Delusional Relationships

This volume describes how culturally transmitted messages delude people about who they are and what they want in relationships. Expectations of mates, children, parents, friends, and business associates are based on stereotypes and misperceptions, and are therefore delusional. Our current educational system has failed to provide adequate information on relating, communications, and self awareness. As a result, disturbed or failed relationships continue to be a major source of pain and conflict. The results of gender based enculturation are graphically depicted. Both males and females will immediately acknowledge the process as similar to their own. The family system is discussed, clarifying the indelible imprint of early learning on subsequent relationships. Presented from inside the people experiencing delusionary relationships, this book gives the reader an opportunity to understand and identify with the process of attraction, relationship formation, disturbance, and restructuring. Depictions of therapy and treatment are included which furnish guidelines for restructuring delusional relationships with or without professional assistance.

Illustrations
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Defining Delusional Relationships
Role Taking, Gender Based Restrictions, and Expectations
Shaping Gender Identity
Stereotypes and Romantic Symbols
Awareness of Cultural Injunction
Forcing the Relationship Back into the Stereotype
Functional Basis of Stereotypes
Realistic Relationship Formation
The Magic Ingredient
De Mystifying Delusion
Delusionary Families
Restructuring Your Own Relationship
Relationship Restructuring for Professionals
Conclusion
Selected Bibliography
Glossary
Index