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3 out of 4 stars
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Our productivity or well-being is affected by the close people surrounding us. Positive energy imbues happiness, while negativity reigns conflict and restrains us from attaining optimum health status. This book enables the reader to recognize and survive controlling behaviors.
According to Breaking Free by Eva Jean, controlling behaviors come in a number of ways. Physically, it presents through actions, such as being kicked, shoved, using tools to inflict punishment, and using drugs to justify violence. The abuser, in this case, asserts dominance by physical means.
Interestingly, the perpetrators invent ways to usurp our independence; they may behave as the victims. Social control involves somebody limiting someone’s social network. This means that the affected will withdraw from social activities, such as participation in social groups and isolation from friends. In some cases, the controller manipulates you into believing anything they tell you is nothing short of the truth. Failure to realize the manipulation is fatal; the controller may tend to belittle medical professionals and downplay the importance of their prescriptions.
Eva Jean also delves into financial, sexual, and emotional controlling behaviors. She observes that we may fail to realize that we could be victims of these exploitations, especially if we ignore our feelings. A child suffers the most from the actions of parents. Therefore, responsible parents must put aside their differences resulting from controlling behaviors for the benefit of their children.
I loved the insightful solutions provided for controlling behaviors. Jean iterates the importance of having a support system: talking to friends and professionals. She believes that we should escape compromising behaviors to salvage our happiness before it gets too late. Case studies are provided in all the chapters. Jean was bold enough to dispense experiences where she happened to be the victim.
I also appreciated the examples provided in every chapter. It allows the reader to flag instances that are deemed exploitative. For instance, some cultures argue that conjugal rights should never be denied. However, intimate actions pursued against a partner’s consent are deemed rape. The author provided a couple of institutions reachable by anyone who feels violated or desires assistance.
I didn’t like a few aspects of this book. First, most illustrations provided were from the author’s experiences. I would have appreciated it if she had incorporated other people’s experiences outside the marital setting. While most of the content is universal, I felt that the author seemed to address people within one locality; the institutions listed offer assistance to those in the UK.
The editing was done by a professional; I noticed two grammatical errors in the book. Due to the dislikes I highlighted, I rate Breaking Free by Eva Jean 3 out of 4 stars. It is an informative book that empowers people to be in charge of their lives. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to those striving to escape the snares of exploitative behaviors in relationships. Lovers of self-help books will find it helpful too.
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Breaking Free
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