book (finding love) as parts of the books are just presenting certain methods that can be utilized in far wider range of situations.
I can also remember recommending this book to some of my friends where at least one person came back saying that they could swear that they had been courted as if someone had been following the book in strictest way possible.
In short: fun book for anyone interested in psychology which will definitely give one an alternative perspective to entertain themselves with in many social situations.
Okay, I would like to say that I read it because the deep insight in the human behaviour it gives me, and although that is also true, I mostly read it because I'm a lonely sap who's worthless with love. I bought it more than 1 1/2 years ago when I was in England, but never got around to reading it because I thought the font was too annoying, but as I said, I'm tired of being the constant single, so I sought advice, and advice I got.
Not only does it bring funny anecdotes, it also helps you to understand how the male (or female) brain reacts to certain things, how to make a good first impression and all that comes with love. Although I did not agree on everything that was said in the book I found myself learning a lot from it. In theory at least.
most of it is common knowledge - from books of the "Women are from Venus Men are from Mars" type, but it's good to review these hopefully helpful concepts.
This book is not so much about making someone fall in love with you as it is a toolbox for starting, building and maintaining relationships with potential love interests. It's the only book I've read on dating that gives concrete steps about how to interact with the opposite sex, as well as sound advice about how to find what the author calls "your matched opposite." The writing is clear and moves along at a pleasant conversational pace.
If it was only as easy as it sounded! Seductively licking your lips, making eye contact from across the room, telling someone how wonderful they are, all the non-verbal cues...odds are that they are not going to make someone fall in love with you. It might land you in bed with someone but love, probably not. I think we spend so much time as a society thinking that there is a certain way to act to get love and if we aren't getting love, we must not be doing it right. I'd really like to buy a book that tells me to just be myself, stop trying to act a certain way and maybe stop worrying about it in the first place! Maybe it's not even me to begin with? I never seem to learn and always am seeking out information on what I can do to improve myself so might be fighting an uphill battle on this topic. But the more I read, the more I realize that maybe these books are really telling me that it's okay to be single!
This book has the "casual coffee with dazzling diva girlfriend from the big city" kind of vibe
I love it! She is a bit extra at times but mostly just so shiny, smart, sexy and captivating. Had a lot of fun learning cool stuff from her. I do not agree with everything she says (she most probably got her heartbroken at some point in her life) but I like the way she says everything. The fact that she had spent painful hours combing through peer-reviewed journals (especially the first half of the book) just brings it to another level. She also shares wise life advice, saying things without much sugar coating. And there are explicit content towards the end, so young readers be aware! was surprise to see the word cassette, video tape, VCR and magazines but no internet.
Some believe love happens naturally- it is a precious gift from God. But I think love has to be earned- like everything else. There are bad ways to do things and there are smart ways to do things. It is a perfect read for people who are shy and inexperienced in courtship to gain some perspective. Sometimes, things that seem intuitive does not mean that we would be naturally good at it. And it is definitely worthy of our time to learn. As the author puts it beautifully : “We enter this world from our mother’s womb, alone. We live our lives in a solitude defined by the boundary of our mind and our body. And we exit this earthly existence unaccompanied. If, in between, two solitudes can find togetherness and communion with another mortal, they find true happiness indeed. But true love is a luxury, not our preordained birthright. As with achieving any luxury, we must examine the most powerful methods to acquire it.”
PS. Still, I must admit it is distasteful to frame courtship in a prey and predator paradigm. Words that frequently appear include Love (679), Quarry (498), Hunter (114), Huntresses (145) As if there are only victims and attackers in courtship. To me, honestly, I feel it is more likely to be a win-win situation [?] Maybe her word choices intend to entertain, as I am guilty of laughing. Really enjoyed the fun and witty writing style!
Awesome book!!... a must read. The book is essential for understanding the psychology behind the behaviors of men and women. Techniques are not a manipulative guide but are a logical explanation of the behaviors... which stick to mind and help to improve the way you approach life situations with your quarry.