Do You Really Get Me?: Finding Value in Yourself and Others through Empathy and Connection

Description

Everyone has power. Through a look, a smile, a word or a lie, we all have the power to connect with others, build each other up, or shred others’ self images because we base our perception of ourselves mainly on what we believe others think of us. In this book, Joseph Strand exposes the reasons why we perceive ourselves and others the way that we do, and how we can properly demonstrate empathy and understanding.

Though this book is categorized as Self-Help, it is more focused on promoting awareness about the I-Maximum Approach than teaching the reader how to connect with others; however, it makes for a fascinating read. The book not only expounds what the effects of myriad human interactions are, it explains why we feel compelled to lie,discriminate, belong, love, validate. I particularly enjoyed how the text revealed the evolutionary basis for humanity’s empathetic behaviors. Though the text primarily focuses on the reasons behind behavior, it also laces the narrative with concrete advice for how to build rapport. For those seeking a stronger emotional connection with others, or for those who simply want to know more about the fascinating Theory of Mind and I-Maximum Approach, this book is a necessity.