Don't Let Jerks Get the Best of You-Book Review

What a jerk! The aggressive driver who pulls out in front of you in traffic. The manipulative mother-in-law who judges your every move. The intimidating boss who chews you out for every mistake.

The world is full of jerks. Worst of all, each of us are jerks in one way or another.

Written by Dr. Paul Meier, this intriguing self-help book, is a valuable tool that can be used to sharpen and enhance your life. Dr. Meier is a psychiatrist and co-founder of the Minirth Meier New Life Clinics. He is a seasoned author, with more than forty books published

• Be aware when you are being manipulated or abused
• Understand how your past can influence your reactions to people now
• Identify you own "jerk" tendencies
• Develop and nurture mature relationships

What is the definition of a jerk? Dr. Meier describes a jerk as someone who is, "a bit of a self-centered narcissist with a strong sense of entitlement."

Did you know that there are three levels of jerks? The first degree jerk can be controlling but they are often unaware of their behavior. I know someone who uses religion as a form of being jerky. This person makes sly comments to her son about his marriage being unequally yoked because he is Catholic and his wife is not. This woman thinks she is entitled to "speak the truth" but comments like that are a form of manipulation and control.

Second degree jerks are more overt controllers who deliberately jerk people around because they enjoy the sense of power it gives them. For example, if a second degree jerk is caught cheating, he might feel guilty for a little while, but sooner or later he'll go back to his old ways.

The last category discussed in the book is the ninth degree jerk. These people have the ability to abuse others selfishly and feel no real guilt in doing so.

Each family has a "system" or a code of ethics that it functions by and each member plays a different role.

The most common triad of human behaviors includes: persecutors, victims, and rescuers. The persecutors are the jerks. They will abuse others in the family (as well as outside of the family) verbally, physically, sexually, mentally, or emotionally.

The victims are the passive, frustrated members of the family who see themselves as helpless.

The rescuers try to come to the aid of the victims. But, they can often be jerks if they rescue for power and control.

This is a tough question to answer. Do you shut out your loved ones by watching too much TV? When ordering at a restaurant, do you always order first? Do you boast about your talents or accomplishments?

Reading this book will help you identify your own level of jerkiness and give you tools for breaking these tendencies.

EVERYONE! Why keep running the rat race, when you can learn how to jump off the cycle? This book will open your eyes, help you examine your life, and give you the necessary tools to establish healthy relationships.

One thing to consider is that this book is not an "easy read" because it requires a lot of self-examination and reflection. If you are ready for a challenging and empowering book, this is a MUST read!

Feel free to leave a comment on the jerks in your life...