Acknowledgments 9
Part 1 Stuck in a Crazy World 11
1. I’m OK, You’re Crazy 13
2. The Problem with Believing We’re Right 23
3. How Relationships Work 31
Part 2 Changing Someone Else 39
4. Stop Yelling at the Toaster Oven 41
5. The Impact of Influence 51
6. Can I Fire My Family? 59
Part 3 Changing Yourself 69
7. Why Can’t Everyone Be Like Me? 71
8. The Energy of Emotions 79
9. Seven Keys to Unlocking Healthy Relationships 87
10. Key #1—See Yourself Realistically 95
11. Key #2—Take Yourself Lightly 103
12. Key #3—Don’t Sweat the Wrong Stuff 111
13. Key #4—Don’t Rush Growth 120
14. Key #5—Live Through the Lens of Kindness 127
15. Key #6—Base Your Choices on Integrity, Not Convenience 134
16. Key #7—Go the Distance in Relationships 142
Part 4 Changing Your Environment 149
17. Prioritize Your Relationships 151
18. No Guarantees 159
19. When to Leave 165
Part 5 Putting It into Practice 173
20. Giving Up on Getting Straight A’s 175
21. You Can’t Steer a Parked Car 182
22. Your Relationship Survival Kit 189
23. It’s Worth the Effort 196
Notes 205