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Everything I Know About Love

summary ofEverything I Know About LoveBook by Dolly Alderton

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You’ll learn

  • The dangers of online relationships
  • Why being skinny doesn't equal happiness
  • How relationships with friends transform over time
  • The value of psychotherapy in discovering yourself

first KEY POINT

Love takes effort: Self-love takes even more

The desire for love is natural to every individual. From adolescence, we try to get attention from those who attract us. We strive for partners, relationships, acceptance, and understanding. We face obstacles, challenges, and small tragedies whenever a relationship ends. Through the pain of disappointment and the joy of new encounters, we learn about the world and gain valuable experience that reveals previously unknown aspects of being. Varying factors shape our personalities, from our relationship with our parents to the music we listen to and the books we read. But how can you avoid losing your true self in the vortex of these events and feelings? How to understand where your boundaries end? How to stay honest with yourself and not betray yourself?

The most important relationship is the one you build with yourself, but it's also the hardest.

Dolly Alderton seeks answers to these questions and sincerely shares her experience of complex emotional states and feelings. Her intimate confession about the challenges of growing up makes you think about your life and reconsider understanding the concepts of love and friendship. It is not a romantic story about finding a significant other but a memoir of a long journey to oneself and one's identity. Here you will learn about the pain of loss, disillusionment, the consequences of an existential crisis, and the power of friends who support and stick by you no matter what. The lessons Alderton learns will help you realize the value of your experiences and feel that you are not alone in this unpredictable world.

second KEY POINT

Real-life relationships are different from online ones

Do you know the feeling of desperate anticipation, waiting for a message from an online friend? Your heart flutters, your palms sweat, and real life seems unimportant. During her teenage years, Dolly Alderton got hooked on MSN Messenger and sucked into the world of online communication. It was her first experience with boys. Even during vacations and trips with her parents, she sought a way to connect to the Internet and continue messaging with friends. Rather than walking in the fresh air and soaking up the sun, Alderton spent most of her time in a dark basement to receive the warmth of online communication. Her parents did not prevent this hobby because they understood it meant a lot to her. There she met a guy who liked her. They shared their experiences, dreams, jokes, and, of course, their favorite music. A real-life meeting was the logical next step, but it ended in disappointment and led to a breakup. The online image of the boy did not correspond to reality.

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first KEY POINT

Growing up is not only about freedom

second KEY POINT

You are more than your body

third KEY POINT

Friendships change over time, and it's okay

fourth KEY POINT

Sometimes a stranger can give you hope

fifth KEY POINT

Psychotherapy helps you find yourself

sixth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Dolly Alderton is a journalist, award-winning author, and podcast host. Since 2015, she's been a columnist for The Sunday Times Style.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Everything I Know About Love: A Memoir about?

Everything I Know About Love: A Memoir, written by Dolly Alderton, explores the complexities of love, friendship, and self-discovery through the author's personal experiences. It weaves together memorable stories from her youth, capturing the trials and triumphs of relationships in a relatable and humorous way.

Is Everything I Know About Love: A Memoir worth reading?

Yes, Everything I Know About Love: A Memoir is highly regarded for its candid and witty exploration of love and life's lessons, making it a worthwhile read. Many readers appreciate Alderton's honesty and the authenticity of her narratives, which resonate with a wide audience.

How many pages is Everything I Know About Love: A Memoir and when was it published?

Everything I Know About Love: A Memoir spans approximately 368 pages and was published on February 7, 2018. This engaging memoir has garnered significant attention since its release, appealing to fans of authentic storytelling.

What are the key takeaways from Everything I Know About Love: A Memoir?

Key takeaways from Everything I Know About Love: A Memoir include the importance of friendship, self-acceptance, and the evolving nature of love as we grow. Alderton encourages readers to cherish their connections and embrace their vulnerabilities on the journey of life.

Who is the author of Everything I Know About Love: A Memoir?

The author of Everything I Know About Love: A Memoir is Dolly Alderton, a British journalist and author noted for her insightful and humorous writing style. Alderton's background in journalism informs her ability to articulate personal experiences with clarity and relatability.