The White Knight Syndrome

Book excerpt: Break the pattern of losing yourself in other people’s problems with this “outstanding resource and must-read for every compulsive rescuer” (Ronald F. Levant, Ed. D.). Are you attracted to needy, damaged, or helpless people? Are you overly involved in your partner's problems? Are you hungry for constant reassurance in relationships? Do you try to “save” people from themselves? In legends and fairytales, the white knight rescues the damsel in distress, falls in love, and saves the day. Real-life white knights are men and women who enter into romantic relationships with damaged and vulnerable partners, hoping that love will transform their partner’s behavior or life. It’s a relationship pattern that seldom leads to a storybook ending. Hoping to receive validation and love from their partners, white knights only cheat themselves out of emotionally healthy relationships. If this sounds like you, it's time to come to your own rescue. With engaging insight and informative case studies, The White Knight Syndrome is a guide to understanding and resolving the white knight syndrome in yourself.