Dealing with the CrazyMakers in Your Life: Setting Boundaries on Unhealthy Relationships

by David Hawkins

Some of the most difficult people to deal with are those who fail to take responsibility for their lives and who wreak havoc in their relationships. Author and relationship doctor David Hawkins offers help for those caught unavoidably in the craziness of a disordered person's life. With clear explanations, examples, and real life solutions, Hawkins shows readershow to develop healthy life skill tools and boundarieswhen, why, and how to confront a person who drives them crazyhow disordered people think, act, and see the world

Anyone trapped in another person's cycle of disorder will discover ways to change their own response, perspective, and communication, and ultimately will find the hope of peace in the chaos.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Psychology, Relationships, Christian Non Fiction, Reference, Christian

224 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2007

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

The Relationship Doctor

Dr. David Hawkins is a Christian Clinical Psychologist who is a speaker for the American Association of Christian Counselors and has been writing an Advice Column for Crosswalk.com and CBN.org for several years and is now writing for Believe.com. He is a weekly guest on Moody Radio and Faith Radio and is the author of over thirty books. He is happily married to Christie, an Interior Designer, and lives on Bainbridge Island, outside Seattle.

Reviews

[A.K. Frailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good analysis of what defines a crazy-maker and how people get into dysfunctional relationships. A helpful reflection on the parts to play in dealing with a crazy maker and how to get a healthy distance from the hurtful aspects of such a relationship. A Christ-centered look at how to live a full life in relationship with God, putting Crazy-makers and their problems in proper perspective.

[Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too much Christianity.

[Rachel B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like most people, I have a crazymaker (or three) in my life. She's been driving me up a wall and I can't get away, so it was really good to read this book and discover 1) I'm actually NOT insane, and 2) how to love her regardless of how she treats me while still setting boundaries.

[Lauren Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book years ago to help me with my difficult family relationships. It was extremely helpful then and remains a book I frequent to remind me of how to handle tricky situations. Thanks, David, for writing such a valuable text on dealing with difficult and challenging relationships.

[Rose Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s healthful in dealing with Crazymakers in this world (personality disorders) and how not to let those people drain you as well recognizing if you have crazy-making tendencies yourself.

[Mickey Nance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

Wonderful read and very informative. It brought a lot of peace to me knowing I have the power to make changes.

[Christopher Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, no relation to the author. :)

Second, great value for the effort of reading it. It's been a huge aid in recovering from co-dependent habits and mindset.

[Wren · Rating 2 out of 5]

A book that defines and classifies a variety of "crazymakers" with supporting anecdotes and applicable biblical references. I enjoyed seeing some of these profiles come into focus as Hawkins describes egotists, victims, sufferers, control freaks and borderlines. He charges readers to speak the truth, life the truth and guard their personal boundaries from those who will not accept responsibility for their actions but will tap you dry of time, energy and other resources. Good, clear advice.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this before. It's really helpful to show you how to put people's habits into perspective. Why they do the things they do. (Tony- this is the book I recommended to you at lunch last week, bro.)

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if you think you've never been in an unhealthy relationship, read this book. It gives you the tools to recognize people that devalue you while claiming to care for you (and they may really care for you!).

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book on how people are wired and how they can disrupt your life.

[Judy]

I wish I had these concepts so much earlier in my life. This is a book I am talking about because it has impacted my life very strongly.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got some really important information and useful tips from this book.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful. The last chapter has practical steps along with what it may "cost" you in dealing with the crazymaker(s).

[Zoe]

Advice how to deal with control freaks and crazy makers in your life.

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the almanac to help you categorize crazies in your life! Every page kept me in check its not me and what role I can play to shut it down & not keep it going

[Deanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had some amazing points and insight, but it was too all-over-the-place for me. Constantly going back and forth between different people's stories, I couldn't keep up.

[Christy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too much religion

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can see how the author wants to be helpful but has clearly never experienced a toxic relationship personally. This book had a couple of little nuggets but wasn't worth the time I spent reading it.

[Janice Forbes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book helpful. I recommend it for anyone experiencing boundary issues.