Fascinating. I’m a sucker for nonfiction stories and the fact that there were questions/reflections at the end of each chapter made it more captivating

In this memoir/self-help book, therapist Dr Tracy Dalgliesh offers insights from her experiences as a couples counsellor, using a small number of case studies (including her own marriage) to illustrate some of the common issues that crop up in long-term relationships.

Personally, I found something familiar in nearly all of the examples discussed, including the sections relating to the author’s own relationship challenges, but then that’s probably unsurprising as I have been married for nearly thirteen years now and the issues explored are definitely common stumbling blocks, even if to a lesser extent than for the couples exemplified here. I highlighted large chunks of the book to share and discuss with my husband and to re-read for my own improvement!

While none of the issues discussed or the tips and solutions presented were new to me – I regularly read relationship books as I am a fan of both continuous development and reading generally! – something in the book certainly resonated with me and had an immediate positive, practical effect on me and my own relationship. I found I could stand back from my usual self-righteous positions of accusation, blame and judgement and look instead to my own behaviour and how I could bring a better self to my marriage by working on my own issues and taking more accountability for my part in any conflicts that arose. Not only did marital communication and harmony improve, but the drive for self-improvement stuck and encouraged me to re-spark some joy in my life (e.g. picking up my long-silent guitar), which I found then spread to the rest of my household naturally.

Plus, the anecdotes were interesting and alternating between the different couples for each chapter kept me eagerly reading to find out what would develop between them: would the over-spending continue, or the dismissive attitude towards a partner’s feelings? Would they stay together and keep trying, or decide to move on separately? Can a relationship still be saved once crisis point is reached for one or both partners? Obviously you will have to read the book yourself to find out – I’m not going to spoil it for you, especially as there is so much good advice to uncover between the stories.

I have always been a proponent of individual and couples counselling, even for those who aren’t facing large life problems, and now I will be recommending this book to everyone too!

Great book. I lived The thought provoking questions and activities. Highly recommend!!!!!…………I would read another book by this author.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, so thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity through NetGalley.
This book has changed my way of approaching problems in several of my relationships. I felt that I could relate to a number of the issues presented in the couples in the book, and seeing how Dr Tracy guided them to address their communication issues within their relationships has offered several tools to fill out my “life toolbox”.
I also really appreciated Dr Tracy’s vulnerability in including her own story as one of the case studies. The relationship issues presented in this book are common, but often ignored, leading to deeper issues. Dr Tracy breaks these issues down into manageable problems that can be addressed, either as a couple or individually. While many of the solutions seem rather simplified, the reader is repeatedly reminded that healing and progress is both time consuming and non-linear, which is helpful when trying to implement any of the approaches discussed.
Overall, I definitely would recommend this book to everyone, whether in a relationship or not, as many of the approaches can also be applied to friend or family relationships to create healthier interactions across the board.

An interesting read for therapists, those struggling in a relationship, and those that would like to better understand couples therapy. The author shares how some of her work applies in her own life, which can be both comforting (hey I'm not alone!) and uncomfortable. If you're reaching for a couples help book for the first time ever, I'd probably recommend using the Gottman's resources first. This author does reference them and a variety of others doing the work and gives a good summary of many thoughts around couples work. I do like the questions at the end of the chapters that help it to connect back to your relationship. Good resource overall!

Thank you, Netgally for the opportunity to read this book. Unfortunately, this one did not resonate with me. I expexpectedmething different. I usually love books like this. I am sure lots manyers will enjoy it but I was bored, and unfortunatelyidn't finish it.

I Didn't Sign Up For This by Tracy Dalgleish, CPsych is a well written self help style book that covers personal experiences by the author as well as those from her 17 years of experience as a clinical psychologist. This book is designed for married couples and non married couples alike..

It is one of the best books I have read for couples. As a single person I also found some benefits and new ways to look at future relationships. Though it's not directed to singles it's not a bad book.

A helpful resource for couples based on the author's personal experiences and 17 year career as a therapist. Even if your marriage is solid and strong, this book may serve to provide talking points to help you stay on track. This is the type of self help book that I can see myself recommending to people to purchase a copy of, to re-read at a later time with a pen a highlighter to note pertinent sections, and fully get all they can from it. Definitely will be worth it to them in the long run. Highly recommend.

I thank the author, publisher and Net Galley for my ARC of this book.

I wasn't sure what I was expecting to get out of this book when I started it. I wasn't sure if this was a book more for therapists to read to help them for therapy for for those who are thinking of going through therapy or just anyone who is in a relationship in general. After reading this I think its a perfect book for anyone. I personally decided to read it because this year my goal is to better myself and strengthen my marriage. Not saying my husband and I need couples therapy but as someone who goes to individual therapy and thinks that it helps so much even during times that I am not struggling, that maybe every couple should attend couples therapy at some time. I enjoyed this book. I saw things in myself throughout and saw things in my husband throughout. Good things and bad things. Things we can both work on and things that we already do and I was proud that we do them and thought "Hey, we are already working on us and don't even realize it!" After i was most of the way through the book I decided I will eventually be buying this book and reading again and hopefully working through some of the assignments with my husband. I don't think I have ever read a self help book and thought hey I need a highlighter, a notebook, and a partner! I am just your average gal so therapists may read this and not agree or other people may not see the same but to a simple adult in a relationship I enjoyed the book and got some good insight I will and can use in the future.

