It looks like an interesting read, but I’m skeptical as to the claim that any research would allow, “…people to free themselves from the anxieties and burdens imposed on them by the current social order.” While it may explain why we are the way we are, the what and how are still going to be hard to come by.

I have struggled with issues of monogamy and promiscuity and I know that it’s largely due to my upbringing and the values that I was raised with. (Free love was just never in my vocabulary.) And even though I support sexual freedoms and perhaps am even I envious of those who can take sex so casually, having had my critical developmental years indoctrinated with fairly conservative and overly romanticized views on love, sex, and marriage, there’s certain things I don’t think I’ll ever be able to let go of even though I rationally know that they don’t make sense. Feelings usually trump reason.

When it comes to sexuality and relationships, I think the biggest missing piece is positive sexual and relationship role models. To be honest, I can’t name one of the top of my head, either personal or popular. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t suffered, been burden, or become anxious because of their sexual experiences and relationship issues. If this book paints a picture of what a healthy sexual relationship looks like in practice in the real world, I’d love to see it.

With that said, I really do appreciate the recommendation and I will try to put on it my reading list, and even perhaps come back with my own review.