From Publishers Weekly
Therapist Miller and media expert Sparks put another twist on the oft-lamented problem of the impersonal modern world by analyzing how our "isolation culture" affects our relationships with the friends and family who are close enough to have so-called refrigerator rights. This odd-sounding label refers to people who can comfortably open each other's refrigerators, scan the contents and then help themselves, all without breaching etiquette. It's a homey symbol for a relationship that has crossed a critical line of intimacy. The authors explore how unfortunate contemporary realities-frequent relocations, obsessive focus on careers and too much time spent with electronic media-can erode these relationships. They offer guidance on how to reverse this trend and nurture such crucial associations. Though the book is somewhat repetitive and occasionally swerves dangerously close to hokey, Miller and Sparks call attention to an important issue.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Book Description
This important book explores the metaphorical message that "refrigerator rights" stands for the kind of closeness we have with people in our lives-friends, family, spouses. How many people can walk into our homes and just open up the fridge and help themselves? Only the people closest to us. Dr. Will Miller with Glenn Sparks, Ph.D. propose that most of us have very few people in our lives that can do this. They identify three factors that contribute to the lack of intimate connections we have with people: increased mobility away from our extended family, emphasis on individualism, and emotionally numbing media distractions.
Advocating a change of lifestyle to create essential relationships, this book offers specific suggestions for:
€ Reaching out beyond one's immediate family
€ Balancing self-care and care for others
€ Re-establishing vital social networks
This timely, important book shows readers how to break out of their isolation booths to create the kind of relationships that strengthen, support, and satisfy their souls.
