A Personal Dive into The Anxious Person’s Guide to Non-Monogamy
When I first stumbled upon The Anxious Person’s Guide to Non-Monogamy by Felicity C. Wren, I felt an immediate connection. As someone deeply immersed in the world of polyamory, the title struck a chord with my own experiences of navigating relationships layered with complexity and, let’s be honest, a little anxiety. It’s not every day you find a book that promises to take a nuanced look at non-monogamy while acknowledging the colorful spectrum of identities we embody.
From the very beginning, Wren opens the door to a refreshing exploration of non-monogamous relationships. This isn’t just your cookie-cutter guide filled with basic "how-tos"; instead, it dives deep into areas often overlooked in discussions about polyamory: mental health, race, disability, class, sexuality, and gender identity. As I turned the pages, I found myself nodding in agreement and appreciating the representation—especially the frequent acknowledgment of asexuality, which is so often left out or generalized in similar texts.
One of the most striking themes woven throughout the book is the relationship between mental health and how it can impact one’s non-monogamous journey. Rather than shying away from this delicate topic, Wren embraces it, providing comforting and practical insights that resonate with anyone who has navigated the sometimes rocky road of emotional vulnerability. The workbook sections, filled with thought-provoking questions and scenarios, serve as a reflective tool that I found incredibly helpful. They prompted me to unpack my own feelings and consider strategies for approaching specific interpersonal situations—an invaluable exercise for both the anxious and the curious.
Wren’s writing style is engaging and accessible, making complex ideas digestible while maintaining an affirming voice. It’s rare to come across a book that not only addresses the intricacies of non-monogamy but does so with such warmth and understanding. Rather than creating an us-versus-them scenario between monogamous and non-monogamous lifestyles, the guide celebrates both, gently reminding us that the choice belongs to the individual.
What stood out to me most was Wren’s commitment to inclusiveness. In a space where discussions can easily become exclusionary or shouldered with judgement, this book reiterates that there’s no “right way” to love or build relationships. It’s this ethos that I believe deepens its significance; it’s not just a manual for polyamory, but a heartfelt letter to all individuals navigating the complexities of love.
Overall, The Anxious Person’s Guide to Non-Monogamy is a delightful read that I am grateful to have in my collection. I wholeheartedly recommend it not only to those exploring non-monogamous relationships but also to monogamous friends who might gain invaluable insights into their own relational dynamics. This book has opened my eyes just a little wider, and I’m sure it will do the same for many more readers. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC of this title in exchange for an honest review!
In a world longing for connection and understanding, Wren’s guide feels like a much-needed embrace—a gentle reminder that we are all on our unique paths, and that’s perfectly okay.
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