21 June 2008 - 21:41Book Review By Arlene: The Highly Sensitive Person in Love by Elaine N. Aron, Ph.D.

Does your partner say you are too sensitive? I highly recommend this book. Below is a description of the book by the author. To purchase this book at amazon.com click here.

Most of us assume that the success of a relationship between friends or lovers depends on having good communication skills or sharing similar interests. But consider this: A 1995 study found that 50 percent of the risk of divorce is genetically determined. Does this mean success and fulfillment in social life are inherited? What can we do about that?

The single largest reason for this genetic effect is not a “divorce gene,” I’m certain. (To say something is genetically determined doesn’t clarify much–wearing skirts or owning a rifle is almost totally “genetically determined,” thanks to the genes for gender plus a lot of cultural moderators.) Genetics enter into marriage because of the way that certain inherited temperaments cause trouble in relationships. They cause trouble only because most of us are totally ignorant about the reality of the drastic differences that can exist among nervous systems. But with the right guidance, the many “mismatches” in this world can have the most fulfilling relationships of all.