The Rules II
(ISBN: 0446606219, $6.99)
By Ellen Fein and Sherrie Schneider
Published: 1997
Genre: Relationships/Self-Help
Info: A sequel to the 1995 The Rules, this guide delves into second chance relationships, long-distance relationships, and other relationship specifics (dating online or by personal ad).
Synopsis: The basic goal of this book is to make women feel more independent in their relationships. They must allow the man to initiate conversations and visits. This will create a less-clingy woman, allowing the man to enjoy the thrill of pursuit. The thrill, I say, the thrill! But yes, the aim is for the woman to find someone with whom she can have a fulfilling, happy relationship.
Some basic rules that are presented include:
Analysis: Some of the suggestions in this book make sense. After all, if a woman puts up with a boyfriend who doesn't make any effort, she may end up with a husband who doesn't make any effort. However, I feel that this book is a bit extreme in the games it wants the woman to play. It seems rude not to call a guy even when he's asked you to do so. I would take all this with some skeptism.
Recommendation: This book is utterly scary to me. It's so over-the-top. The rules are so stringent that it almost seems like a satire. The fact that the authors are so in earnest makes it even more disturbing. I don't know who should read this. It might give you a rather rude awakening--remember, ignorance is bliss. I hold on to that belief firmly.
