Plays Well with Others: The Surprising Science Behind Why Everything You Know About Relationships Is (Mostly) Wrong

Self-help blogger Barker follows up his best-seller Barking Up the Wrong Tree: The Surprising Science Behind Why Everything You Know About Success Is (Mostly) Wrong with this playful exploration of human relationships. The author begins by stressing the importance of first impressions and how people are perceived. In part two, Barker emphasizes the significance of friendships and how they differ in quality and change over time and as we age. Building on that, he emphasizes friendship in romantic relationships, which leads up to part three, which explores love and marriage. In this chapter, Barker provides predictors of happiness and success in relationships and solid advice. Finally, for those who are not interested in relating to others, part four explores the benefits and pitfalls of loneliness. Smart, yet funny, Barker frequently draws from scientifically backed studies, yet the tone is always humorous and conversational. His examples, drawn from famous and infamous individuals from all walks of life, will help readers solidify every concept he introduces.