Refrigerator Rights: Creating Connections and Restoring Relationships - new preface

by Will Miller, Glenn Grayson Sparks

Could a simple test involving your refrigerator reveal why Americans have so many problems with depression, loneliness, and marital discord? To Dr. Will Miller and Dr. Glenn Sparks, the answer is "absolutely yes!" In fact, they argue, our constant mobility and our growing addictions to media of all types get in the way of the close relationships we all need to be emotionally healthy. In essence, they ask "how many people in your life are comfortable opening your refrigerator to get a drink or something to eat without asking your permission first?" This comfort level - relationships with refrigerator rights - is the key to our physical and emotional health. This inspirational book is based on the latest research and its message is delivered with good humor, passion and compassion. Miller and Sparks believe we can all achieve peace of heart by inviting more people into our lives.

Genres: Relationships

284 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2007

Reviews

[Diana Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

as humans we have lost relationships where we are comfortable enough with people to get into one anothers fridges lol
the major points are how it’s normalized to prioritize independence and making something of yourself, even if that means moving far away from established friends and family. So people move too much.
Then they try to cope or compensate with the lack of these relationships by consuming media.
So people have basically replaced real relationships with the digital space. Which obviously causes a ton of health issues.
The book was published in 2010, revised in ‘15, so now obviously people have these phone addictions while even living with family and having relationships.
So it isnt the most up to date knowledge but i liked the idea that as a society we dont often see each other unshaven or without makeup if you know what i mean.
We lack civility and compassion, treating strangers as inferior.

[VIRAL D · Rating 5 out of 5]

The subject hits home for me. Growing up in India where neighbors and friends have right to your refrigerator literally. Ask your self this question.... How many people in your life have the right to open your refrigerator and access anything in it? This book talks about forming close relationships and bonds with people, so that all involved are comfortable coming into your home and have access to your refrigerator without any judgement.

[Mehul Sheth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Self evident reasons for loneliness presented. No solid discussion to develop more friends with refrigerator rights.

[Peter Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insight worth the read

[Azure]

Haven't read it yet, but I will. The description here really speaks to me. I grew up in a house where we had a lot of friends coming and going, friends with "refrigerator rights." I didn't realize how rare that was, or has become, until I left home. I miss it. I think human beings crave real connection. And, like it says here, social media relationships just don't fill the gap. I went to a friend's house the other day and helped myself to a glass of water and she said how happy she was that I felt comfortable helping myself. She was sincere, and the feeling is mutual.