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gelabray's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
3.25
readmaterial's review against another edition
4.0
Received book as an e-ARC from the publisher via Netgalley
In "The Highly Sensitive Person's Guide to Dealing with Toxic People" Shahidi Arabi provides a step by step guide to do exactly that. She begins by differentiating a highly sensitive person (HSP) and an empath. While both bear several similarities ( highly tuned senses, strong intuitive abilities, and can need time alone to decompress), an HSP processes more information about the world around them than others do. Therefore, they are more likely to be taken advantage of especially by narcissists and psychopaths who are at the end of the same emotional spectrum.
Arabi does a wonderful job of breaking down common tactics used by toxic people like stonewalling, gaslighting and addressing various cognitive distortions that HSP go through. She then provides relatable explanations and advises using easy to remember acronyms throughout. One thing that stands out is that she heavily advocates for the journaling practice as a means of self-reflection and also to document one's feelings for future reference.
I believe that this is not only for HSPs but everyone who values mental and emotional health. Because let's face at one point or the other we have exhibited (or will exhibit) some form of toxic behaviour.
In "The Highly Sensitive Person's Guide to Dealing with Toxic People" Shahidi Arabi provides a step by step guide to do exactly that. She begins by differentiating a highly sensitive person (HSP) and an empath. While both bear several similarities ( highly tuned senses, strong intuitive abilities, and can need time alone to decompress), an HSP processes more information about the world around them than others do. Therefore, they are more likely to be taken advantage of especially by narcissists and psychopaths who are at the end of the same emotional spectrum.
Arabi does a wonderful job of breaking down common tactics used by toxic people like stonewalling, gaslighting and addressing various cognitive distortions that HSP go through. She then provides relatable explanations and advises using easy to remember acronyms throughout. One thing that stands out is that she heavily advocates for the journaling practice as a means of self-reflection and also to document one's feelings for future reference.
I believe that this is not only for HSPs but everyone who values mental and emotional health. Because let's face at one point or the other we have exhibited (or will exhibit) some form of toxic behaviour.
one_last_page's review against another edition
5.0
* Added a hard copy to my personal collection for reference
mnedballz's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
3.75
The Highly Sensitive Person’s Guide to Dealing with Toxic People starts strong, offering a solid introduction to narcissistic abuse and manipulation tactics. If you're new to the topic, it provides a helpful foundation. However, the book loses steam toward the end, leaning too much into generic self-care advice like “drink green juice” and “go for a walk” — which feels inadequate for anyone dealing with real emotional trauma. While it’s a decent starting point, those looking for deeper strategies may need to look elsewhere.
crims0nn0ble's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Do you find yourself increasingly more and more drained the more you interact with someone? ‘But they seem like such a nice person’ you may think to yourself. Read this books, I beg you. It will help you identify behaviors and patterns. Trust your intuition, this book will succinctly explain some of the more common forms of toxic behavior and, well abuse, in any relationships you may be doubting.
Now I’ve been working backwards. I’ve already read a lot of information on narcissists, anti social behavior, and the like. This book I feel serves as a great introduction to the unseasoned reader, who may just now be identifying abusive behaviors. I would probably truly give it a 3.5, but it’s still worth reading. The later chapters go into more general purpose therapy advice: and for some it’s great! I’ve incorporated them to varying degrees in my life. For me I didn’t find these chapters especially helpful: but I am also only one person. Your mileage may vary!
Now I’ve been working backwards. I’ve already read a lot of information on narcissists, anti social behavior, and the like. This book I feel serves as a great introduction to the unseasoned reader, who may just now be identifying abusive behaviors. I would probably truly give it a 3.5, but it’s still worth reading. The later chapters go into more general purpose therapy advice: and for some it’s great! I’ve incorporated them to varying degrees in my life. For me I didn’t find these chapters especially helpful: but I am also only one person. Your mileage may vary!
meldie's review against another edition
4.0
First book of the year: a self-help book that has been very useful to me. As I have read it in English, I thought of writing the review in English and Spanish:
[ENG]
This book is a good guide for highly sensitive people (HSPs) looking for practical tools to protect themselves from toxic dynamics.
Shahida Arabi combines psychological research with clear strategies to recognize and deal with manipulative behaviors, such as gaslighting, emotional abuse, and narcissistic relationships. Her approach is direct but empathetic, offering advice for setting healthy boundaries, healing emotional wounds, and regaining self-confidence.
Ideal for those who want to strengthen their resilience without giving up their sensitivity, this book becomes a valuable resource for facing interpersonal challenges effectively and with self-love.
[ESP]
Primer libro del año y es uno de autoayuda que me ha servido bastante. Como lo he leído en inglés, he pensado en hacer la reseña en inglés y en español:
Este libro es una buena guía para personas altamente sensibles (PAS) que buscan herramientas prácticas para protegerse de las dinámicas tóxicas.
Shahida Arabi combina investigaciones psicológicas con estrategias claras para reconocer y lidiar con comportamientos manipuladores, como el gaslighting, el abuso emocional y las relaciones narcisistas. Su enfoque es directo pero empático, ofreciendo consejos para establecer límites saludables, sanar heridas emocionales y recuperar la confianza plena en uno mismo.
Ideal para quienes desean fortalecer su resiliencia sin renunciar a su sensibilidad, este libro se convierte en un valioso recurso para enfrentar desafíos interpersonales de manera efectiva y con amor propio.
[ENG]
This book is a good guide for highly sensitive people (HSPs) looking for practical tools to protect themselves from toxic dynamics.
Shahida Arabi combines psychological research with clear strategies to recognize and deal with manipulative behaviors, such as gaslighting, emotional abuse, and narcissistic relationships. Her approach is direct but empathetic, offering advice for setting healthy boundaries, healing emotional wounds, and regaining self-confidence.
Ideal for those who want to strengthen their resilience without giving up their sensitivity, this book becomes a valuable resource for facing interpersonal challenges effectively and with self-love.
[ESP]
Primer libro del año y es uno de autoayuda que me ha servido bastante. Como lo he leído en inglés, he pensado en hacer la reseña en inglés y en español:
Este libro es una buena guía para personas altamente sensibles (PAS) que buscan herramientas prácticas para protegerse de las dinámicas tóxicas.
Shahida Arabi combina investigaciones psicológicas con estrategias claras para reconocer y lidiar con comportamientos manipuladores, como el gaslighting, el abuso emocional y las relaciones narcisistas. Su enfoque es directo pero empático, ofreciendo consejos para establecer límites saludables, sanar heridas emocionales y recuperar la confianza plena en uno mismo.
Ideal para quienes desean fortalecer su resiliencia sin renunciar a su sensibilidad, este libro se convierte en un valioso recurso para enfrentar desafíos interpersonales de manera efectiva y con amor propio.