“Don't Call That Man” Newsletter!
Http://WWW.RhondaFindling.com
August 2006 Issue # 14
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IN THIS ISSUE
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1. ”Don’t Call That Man!” Workshops And Discussions In Berlin, Germany And Paris, France This Summer
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I am happy to announce that I will be doing a book signing of the German translation of my book ”Don’t Call That Man! A Survival Guide To Letting Go” [“Ruf Blob Nicht An!” (Constance Verlag 2006] in Berlin, Germany, which will also include a discussion.
“Ruf Blob Nicht An!” (Constance Verlag 2006)
Place: Mondlicht Bookstore
Oranienstr. 14, 10999
Berlin, Germany
Date: Friday, September 1, 2006
Time: 7:30 P.M.
I will also be doing a workshop based on ”Don’t Call That Man! A Survival Guide To Letting Go” in Paris, France:
Place: American Church in Paris
65 quai d’ Orsay (G2- Garden level NE.)
75007 Paris, France
Date: Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Time: 7 P.M.- 8:30 P.M.
Fee: 10 Euros
I hope that any of my newsletter subscribers who live in Germany or France or traveling in Europe and have not had an opportunity to work with me can attend.
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2. Rhonda Will Be Starting A “Bullying At Work” Group In Manhattan
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Many of my clients have reported to me that they have been traumatized by bosses, supervisors or even co-workers who have “bullied” them. Being bullied can create a great deal of stress for “the target” sometimes leading to depression due to a sense of helplessness. It definitely can cause a woman to cling to a dysfunctional romantic relationship because she feels so overwhelmed and traumatized by her work situation.
It is for this reason that I have decided to start a support group in Manhattan for anyone struggling with this problem. The group will be held in my office at 32 Gramercy Park South. It will probably be on Monday evenings from 6:30 PM until 8:00 PM. The time and weeknight of this group is currently flexible. There will be a fee for this group. If you are at all interested in participating in this group, please email me at rhondadctm@aol.com or leave me a message at (718) 459-3284.
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3. Manhattan And Queens Support Groups
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My psychotherapy/support groups that meet in Manhattan and Queens are currently filled but I do have a waiting list. If you are interested in joining either of these groups, please contact me in case there is an opening in the fall. You can email me at rhondadctm@aol.com or leave me a message at (718) 459-3284.
Here is a description of the issues we address in both groups:
The Manhattan Group has both men and women members where you will have an opportunity to gain insight into the opinions of both sexes.
The Queens group is a woman’s group.
Rhonda Findling actively participates in both groups and offers feedback.
These are not drop in groups where someone can come by once or twice to check it out. All members must make at least a two month commitment. A telephone interview with Rhonda Findling is required to become a group member.
Date and Time:
The Manhattan Group is held in Rhonda Findling's office at 32 Gramercy Park South. The group meets on Wednesday evenings from 7 PM until 8:30 PM.
The Queens Group is held in Forest Hills. The group meets on Tuesday evenings from 8 PM until 9:30 PM.
Fees:
The fee for the Manhattan group is $240 per month ($60 per group session) . Members pay monthly at the beginning of the month.
The fee for the Queens group is $160 per month ($40 per group session). Members pay monthly at the beginning of the month.
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4. Featured Article: “When Is The Right Time To Have Sex With A Man?”
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Sex is always complicated, isn’t it? I talk to women every day about sex and relationships, and the most common complaints I hear from women about men are:
One of the most popular questions I get is if there’s a right time to have sex with men that ensures you won’t get hurt. My initial reaction is, “What’s wrong with just expressing your sexuality, even initiating it?” Isn’t it joyous and self-empowering to express your desire and passion when you feel like it? Why should we fight the dopamine, norepinephrine, and phenylethylamine that’s soaring through our bodies and creating that delicious euphoria? Why shouldn’t we just enjoy one of the few free pleasures that life offers us?
As women, aren’t we more financially and sexually independent now than we’ve ever been before? Isn’t that what the feminist sexual revolution was all about? To do what we want with our bodies? Why should we forfeit the accomplishments and hard-won rewards that women have fought so hard for?
But then I pause and think of my recent session with Josie.
Josie, an attractive, confident woman from New York City who was fresh out of a divorce, went to a trendy nightclub one evening with a girlfriend. At the club, Josie met Rick, a business man with Hollywood looks, who immediately asked to buy her a drink. Their discussion moved quickly from their jobs to their spouses. Although Josie was having a great time with Rick, she left early because she had to get up for an early business meeting the next morning.
Rick called a few days later and asked her out. He impressed her by taking her to a hit Broadway show, followed by drinks at a club that had just opened. Josie was very attracted to Rick, and because he spent so much money on the date, she assumed he reciprocated her feelings. She asked him up to her apartment, and before she knew it they were in her bedroom tearing one anothers’ clothes off.
