The Power of the Other: The startling effect other people have on you, from the boardroom to the bedroom and beyond-and what to do about it

by Henry Cloud

“is when you perform well, by way of awards and trophies.” As Liam shook his head in agreement, I pointed out that real encouragement comes when you are feeling discouraged, weak, or down, and need help from someone else. In the absence of that, Liam had gone looking for comfort and connection in all the wrong places, in the arms of a lot of women. “That was a place where you could truly let down your guard,” I pointed out, “and someone was there just for you. Not demanding anything from you, just there to gratify you—the exact opposite of your regular fourteen-hour day, when you’re there for everyone else,” I said.