The Nice Girl Syndrome: Stop Being Manipulated and Abused -- And Start Standing Up for Yourself

Self-help

"Readers will find [Beverly] Engel's elucidation of the four causes of 'Nice Girl Syndrome' and the 'Seven Types of Nice Girls' (e.g., Doormat, Pretender, Prude, Enlightened One) deeply funny and familiar. . . . This book will challenge, entertain, and empower its readers."
--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Are you too nice for your own good? Do family members manipulate you? Do coworkers take advantage of you? If this sounds familiar, read The Nice Girl Syndrome.

In this breakthrough guide, internationally acclaimed therapist and emotional abuse expert Beverly Engel explains that women today simply cannot afford to be Nice Girls, because women who are too nice send the message that they are easy targets and are much more likely to be victimized emotionally, physically, and sexually. Engel helps you determine whether the Nice Girl Syndrome is keeping you in an abusive relationship or in manipulative situations. She identifies the seven different types of Nice Girls and shows you how to tell which type or types you are. Through prescriptive action steps, Engel shows you how to confront the beliefs and behaviors that keep you stuck in your Nice Girl act and how to replace them with healthier, more empowering ones.

To help you in your journey from Nice Girl to fulfilled woman, Engel tells the inspiring stories of clients she has worked with who have found the courage and strength to stop being abused and who have broken free from those who manipulate, belittle, and take advantage of them. Filled with wise advice, powerful exercises, and practical prescriptions, The Nice Girl Syndrome will show you step by step how to be your own strong woman.