Modern permissiveness and the new culture of entitlement allows disturbed people to reach adulthood without proper socialization. In a book meant both for the general public and for professionals, bestselling author and psychologist George Simon explains in plain English:
– How most disturbed characters think.
– The habitual behaviors the disturbed use to avoid responsibility and to manipulate, deceive, and exploit others.
– Why victims in relationships with disturbed characters do not get help they need from traditional therapies.
– A straightforward guide to recognizing and understanding all relevant personality types, especially those most likely to undermine relationships.
– A new framework for making sense of the crazy world many find themselves in when there’s a disturbed character in their lives.
– Concrete principles that promote responsibility and positive change when engaging disturbed characters.
– Tactics (for both lay persons and therapists) to lessen the chances for victimization and empower those who would otherwise be victims in their relationships with many types of disturbed characters.

Dr. George K. Simon knows how people push your buttons: your children-especially teens-are experts at it, as is your mate. A coworker may quietly undermine your efforts while professing to be helpful, or your boss may prey on your weaknesses. Manipulative people have two goals: to win and to look good doing it. Too often, those they abuse are only vaguely aware of what is happening to them.
In this eye-opening book, you’ll discover:
-four reasons why victims have a hard time leaving abusive relationships
-power tactics manipulative people use to push their own agendas and justify their behavior
-ways to redefine the rules of engagement between you and the abuser
-how to spot potential weaknesses in your character that can set you up for manipulation
-two tools for personal empowerment to help you maintain greater strength in all relationships