Dr. Fireman explains his views on the dynamics of interpersonal relationships in light of his experience in practicing psychiatry. This work is a summary of many of the ways that people relate to one another and serves as a tool to learn how to identify why people behave in particular ways. While broadly speaking it is a self help book, it is more akin to reading a summary of the wisdom gained by years of practicing psychiatry with respect to what motivates people to certain behaviors. Of course, these lessons can be applied to one's self as well but the primary emphasis is on identifying what is motivating the external behaviors of other individuals. In addition to many other topics Dr. Fireman describes the primary mechanisms of defense including a comprehensive list of mental mechanisms from transference to compensation and dissociation. These topics are covered in a very easy to understand manner with specific examples.