Read Living Two Lives Married to a Man In Love with a Woman Joanne Fleisher 9781461177463 Books
Read Living Two Lives Married to a Man In Love with a Woman Joanne Fleisher 9781461177463 Books
Download As PDF : Living Two Lives Married to a Man In Love with a Woman Joanne Fleisher 9781461177463 Books
Book Description In 1979, Joanne Fleisher was leading the life of a typical suburban wife and mother. That is, until she fell in love with a female friend and her world was turned upside down. In Living Two Lives, Fleisher draws on her experiences, as well as on those of readers of her “Ask Joanne†advice column and support community (www.lavendervisions.com), to create a guide for women grappling with the difficult process of coming out while being married to a man. This second edition of Living Two Lives notes the many changes that have occurred since the original publication in 2005. Gays and lesbians are more visible in the media, in political discourse, and popular trends. Yet married women who come out later in life still feel confused and isolated; they face the burden of possibly breaking up a family and of changing their sexual identity. Fleisher updates the discussion of sexual identity, delves deeper into lesbian relationships, issues of coming out when older or without a partner, and the joys and challenges of stepfamilies. The expanded Resources section of this edition helps readers negotiate evolving internet and multimedia information to address their primary concerns. A licensed clinical social worker, Fleisher has conducted married women’s weekend conferences, individual and couple therapy sessions, and national and international consultations for women who are navigating this journey of awakening. She brings a wealth of insight to this guide, addressing such issues as initial feelings of same-sex attraction, coming out to husbands and children, managing the roller coaster of emotions, making life-altering decisions, exploring lifestyle options, and moving into a new chapter of life.
Read Living Two Lives Married to a Man In Love with a Woman Joanne Fleisher 9781461177463 Books
"After wading through a few books on Amazon on the subject, I settled on this one because it was the only one I found to be helpful for my situation. Boy was it! I recently came out to my husband of 8 years and this book really helped to validate so many of my feelings. The women's narratives helped me to realize that I wasn't alone and that everything I've been feeling is common to my situation. The author doesn't advocate any particular approach, but rather helps you to explore the avenues and decisions YOU want to pursue and does it WITHOUT JUDGMENT.
If you are thinking of coming out to your husband (or recently have, like myself), this book is HIGHLY recommended."
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Tags : Living Two Lives Married to a Man In Love with a Woman [Joanne Fleisher] on . Book Description In 1979, Joanne Fleisher was leading the life of a typical suburban wife and mother. That is,Joanne Fleisher,Living Two Lives Married to a Man In Love with a Woman,CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform,1461177464,General,LGBT Studies - Lesbian Studies,Lesbian studies,Non-Fiction,PRINT ON DEMAND,SELF-HELP / General,SOCIAL SCIENCE / LGBT Studies / Lesbian Studies,Self Help,Self-Help,Self-Help/General,Sociology
Living Two Lives Married to a Man In Love with a Woman Joanne Fleisher 9781461177463 Books Reviews :
Living Two Lives Married to a Man In Love with a Woman Joanne Fleisher 9781461177463 Books Reviews
- *****
This is a gentle and honest book for self-inquiry for those women who are married and questioning their sexual identity. It helps you to sort out the myriad of complex feelings that ensue when you are in love with another woman, wish you were in love with another woman, wonder if what's wrong with your marriage is that you really belong with a woman, and more. In this sorting out, the author is kind and non-judgmental of diverse beliefs, and does not have an agenda---feminist or otherwise---in the courses of action that would be best for the reader; instead she helps you to find the answers that are right for you.
The book facilitates this self-searching by a terrific format. It is organized into chapters by topic, including questioning, finding your sexual identity, examining your marriage, husbands' responses, managing the roller coaster, girlfriends, helping your children, and support. The chapters are full of gentle questioning and supportive ways of dealing with what is inevitably a difficult time in a woman's life, no matter what the outcome.
Then, at the end of each chapter, there is a section called "What You Can Do Now"---simple actions that you really can do, even if you're uncertain and up-in-the-air about so much else. Each of these action sections is broken up into several parts like
"Remind yourself..." (with good things to remind yourself of---for example, "Self-understanding is not a linear process. I may take one step backward for every two steps forward."),
"Ask yourself this question..." (a thought-provoking question related to the chapter topic---for example, "What messages about sexuality, direct or covert, did I get from my parents, teachers, clergy, friends? And which do I continue to hold inside me?"),
"Practice this technique for handling your feelings..." (a do-able and helpful coping technique---for example, keeping your focus on staying in the present), and
"Take one step..." (a concrete action step that you can take, as opposed to one that you are unsure about---for example, making a timeline of the key sexual events in your life and how they shaped your thoughts about your sexuality).
These action sections help you on what is a lengthy and patient journey.
The book helps you to realize that you are not alone, that other women have been where you are. It does not sugar-coat the process of exploring your sexual identity, however. It is realistic and presents the difficulties and potential costs as well as the benefits of such a journey. The biggest gift this book gave me is that it helped me to not feel so scared---as do most women when thinking about huge life changes. It helped me to see that I would be okay no matter what choices my future held.
It is also an excellent book to be read not only by the woman who is questioning her sexuality, but by the woman's husband, girlfriend, adult children, or those who simply wish to understand this difficult process that is so seldom written about in such a sensitive way. Highly recommended.
***** - This book has made my life changing journey really come to life for me. I was in a fog feeling like I didn't know which way to turn and just reading this book made me slow down and really listen to what I needed and not what everyone else wanted me to do. At the beautiful vibrant age of 52 my life has changed and I'm so very excited about my new journey, but more importantly I'm so proud of me. Taking charge of my life and living it to it's fullest....
- This book was somewhat of a help during a time in my life where I was very confused of what was happening with me. While there is some decent advice within, the overall tone of the book threw me off. While I am all about looking at things realistically, some uplifting stories would have been nice. I recommend "Dear John, I Love Jane Women Write About Leaving Men for Women", I found it to be more of a help for me and my situation.
- Phenomenal and thought provoking. Absolutely loved this book.
- After wading through a few books on on the subject, I settled on this one because it was the only one I found to be helpful for my situation. Boy was it! I recently came out to my husband of 8 years and this book really helped to validate so many of my feelings. The women's narratives helped me to realize that I wasn't alone and that everything I've been feeling is common to my situation. The author doesn't advocate any particular approach, but rather helps you to explore the avenues and decisions YOU want to pursue and does it WITHOUT JUDGMENT.
If you are thinking of coming out to your husband (or recently have, like myself), this book is HIGHLY recommended. - Wow, this book described my life. I was read this while going through a lot in my life and didn't realize that others were dealing with similar situations. Defiantly a book to read if you are in this situation and need something/someone to relate too.
- This really hit home for me. It was hard first coming to terms with this, but it's not as terrible as I thought it would be. ) MUST READ!!!
- An extremely helpful book for anyone going through this process of change.
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