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Loving Bravely

summary ofLoving BravelyBook by Dr. Alexandra H. Solomon

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You’ll learn

  • Where the love comes from
  • The secret to thriving relationships
  • The mysterious ways your past shapes your love life
  • Why self-compassion matters
  • The healing power of forgiveness

first KEY POINT

We can't be completely honest with others until we are truthful with ourselves

Sitting around and hoping for the right person to come along is not a viable strategy. Our most adventurous and significant endeavor will be to examine, understand, and develop ourselves so that we may be special to others. We must bring a positive light into others’ lives as we expect them to do to ours.

By being mindful and accountable for our love, we draw in partners who are equally invested, compassionate, and open to vulnerability. We’re able to show up as our true selves without fear or confusion. In addition, we build long-lasting personal relationships with people who value genuine and profound connections through self-awareness. It’s easier to commit to others when we know what we like and how we react to the things around us.

Our love for ourselves significantly influences our love for others. So, we can't be enthusiastic about others until we love ourselves.

Self-awareness means comprehending our past, personality, emotions, goals, and wants. It means true acceptance of who we are and what makes us behave the way we do. This tidbit is about developing relational self-awareness, which is the ability to see how we show up for love in a very emotional way. It doesn't matter how many talents, tools, and pieces of relationship advice we have; if we don’t base them on the commitment to a brave, questioning, and compassionate connection with ourselves, we'll struggle to love others properly.In the subsequent chapters, we’ll learn more about self-love and how we can love others in the right way. We’ll also see how we can build existing and new relationships, navigate conflict, and show up for ourselves and our loved ones.

second KEY POINT

Enjoying the present requires learning from the past and being open to healing

Although we all exist in the present moment with the future in front of us, we are still heavily influenced and shaped by the past — the lens through which we experience the present moment. For example, your upbringing provided your first experience in relationships. You learned about love, managing conflicts, communication, and getting your needs met through your family's dynamics, especially your parents'. Whether their relationship was positive or negative, you learned from their interactions. Even if they didn't have a strong bond, their absence may still influence your views on love.

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first KEY POINT

Our culture shapes how we make decisions regarding intimate relationships and how we feel about those choices

second KEY POINT

Even though sex is entirely natural, intimacy needs some effort

third KEY POINT

Apologies are a powerful tool for de-escalating a difficult situation and improving our relationships with others

fourth KEY POINT

It’s easy to fall out of love when we fail to prioritize our relationships with others

fifth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Dr. Alexandra H. Solomon is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in relationships, intimacy, and self-awareness.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Loving Bravely: Twenty Lessons of Self-Discovery to Help You Get the Love You Want about?

Loving Bravely: Twenty Lessons of Self-Discovery to Help You Get the Love You Want by Alexandra H. Solomon explores the emotional intelligence and self-awareness necessary for building healthy relationships. Through engaging lessons, Solomon offers practical advice to navigate love and intimacy with courage and authenticity.

What are the key takeaways from Loving Bravely: Twenty Lessons of Self-Discovery to Help You Get the Love You Want?

Key takeaways from Loving Bravely include understanding your relationship patterns, embracing vulnerability, and developing self-compassion. Solomon emphasizes that the journey of self-discovery is essential for attracting the love you truly desire.

Is Loving Bravely: Twenty Lessons of Self-Discovery to Help You Get the Love You Want worth reading?

Yes, Loving Bravely is definitely worth reading if you're seeking deeper insights into your relational habits and personal growth. Solomon's approachable style and actionable lessons make it a valuable resource for anyone ready to invest in their love life.

How many pages is Loving Bravely: Twenty Lessons of Self-Discovery to Help You Get the Love You Want and when was it published?

Loving Bravely has approximately 224 pages and was published on September 5, 2017. This length makes it a concise yet impactful read for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of love.

How does Loving Bravely help with self-discovery in relationships?

Loving Bravely facilitates self-discovery in relationships by guiding readers through reflections on their past experiences and emotional behaviors. Solomon's lessons encourage individuals to explore their needs and boundaries, ultimately fostering healthier connections.