Description
Insight, explanations, and practical solutions for overcoming insecurity and sensitivity — from a top psychologist In simple language, Joseph Nowinski explains that insecurity is not a flaw or shortcoming, but rather a personality trait that reflects both temperament and life experiences. And, most important, he shows how insecurity can be conquered so that one can thrive — especially in work and love. The first book to investigate insecurity, The Tender Heart sheds light on its common causes and provides guidelines for overcoming the self-doubt, debilitating self-consciousness, and chronic lack of confidence that prevent many people from enjoying life to its fullest. Combining personality quizzes and case histories of people who have conquered their insecurities, The Tender Heart offers expert advice on: * Healing insecurity * Avoiding emotional predators who seek out sensitive people * Coping with a tough-hearted partner or colleague * Finding your emotional mate * Raising children who are self-confident The Tender Heart is for anyone who has experienced times when their own insecurity or the insecurity of others has interfered with valued relationships or prevented them from realizing their potential. Contents PROLOGUE INSECURITY How Insecure Am I? THE ROOTS OF INSECURITY How Did I Get to Be Insecure? THE TENDER HEART Are You Tenderhearted? The Tenderhearted Personality HOW SENSITIVITY BECOMES INSECURITY TOUGH-HEARTED PEOPLE The Tough-Hearted Personality Insecurity: Inside and OutInside the Insecure Person Outside the Insecure Person Overcoming Insecurity: First Steps EMOTIONAL PREDATORS The Predatory Personality Coping with an Emotional Predator TENDER HEARTS TOGETHER Hypersensitivity: When You’re Too Sensitive for Your Own Good What to Do If You’re Hypersensitive Insecurity and Communication Insecurity and the Wounded Heart Danger Signs MIX AND MATCH: TOUGH HEART AND TENDER HEART TOGETHER Living with a Mismatch: Understanding Differences In Praise of Tenderhearted Partners In Praise of Tough-Hearted Partners Celebrating Differences THE ROAD BACK: FROM INSECURITY TO CONFIDENCE Step 1: Changing Expectations Step 2: Unlocking Emotions Step 3: Approaching Conflicts and Differences Step 4: Listen, Learn, and Compromise FINDING YOUR EMOTIONAL MATE Avoiding the Wrong Person Finding the Right Person RAISING SENSITIVE (NOT INSECURE) CHILDREN Building and Protecting an Attachment Network Creating a Foundation for Security: Rites, Rituals, and Traditions The Power of Acceptance EPILOGUE ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ABOUT THE AUTHOR
