cover image Cold Feet: Why Men Don't Commit

Cold Feet: Why Men Don't Commit

Sonya Rhodes. Dutton Books, $17.95 (216pp) ISBN 978-0-525-24634-3

The authors, New York City clinicians who practice couples therapy, here discuss men who are unable to emotionally commit themselves to a sexual relationship. Veering away from the abundance of literature that places blame on the female partner, Rhodes and Potash begin with the premise, ""Not only are men different from us, but they are amateurs at intimacy.'' The authors note that contemporary women, in a historical perspective, are sexually liberated, financially independent and professionally successful. They report that their male clients are troubled by commitment that demands emotional connection, more than financial responsibility. Stressing the need to avoid blaming either partner, the authors classify distinct types of men as they propose ways to build levels of intimacy and offer techniques to overcome obstacles. Included is a perforated, tear-out chapter, ``For Men Only,'' for female readers to give to the men with whom they are involved. First serial to Self, Mademoiselle and New Woman. (April)