Plays Well with Others

The Surprising Science Behind Why Everything You Know About Relationships is (Mostly) Wrong

By: Eric Barker

Narrated by: Roger Wayne

From the author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller Barking Up the Wrong Tree comes a cure-all for our increasing emotional distance and loneliness—a smart, surprising, and thoroughly entertaining guide to help build better friendships, reignite love, and get closer to others, whether you’re an extrovert or introvert, socially adept or socially anxious.

Can you judge a book by its cover?

Is a friend in need truly a friend indeed?

Does love conquer all?

Is no man an island?

In Plays Well With Others, Eric Barker dives into these questions, drawing on science to reveal the truth beyond the conventional wisdom about human relationships. Combining his compelling storytelling and humor, Barker explains what hostage negotiation techniques and marital arguments have in common, how an expert con-man lied his way into a twenty-year professional soccer career, and why those holding views diametrically opposed to our own actually have the potential to become our closest, most trusted friends.

Leveraging the best evidence available—free of platitudes or magical thinking—Barker analyzes multiple sides of an issue before rendering his verdict. What he’s uncovered is surprising, counterintuitive, and timely—and will change the way you interact in the world and with those around you just when you need it most.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

One of the best

This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Big fan of Mr Barker and his research and story-telling. Funny, thought provoking and potentially life changing. The end brought tears to my eyes. Can’t wait for his next book

If you like Barker’s first book you be even happier with this one!

Phenomenal book. Eric takes through his unique scientific and witty explanation of what makes people tick and how form better relationships. He even self admittedly breaks from some of the science and admits that some facts defy logic.

He wraps the book up beautifully at the end as well, but I’m not going to spoil that!

Buy this book yesterday!

excellent book - thank you Eric! Very well written

very relevant. very timely. Eric's book is a wonderful tying together and explanation on a variety of interpersonal situations with thought provoking solutions.

The wright book at the wright time.

Just what I needed to better understand what I was trying to deal with in my own life. Thanks!

The secret(s) of happiness

This book is filled with well presented and important insights. It’s also a very enjoyable read due to the entertaining stories and humor.

My highest recommendation for anyone who is searching for more meaning in life.