"I Didn't Sign Up for This" by Tracy Dalgleish is a compelling and insightful exploration of the complexities within relationships, blending the author's experiences as a couples therapist with her personal journey through the challenges of marriage and motherhood. This debut book, offering a rare glimpse into real therapy sessions, is a four-star read that combines memoir and self-help with unflinching candor and heartfelt empathy.

Dr. Tracy Dalgleish, with her seventeen years of experience as a couples therapist, brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding to the pages. The book delves into the real and raw issues that couples face, from breakdowns in communication to the strains of domestic responsibilities. Dalgleish's ability to connect her professional insights with her personal experiences adds a unique and relatable dimension to the narrative.

The author's honesty about her own struggles, particularly after the birth of her first child, creates a powerful resonance with readers. The acknowledgment of anger and resentment within her marriage, despite the joy of motherhood, is a brave and authentic exploration of the complexities many couples grapple with. The use of real therapy sessions with four couples further enhances the book's authenticity, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of relationship dynamics.

The writing style is engaging and accessible, making complex therapeutic concepts relatable to a broad audience. Dalgleish's empathetic approach shines through, creating a safe space for readers to reflect on their own relationships. The book not only identifies common relationship struggles but also offers insights and guidance on how to navigate them.

The exploration of the incredible difficulty of showing up authentically in intimate relationships, both with others and oneself, is a universal theme that resonates deeply. Dalgleish's commitment to illuminating the human struggle adds depth to the narrative, making it more than just a self-help guide; it becomes a compassionate companion for those navigating the complexities of love and partnership.

"I Didn't Sign Up for This" is a valuable resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the challenges within relationships. Tracy Dalgleish's debut is a thoughtful blend of personal narrative and professional expertise, providing readers with both insight and tools for navigating the intricacies of love, communication, and self-discovery. It's a four-star book that combines wisdom, vulnerability, and empathy, making it a worthwhile read for anyone on a journey toward healthier and more fulfilling relationships.

I love books like this that helps their audience to understand things they may not have experienced growing up. In order to be in a healthy relationship there are practices that must occur!

In this title, a couples therapist writes a book about some of the issues she sees couples have in real therapy sessions, and how she’s seen them in her own marriage. Dalgleish shares candidly about real couples, and how she’s helped them get to the source of their issues and try to work through them, as well as how she’s seen similar issues in her own marriage. This made me feel seen, gave me some great starting places, and made me want an appointment with a solid therapist. I’m considering a leisurely reread this year to try to put more of her advice into practice. `

I loved reading about different point of views and learning from people's experiences. It helped me personally learn and open my perspective.

"I Didn't Sign Up for This" by Dr. Tracy Dalgleish is a poignant and insightful exploration of the intricate challenges that can arise in relationships. The book seamlessly weaves together real therapy sessions with four couples, offering readers an intimate and authentic portrayal of the complexities within relationships. What truly sets this book apart is Dr. Dalgleish's candid sharing of her own struggles in her marriage, particularly after becoming a new mother. This personal touch adds a relatable layer to the narrative, making it more than just a guide but a genuine reflection on the universal difficulty of showing up authentically in our most intimate connections—with others and ourselves. The mix of relatable stories and practical insights creates a valuable resource for readers navigating the intricate landscape of long-term relationships. Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for allowing me to read and review.

This certainly made me feel a lot less alone. It gave me insight that I didn't know I needed. I think this is a helpful tool for people who are struggling in similar situations, even if they're not it's a good book to read to be able to help others too. It's important to know and this book does a great job of sharing.

"I Didn't Sign Up for This" by Tracy Dalgleish, CPsych, is a compassionate and insightful guide to navigating the unexpected challenges of parenthood. Dalgleish combines her professional expertise with personal anecdotes, offering practical advice and emotional support. The book delves into the uncharted territories of parenting, addressing the highs and lows with empathy. Dalgleish's writing is accessible, creating a safe space for parents to embrace the uncertainties and seek resilience. "I Didn't Sign Up for This" is an invaluable resource, fostering a sense of community and understanding for parents facing the unpredictable journey of raising children.

Very grateful to have read this book, it gave me several points to ue in my own relationships. I do recommend this book and a m grateful for the opportunity to read the ARC from NetGalley and the Publisher, Thank you!

This is such a relatable and vulnerable book. I liked having real-life couples' stories to help illustrate the advice Dr. Tracy provides on how to address issues in relationships. It's almost like getting couples therapy in book form.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy to review.

I initially was interested in this book because of how much I loved Maybe You Should Talk to Someone—another memoir/self-help book written by a therapist. This book unfolds similarly with relatable stories from couples who are struggling with common struggles in marriage. It delivered!

This book really hit home for me, as a mother of 3 young children. I think this book is an excellent read for parents who have married someone wonderful and involved, yet who you might struggle communicating with once the complexity of parenthood sets in. I’ve learned practical phrases and conversation starters to have with my partner thanks to this book, and I love that this book really helps us question our thinking when in moments of stress - we DID sign up for this, and here is how to navigate it together.