Josie woke up the next morning with stars in her eyes. She fixed breakfast for Rick, and after polishing off the omelet, orange juice, and biscuits she had made for him, he kissed her lightly on the lips, and as he was walking out the door, causally said, “Thanks, I had a great time.”
After he left, needless to say, Josie never heard from him again.
It took Josie three months to recover from feeling humiliated and used from her experience with Rick. She decided the pleasure wasn’t worth all the grief for having sex with a man she barely knew regardless of how “hot” the guy was.
Thinking It Through
Now is a good time to dig deep into your psyche and ask yourself why you want to sexualize your relationship with this man. It’s always good to take a moment to reflect and process your feelings before impulsively jumping into a sexual situation.
You can start out by trying to determine what kind of man you’re dealing with. This could be done by analyzing a man’s “risk factor,” which will help you to reduce your chances of having a bad experience like Josie’s.
Although you can never predict what a person’s going to do, there are obvious red flags you must be mindful of. So, be alert and be honest with yourself when you are trying to determine a man’s motives and/or character. It’s good to think positively, but in this case a little skepticism and a touch of paranoia might be healthy in trying to protect yourself from getting hurt. Sometimes your instincts can tell you if a man is dangerous and a user. Don’t be afraid to go by your gut!
If a guy has a high risk factor, he will most likely demonstrate one or more of the following personality characteristics:
If a guy has a low risk factor, he will most likely demonstrate one or more of the following personality characteristics:
Now that you’ve determined he’s a man you want to have sex with, here are some very important issues to think about.
After all, we are all sexual beings and there are times we may experience “sexual hunger.” So, if he turns you on and you just want to have casual sex, then go for it, girlfriend! But you must accept that this is what it will be and nothing more. If something comes of it, then so be it. But if not, you got your needs met and you wont feel “played.” Just remember that gratifying your sexual needs doesn’t necessarily guarantee that you’re fulfilling your emotional needs. Also, keep in mind that when you have sex the hormone oxytocin is released in your brain, which will make you feel more attached to him and could intensify your casual feelings, so be careful.
If you want to have sex with a man because you feel deeply attracted to him, possibly in love him, and you want a long-term relationship, you may need to have higher standards and wait awhile longer when evaluating whether or not he’s a keeper. To lower your chances of getting hurt, it’s also important to make sure that he reciprocates your feelings.
Using sex as an excuse to run away from your problems may not be the greatest reason to sleep with a man. You’re better off trying to work through whatever you’re struggling with than using sex as a method of escape. Although sex feels good, you’ll be right back to your problems when it’s over, with possibly more problems because you’re now attached to someone who may not be a good choice for you in the long run.
When you have sex with a man, you’re taking a big emotional risk, so it’s natural that you may feel anxious afterward when you both have to separate and carry on with your daily lives. The unknown is scary after you’ve taken a big emotional risk, so have friends ready to talk to and activities to do (including work) to keep your mind occupied.
You can’t completely protect yourself emotionally, but you can protect yourself physically by using condoms. The percentage of women getting HIV from heterosexual sex is rising. Don’t think you’re invulnerable. Don’t be in denial. Having unprotected sex is like playing Russian roulette.
When you’re in a sexual situation with a man, know you can stop whenever you want to. This may sound high schoolish, but you don’t have to go all the way! You can still be sexual without having intercourse. Perhaps this compromise will help you be more comfortable until you feel ready.
There’s nothing wrong with being honest and upfront with a man. Own your truth. Tell him what the deal is before you have sex so there are no misunderstandings later on. For instance, if you know that you are looking for a boyfriend and not a fling, you can tell him that you are not into casual sex, and if that’s what he’s interested in then it’s probably not a good idea for the two of you to hook up. You also have the right to ask him what you need to know to help you make the best choice. For instance, you can ask him if he’s seeing anyone else, what he wants from hooking up with you, or if he’s looking for a relationship. Listen carefully to what he tells you. If he’s honest enough to admit there’s no future and it’s just for the night, then believe him. Don’t play mind games with yourself. Don’t be grandiose and think that you’re the exception. See how he reacts to what you tell him. After you hear what he comes back with, evaluate whether or not he can meet your needs and then make your final decision.
*Warning*
When you’re trying to determine whether it’s emotionally or physically safe to have sex with a man, don’t drink or take any drugs. You want to be alert and have a clear mind. If you want to be smart and make the healthiest choices, you don’t want anything in your system that will cloud your perception.
After you’ve had sex with a man for the first time, be yourself but hold back a little. Take your cue from how he responds. If you’re lucky enough to have sex with a great guy who’s telling you how happy he is to be finally hooking up with you and calls you the next day, lucky you! Just enjoy the process. You don’t need to read any further.
