The happy stepcouple : how couples with stepchildren can strengthen their relationships / Rachelle Katz.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 215-220) and index.

Introduction -- Step 1: Revise unrealistic expectations. Stepfamilly fallacies -- Expectations of your relationship -- Finances -- Redefine the role of stepparent -- Step 2: Improve communication. The relevance of emotional attachment styles for stepcouples -- Understand each attachment style and its unique coping reaction -- The clash of emotional attachment styles -- The stepcouple shuffle -- Bolster your security -- Modify your reactions -- Don't let a grudge weight you down -- Gain courage to express feelings with confidence -- Communicate effectively -- Boost your partner's security -- Go gently into conflict -- Dance the waltz of intimacy -- Step 3: Address your specific stepcouple challenges. Manage insider/outsider issues -- Tame your partner's green-eyed monster -- Construct healthy boundaries -- Balance power in your relationship -- Further steps -- Closing words.

"Designed to help couples with children from prior relationships navigate the challenges of stepfamily life, The Happy Stepcouple is an indispensable self-help guide that instructs couples how to establish realistic stepfamily expectations, communicate effectively, and handle stepfamily problems in ways that strengthen their emotional connection"-- Provided by publisher.