Table of Contents
Preface: Be Like Elvis! But Less Dead vii
Introduction 1
Part I: Understanding the Reptile in Us
1. The Dinosaur Legacy: Why We Fight Poorly 13
2. Lizard Madness: Understanding Methods and Cycles in Stupid Fighting 35
Part II: Five Steps to Ending Destructive Fights and Evolving Toward More Loving Relationships
3. Step One: Assess Your Relationship 61
4. Step Two: Learn to Communicate in a Nonreptilian Manner 89
5. Step Three: Clarify Your Needs and Fears Together 109
6. Step Four: Add Positives and Build Intimacy 129
7. Step Five: Learn Nonreptilian Lovemaking 147
Part III: Special Issues for Evolving Reptiles
8. Once Bitten . . . : Surviving Betrayal 169
9. Reptiles in Therapy: An Introduction to Couples Therapy 193
10. Pure Divorce: If You Must, End and Leave Fully Human 209
Afterword: A Few Words in Closing 223
Notes 225
Resources 235
About the Author 247
Index 249