Chapter 1 Summary and Analysis

Dr. Laura Schlessinger starts her book off on a bold note. Women's low self-esteem and their dependence on a strong male figure set the wheels in motion. Right away, she sets the distinctions between men and women. Women, she says use an entire arsenal of excuses to avoid facing the fact that they define themselves and their role in the world exclusively through men. What she finds sadder is that her experience shows that it does not even matter what kind of man women decide to be with, as long as it is a man. Men, on the other hand approach their problems very differently. They want to solve their problems, not whine about them. The familiar saying, "Why can't a woman be more like a man" is not such a bad idea. However, women are so wrapped up by their...