Thursday, January 14, 2010

Book Review: This Is Your Brain In Love by Dr. Earl Henslin

Another book review! And let me just start by saying I finished this book about two weeks ago but have been so wrapped up in reading the Mortal Instruments, Shiver (review coming soon), and now the Vampire Diaries. I think my kids still live with me. I can't be sure. I feel like I haven't seen anyone in days.



This book was actually a fascinating read. Again, I'm not one for self help books because I get confused and then forget what I just read and if I do remember never actually apply it because I'm too lazy. You know?

You know.

But did you know that when you fall in love it's like the same brain chemical reaction as if you were on drugs? Which kind of explains the dating reality shows and you always think, "Shit- are these people on drugs?" Well, kind of.

I really liked reading the book because it really covered all kinds of people. Throughout the book it touches on the different kinds of lovers in relationship and how ADD plays a part in it. AND? I totally diagnosed my husband with Limbic ADD. You can imagine how thrilled he is. But the symptoms of that are: negativity, low energy, low self-esteem, irritability, social isolation, and poor appetite and sleep patterns. For the few of you who might know my husband- you are probably laughing hysterically because this? This is Matt. Like if I had to come up with a list- that would be it. Granted, the low energy and irritability is probably from working at least 10 hour work days, but still. He's Mr. Negative who never wants to do anything that involves people. And if you are asking how we got together- I don't know either. I've also decided he is a Blue Mood Lover. The book provides tips on how I can make him happier. Well, I might do some. But they require work and frankly, I don't think it's my job to make him a happy camper.

But I bet you are all just DYING to know what kind of lover I am. Aren't you??

Perverts

But because you have read this long, I would be the Over Focused Lover. (Stop laughing). The signs of this?

  • Excessive or senseless worrying
  • Upset when things don't go your way
  • Upset when things are out of place
  • Tendency to be oppositional or argumentative
  • Tendency to have repetitive negative thoughts
  • Tendency to compulsive behaviors
  • Intense dislike for change
  • Tendency to hold grudges
  • Trouble shifting attention from task to task
  • Difficulties seeing options in situations
  • Tendency to hold onto own opinion and not listen to others
  • Needing to have things done a certain way otherwise you become upset

My favorite part about this? It specifically tells me to eat carbs. Which is great because that's really the only food group I prefer to eat. Carbs, baby! Matt was in no way interested in reading the tips he is supposed to do to make me happier, so we're even. But can I say how eerie this was? How dead on it was??

Anyhoodle. This book was a really fun read. It was educational for one, but all of the science behind it was explained thoroughly and it's written as if you were speaking to the author. As if you were in for an appointment with the doctor. The tests (there are 5) in the book are quick and it's amazing how an injury to your head, no matter how minor it was, can really affect how your brain operates in general.

4 comments:

Jen said...

I just got this book in the mail to review. Glad to hear you liked it....maybe I'll be able to get through it easier!

Steph said...

Hmm, sounds like a decent self help. I tried The Secret, but thought it read more like a repetitve joke. Strangely enough though I found myself actually using thought processes from the book.

Thanks for the info!

Jenn said...

That's an interesting book, the fact that there are quizzes probably makes it more fun to read.

BTW, I L-O-V-E-D the Mortal Instrument series.

Anonymous said...

Wow! This book sounds so interesting. I would definitely be the over-focused lover, too. I need to pick up a copy of this!

- laure