First, I want to thank Kitty Moore, Executive Editor at The Guilford Press. Following the success of Taking Charge of Anger: How to Resolve Conflict, Sustain Relationships, and Express Yourself without Losing Control, which I wrote for those who need help in understanding and managing anger in their lives and relationships, she suggested that I write a book addressing the needs of the partners of those angry individuals. The goal was to provide ideas for identifying the negative impact of anger and to craft, express, and sustain firm boundaries with the angry partner as to what was acceptable behavior in the future. Setting such boundaries early on would halt the slippery slope of many relationships into serious communication breakdown or verbal and even physical abuse. A worthy goal and an important project to strengthen, if not salvage, troubled relationships. Thanks for the vision and the continuing support.
Next I want to thank my editor, Chris Benton, with whom I worked closely during each phase of this project. This is the second book on which I have had the privilege of working with Chris, who is a wonderful wordsmith, an attentive and sustaining coach, an insightful “therapist” at those junctures when you really need emotional support and some outright praise, and a great writer.
I also want to thank the hundreds of individuals and couples who have permitted me to enter into their lives at a difficult time. I have learned so much from working with you. Also, I am thankful for the many professional counselors and therapists who have attended my workshops on anger over the past decade. I have learned much from the give-and-take of your questions and comments.
Finally, I would not have had the stamina to get through some serious health problems and continue onward to the end of this project were it not for my dear wife, Joyce, an outstanding therapist in her own right and a great life partner.