However, if he acts cold and detached or wants to leave without even cuddling, don’t cling to his ankles as he walks out the door. I strongly advise against making a scene. Wait till he leaves, and then you can get crazy and call all your girlfriends. If it makes you feel a little better, you could say something about his distancing behavior, but make sure you sound calm. A little constructive criticism probably won’t hurt him. He may need some coaching in this area. Just don’t come off as verbally castrating or reprimanding. Remember not to give him the satisfaction of how upset you are. Work out your deep feelings with people in your support system.
If you don’t hear from him again it could be for a number of reasons: he’s scared of a relationship, he has a girlfriend, he’s married, he just wanted a one-night stand, or he’s having an anxiety attack.
If you are looking for a relationship, I don’t suggest calling him. If you don’t hear from him within a week, he’s just not good relationship material, no matter how amazing you thought he was. Instead, grieve and mourn the loss of him and the hope of the possibilities of what you both would have had together. Chalk it up to experience to learn and grow from. Hopefully, the sex was good.
If casual sex is your goal and nothing traumatic happened, you could say something like, “I had a great time, let’s do it again.” Only suggest this if you can emotionally handle risking his not responding favorably.
No matter how things pan out in either case, remember you are not a victim; you had a choice. Take it like the great woman you are.
So, when is the right time to have sex with a man?
I think anywhere from two dates until two months is a reasonable amount of time to wait to have sex with a man. Whether it’s the first date or two months later is individual. It depends on your comfort level. Although I don’t think it’s a good idea to have sex when you’re not ready just to please a man, I also think it’s not a good idea to purposely put off sex just to see how long a man will wait. Either having sex to “get” the guy or not having sex to “test” the guy is manipulative and an expression of a woman’s own psychological issues, which is not based on an authentic intimacy and relationship. The sad truth is that most men in the American culture who are capable of a relationship, who you and other women find sexually attractive, will probably have a difficult time waiting longer than three months. So if you’re going to make him wait four months to see if he really cares, his feelings of frustration, deprivation, and rejection will probably cause him to leave you anyway. The nicest guy can feel insulted even though your reason to wait has nothing to do with his desirability. If you explain that you need to wait because of being hurt by men from your past, don’t expect a man to be so generous and take the hit for your past insensitive boyfriends; it’s just not unrealistic. The only men who could tolerate waiting four months or longer are probably gay, sexually dysfunctional, or afraid of intimacy, or they just enjoy being with woman who are frustrating or withholding.
If a woman needs to make a man wait longer than three months, she may be struggling with her own sexual issues. I think she should look into why it takes her so long to feel comfortable having sex with a man. Is she distrustful of men? Did a man hurt her?
Here’s a list of the pros and cons of waiting to have sex with a man to help you determine when the best time is for you.
Cons of Waiting
Waiting at least three to five dates until two months is reasonable. But if you wait and he still leaves after you become sexual, it will be even more devastating because you’re more attached to him.
Trust Your Own Judgment
No matter how you play it, there are no formulas or guarantees about how things will turn out. There are women who have sex with men the first night they meet and they wind up marrying them. There are women who have sex with men right away and get dumped by them. Still other women wait months and months and only to get hurt or rejected. Having sex with a man you’re first getting to know is always a risk. But be a smart gambler, trust your own judgment, and try to accurately calculate the odds. And enjoy life; indulge yourself in pleasure, while still protecting yourself both emotionally and physically.
This article is an excerpt from my book The Dating Cure (Adam’s Media, 2006).
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5. Bibliotherapy-Rhonda’s Summer Book Recommendations
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“On The Couch” Putnam Adult (June 6, 2006) by Lorraine Bracco:
Known to millions as psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Melfi on HBO's hit series The Sopranos, Lorraine Bracco opens up about her career, her marriages, her determination to be a good mother, and her refusal to be marginalized as an actress and a woman in a society obsessed with youth and beauty. She also discusses her victory over depression and willingness, willingness to seek treatment. She writes about her marriage to Harvey Keitel and the very public custody battle following her divorce from Keitel due to her marriage to Edward James Almos who was accused of molesting the child of a friend of hers. It is captivating to read about her relationships with these men and her recovery from the loss of them.
“Floor Sample” Tarcher (May 4, 2006) by Julia Cameron:
Julia Cameron, famous for her best selling book “The Artist's Way” a semispiritual approach to healing artist's block, details her creative struggles, framed by her fight to maintain sobriety after years as an alcoholic and drug addict. She writes about her two year marriage to director Martin Scorsese with whom she had her only child. She also had many relationships with men that she discusses throughout her memoir. She seemed unable to settle down, moving between Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Taos, and details a constant, painful struggle to find a creative touchstone. Her one focus remains her art which led her to periodic psychotic breaks. Cameron is best at revealing the dark side of her privileged life, her descent into alcoholic blackouts and drug-induced paranoia as well as descriptions of her bouts with psychosis.
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I hope that everyone has a great summer.
Au revoir and auf wiedersehen,
Rhonda