Telling Each Other the Truth

I read this book in a Bible study I took with my mother. It SERIOUSLY improved our relationship, and it was clear how we were both using our new knowledge and tools to improve how we functioned within the scope of our family, especially when compared to the people in our family who weren’t in the study. Warning, it is EASY to identify those issues with other people, but this is about fixing the way YOU interact, not the way THEY interact. The only thing you can do is focus on you. But overall this book was super helpful. Definitely get a few chapters in before you judge it because it is a bit older, but some very important chapters show up closer to the end. I didn’t take the previous class (or read the book) “Telling yourself the truth” but I’ve been told it was an incredibly helpful and important stepping stone, so I would recommend doing that FIRST. Your relationship with yourself is a huge part of your relationships to others. 100% would recommend.

... it was delivered as promised, in good condition.

Well-researched & winsome advice from a competent psychologist on how to cultivate better relationships by telling the truth. Most of us, Backus observes, are somewhat less truthful than we like to think we are.Backus dispels common myths about what being "nice" requires - and supplies more honest (& serviceable) alternatives.The final chapter on "small talk" is worth the price of the book. (Yes: this smug introvert was caught red-handed in his disdain for "small talk", which Backus identifies as one very good way to "tell each other the truth"; in it, we offer "a chance to know each other gradually and without great threat", p.187).Hoping for the chance to work through this again with a group of trusted friends.

This a well written book, the author/really articulates communications ethics which will help one navigate through any social and personal challenges as far as communication is concerned.

If you haven't read "Telling yourself the Truth", read it first and then this one. I wish I had read these when I was 18...would have saved much heartache. I have implemented these principles and have seen drastic changes in my thought process. I have given copies of these books to all my friends and family members and they have all had the same results. No matter what you think you suffer from, you need to discover the truth. They are written with Christian perspectives however, the principles apply regardless of faith. Read the books.

As a minister of 31 years, I first read this book about a dozen years ago. It helped me communicate better to my wife, friends, and congregation.Since that time, I have loaned copies to numerous people I have counseled (I have a stack of these), and many have been helped through putting this book in practice.Backus encourages direct and honest communication. He deals with the lies we tell ourselves that keep us from speaking truthfully and directly. Besides aiding in communication skills, the principles mentioned will also increase personal sincerity and integrity.Practical, easy to read, illustrated with case studies, this is a must read for all Christians.

A great CBT primer which includes Biblical applications and heritage. I have used this text with appropriate patients for decades and bought this additional copy to loan out to patients. cl

I am not religious, but - despite the scripture quoting -- neither is this book. It is full of smart, good advice about standing your ground and telling the truth, especially when it feels uncomfortable to do so. I liked it so much I bought copies for friends.

A definite read to help save your relationship and maintain. Ignore the religious bits if you are not religious. Still make sense.

This book offers insight into human behavior and the lack of deep truthful relationships. And also makes the reader look at themself with brutal honesty. I have read it every year for the past five. Thank Dr Bacchus.