• Understanding patterns of destructive love

• Childhood influences on adult relationships

• Addiction to unhealthy partnerships

• Recognizing and breaking codependent behaviors

• Self-empowerment and recovery

• Importance of self-love and self-care

• Developing healthier relationship dynamics

Setting

Women Who Love Too Much was published in 1985, during a time of evolving gender roles and increasing awareness of relationship dynamics in Western society. The book emerged as part of the self-help genre that gained popularity in the 1980s, addressing issues of codependency and unhealthy relationship patterns. The book’s content is primarily relevant to women in Western cultures, especially in North America. Author Robin Norwood draws on her experiences as a marriage and family therapist in the United States, offering insights applicable to women across various urban and suburban environments.

The “setting” of Women Who Love Too Much is more psychological than physical, focusing on the internal landscapes of women's minds and emotions. Norwood explores childhood experiences, family dynamics, and societal expectations that shape women's behavior in relationships, creating a narrative that resonates across diverse living situations and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Key Figures

• Robin Norwood: The author, a marriage and family therapist. Norwood draws on her professional experience to identify patterns of unhealthy relationships and provide guidance for recovery. She focuses on women who repeatedly find themselves in destructive partnerships, often as a result of childhood experiences.

• The “Woman Who Loves Too Much": While not a specific character, this archetype represents the primary focus of the book. She is a woman who consistently enters into unhealthy relationships, often with emotionally unavailable or troubled men. Her behavior stems from unresolved childhood issues and manifests as an addiction to dysfunctional love. The book aims to help her recognize and break this pattern.

• The “Right Man": Another archetypal figure in the book, representing the idealized partner that women who love too much believe will solve their problems. This hypothetical man is often emotionally distant, unavailable, or troubled, perpetuating the cycle of unhealthy relationships.

• "Nice Guys": Mentioned as potential partners who are open, honest, and dependable but often overlooked by women who love too much. These men represent healthier relationship options that may seem less exciting to women caught in destructive patterns.

Quick facts

• Women Who Love Too Much became a #1 New York Times bestseller in 1987, two years after its publication.

• Author Robin Norwood, a marriage and family therapist, describes “loving too much” as a pattern developed from childhood issues.

• Women Who Love Too Much sparked controversy among some feminist scholars for its premise.

• The book offers a specific program for recovery from unhealthy relationships.

• Women Who Love Too Much popularized the concept of “love addiction” in mainstream culture.

• The success of the book led to several follow-up works by Norwood.

• Women Who Love Too Much has been translated into over 30 languages and sold millions of copies worldwide since its initial publication.

About the Author

Robin Norwood (1945-) is a licensed marriage and family therapist and renowned author on relationships. She is best known for her groundbreaking work on why women are often drawn to troubled, emotionally unavailable men, Women Who Love Too Much. Published in 1985, this self-help book became a #1 New York Times bestseller, with translations into more than 30 languages and over three million copies in print worldwide. Its success led to follow-up works, including Letters from Women Who Love Too Much and Daily Meditations for Women Who Love Too Much.

Norwood first gained international recognition for her work in the field of relationship addiction and co-alcoholism, drawing from her 15 years of experience in addiction treatment. Her insightful approach to relationships and personal growth continues to impact readers, offering guidance and understanding to those grappling with complex emotional issues.

Currently, Norwood resides on a ranch in California's central coast area. Her work remains influential in the fields of psychology and self-help, touching the lives of countless individuals seeking to understand and improve their relationships.