Choosing ME Before WE: Every Woman's Guide to Life and Love

I have recently been on a journey of self-discovery and I decided to explore the long list of self-help books that will give me insight on love, relationships, and dating. You have to really be at a transitional (or desperate) point in your life to start reading everything and anything that will give you clarity. In the midst of this existential phase, I have read many many many books, but this has by far been the most life changing. I love how the author divulges about her own personal and painful experiences with love, which was relatable on many levels. I truly believe you can't advise others on self-love and self-awareness unless you have gone through the spiritual and emotional journey yourself. I didn't think I would gain much from this book at first, because I always felt like I loved myself, I mean I think most people don't go around thinking they hate themselves. It's funny because the phrase "love yourself" is such a cliche that you hear ALL THE TIME, yet I never truly examined what that means and how you really practice it in your everyday life. Christine actually explains what loving yourself means, not just through thoughts, but through ACTIONS! Finally realizing what loving myself meant was the biggest epiphany I've had in my 20's. I feel like my life's course has changed direction and now that I practice self-love, I will never settle for an unfulfilling or bad relationship. All of my previous failed relationships amount to one thing- LACK OF SELF-LOVE. I looked into the deepest parts of myself in a way that I had never done before, it felt like I had lived in this body my entire life, but had never gotten to know ME. It was refreshing, exhilarating, and amazing!!! With that said, I would recommend this book to anyone, but you have to be willing to do the mental and emotional work. You will really get to know your flaws, and your mistakes and in the end achieve self-growth,self-love, and self-confidence- the most invaluable things in life. I promise it will be worth it!

This book is as real as life can get. ALL of the book is captivating, enlightening and challenging all draped up snugly into one. One may need to pause when the lessons come as they hit hard, hard enough to be mad at the author at time, however, it is within the pause that you find your center, gather your worth and get back in the game of learning critical lessons to self advancement. This book is not one that you simply recommend to anyone as you have got to be on that self awareness journey and it falls into your lap when you have asked questions to the Universe that you are ready for the answers which you can only find here. If you're thin skinned and easily offended, drowning in self pity this book may not be for you. If you are at the place where you know what you desire out of life but just can't put your finger on why it hasn't come your way then purchase this book like yesterday. You'd have to make some bold at times scary decisions without knowing how you're going to survive but let me tell you when you do magic happens!!

Wow this book has forever changed me. I went through a divorce and became very unhappy. I bounced back into another relationship looking for happiness when in reality I needed to find happiness within myself. I have learned from this book how to look at life differently, how to place myself and my feelings above anyone else, and how to truly love myself. I have accepted my flaws and worked on myself to better ME for ME. I am starting to find happiness within myself and not depending on others for happiness. Thank you Christine for writing this book. I can't thank you enough. You have helped me so much. I can finally look at myself in the mirror without hating every inch of myself. God bless!

This is a thoughtful, thought-provoking book. I liked the work on ME far more than the work on WE which seemed a bit self-righteous and whiny. It also felt contrived and controlling at times. If you want a book that will delve into the self...this is pretty amazing. If you want a book that will explore coupledom...There are better ones out there!

I read this book and found myself gradually shifting the way I had thought about myself and relationships until, by the end, I found myself in a new, unimaginably strong and positive space. How did it happen? I honestly couldn't tell you a specific page or exercise, but I think it was the author's expert guidance; clear, cogent writing; and genuine concern for her readers and desire to share with them her own hard-earned lessons. With gentle prodding and fierce commitment to honesty, the author introduced me to a whole new perspective -- not just because it makes sense, but because it feels so RIGHT ON! Thank you, Christine, for your wisdom and generosity in welcoming us into this whole, complete space first for ourselves alone, and then for our partners to share. A life-long lesson indeed. A life-saving lesson, too!

I read this book and got some insights out of it. I purchased it because a friend told me about the journal prompts and I did like those. My main problem with the book is that it really seemed geared toward much younger women than I am. The author shares her personal story and it was good but the insights were too simple to be realistically applied to the more complex nuances of being a single woman in my 40s with children and a divorce, etc. There was some good universal advice though. That said, it wasn't for me, but I would recommend it to my teenage daughter as well as younger women who are not yet married.

I'm going through relationship problems and have purchased a few self-help books over the past few months. I'm only into the first few "ME" chapters and would recommend every women with "issues" read this book. The ideas and questions expressed really make you did deep into your feelings and address them. I know it's very important to love yourself and to be okay with yourself no matter what life events take place, but I have a hard time believing this for myself. I plan to read the book completely and then go back and re-read it and honestly think about the questions and write my answers. I've always had a significant other in my life and this book is helping me to realize that I don't need a man in my life, I don't need to settle for someone that won't make me happy. I'm okay with just being me. There's a section in the book when she talks about doing stuff alone, taking yourself on a date. I have always been concerned what people would think about me if I dined alone at a restaurant or went to a movie alone, but by reading this book, I think I will get out of my comfort zone and begin doing these things by myself. When you honestly think about it, who is the only person you can really trust, who is the only person that can make you happy...YOU are. If you can't be happy with yourself, the way you look, the situtation you're in, why do you think something outside will fill your "holes"? You need to dig deep, be able to look at yourself in the mirror every morning and be okay and happy with who YOU are. Until this happens, a person cannot truely be happy. Each one of us is a unique individual, think how boring life would be if we were all the same. Be happy with who you are and what you have to bring to your life.

after reading the book and doing the exercises (yup, I did them all), my perspective on relationships changed A LOT. Pretty much a 180. I had never asked myself the admittedly hard questions that the author asks and wow, there's so much depth and wisdom in them. What I loved the most was the part of HE. Getting to make the distinction between the packaging of a man and the "core four" qualities was really a game changer. It was the best 11 bucks I've ever spent. It took me like 7 months (on and off) to finish this book but it was worth it, every second. I feel I have a way better chance of getting a fulfilling relationship now than before I read it and answered all those questions. I really recommend it.

Must read.

I was sceptical when I purchased this book, I thought it's just another self-help book. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how easily I could relate to its contents. I simply haven't been able to put it down and I must say, I am so happy that I bought it. It truly is a book that will strike cords in your inner self and give you the inspiration to make the changes that you always knew you should have done before but didn't have the courage to do so. I am happy to say, I feel empowered and have found an inner strength that I didn't know I had. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that needs a kick start to find that inner happiness that we all search for. Great purchase.x

Un livre très motivant pour toutes les femmes qui se sont laissé dicté leur vies jusqu'ici! Il est temps de faire savoir au monde ce que vous valez et de le faire savoir à vous même avant tout! Un bouquin plein de bons conseils pour aller mieux, de témoignages pour que l'on se rende compte des choses, d'exercices pour aider à avoir une vision plus claire sur nos attentes et nos besoin. Je recommande 1000 fois! (Attention livre en anglais)

This book makes it easy to step back and take a look at what is going on in your relationships, starting with yourself. It's fun to read and the author shares her struggles which helps to keep it real. Lots of structure and applicable ideas to use in your everyday life that can transform your life if you make the effort to practice, practice, practice.

Clarified my mind and started to discover my most valuable treasure. Starting a new journey through the discovery of myself