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The Definitive Guide to Understanding Emotionally Unavailable Men and the Women that Love Them

4.5 (146 ratings)
24 mins

Brief summary

Mr Unavailable & the Fallback Girl by Natalie Lue helps women understand why they continue to attract emotionally unavailable men and guides them to develop healthy relationship habits. It offers realistic insights and tangible steps towards personal growth and fulfillment.

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    Mr Unavailable & the Fallback Girl
    Summary of 8 key ideas

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    Natalie Lue realized that she had become a magnet for unavailable men.

    The author, Natalie Lue, was very unlucky in love – or so she thought. Through ten years of dating she’d been stuck with men who blew hot and cold, men who pursued her relentlessly only to disappear. 

    She had an epiphany one night when she was on a date with her married boyfriend in central London. She suddenly found herself in the grip of a panic attack, gasping for breath. Instead of staying with her, her boyfriend put her on a train and then went back home to his wife.

    Being abandoned like that was a reality check. The author realized that her boyfriend would never put her first and leave his wife. She also realized that she couldn’t chalk up all her unsuccessful relationships to bad luck. After all, she was the common factor in all of them. 

    The key message here is: Natalie Lue realized that she had become a magnet for unavailable men. 

    She’d been so desperate for validation that she was willing to settle for relationships with people who didn’t really care for her or treat her well. She’d become a “Fallback Girl,” someone that guys could come to for sex, or a shoulder to cry on, without actually being committed in any way. 

    So why had she stayed with them? Well, she’d become addicted to the drama. And she’d fallen into the trap of thinking that they’d change, if only she loved them enough. 

    Instead of wasting her time trying to pursue this pipe dream, the author decided to take a long, hard look at why she’d undervalued herself for so long. Why had she become fixated on what other people wanted, instead of putting herself first? 

    She knew she had to work to develop her self-esteem, draw strong boundaries, and learn how to communicate them. It was a challenging journey, but the results were profound. For the first time in her life, she felt peaceful and mentally strong. Her physical health also improved dramatically. 

    Soon after she had her epiphany, the author met a lovely, emotionally available man. Instead of rejecting him for being “too nice,” she embraced the relationship and reveled in being truly supported for the first time. Today, they’re happily married with two daughters. 

    The author has shared her insights with many thousands of women, helping them to change their relationship patterns by teaching them how to recognize when a man is just not emotionally available.

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    What is Mr Unavailable & the Fallback Girl about?

    Mr Unavailable & the Fallback Girl (2008) provides a lifeline for anyone who keeps getting messed around by emotionally unavailable partners. With searing personal insights, tough love, and a large dose of humor, Mr Unavailable is an essential guide to breaking destructive relationship patterns and finding love.

    Mr Unavailable & the Fallback Girl Review

    Mr Unavailable & the Fallback Girl by Natalie Lue (2011) explores the dynamics of unavailable partners and the patterns of behavior that keep us stuck in unhealthy relationships. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • With insightful analysis and relatable examples, it helps readers understand why they attract and are attracted to unavailable partners, empowering them to break free from the cycle.
    • The book offers practical tools and strategies for building healthy self-esteem, setting boundaries, and developing fulfilling relationships.
    • By shedding light on the unhealthy patterns we often fall into, the book challenges conventional wisdom and encourages personal growth, making it an engaging and thought-provoking read.

    Who should read Mr Unavailable & the Fallback Girl?

    • Anyone who feels chronically unlucky in love but can’t seem to break the cycle
    • Women who want to get to know themselves better and develop their self-esteem
    • Men recovering from bad relationships who want to avoid becoming “Mr. Unavailable”

    About the Author

    Natalie Lue is the self-described Marie Kondo for emotional baggage. She’s the creator of the enormously popular blog Baggage Reclaim and host of the Baggage Reclaim Sessions podcast. Her second book, The Dreamer and the Fantasy Relationship, was published to much acclaim in 2012.

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    Mr Unavailable & the Fallback Girl FAQs 

    What is the main message of Mr Unavailable & the Fallback Girl?

    The main message of Mr Unavailable & the Fallback Girl is understanding and breaking free from unhealthy relationship patterns.

    How long does it take to read Mr Unavailable & the Fallback Girl?

    The reading time of Mr Unavailable & the Fallback Girl varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Mr Unavailable & the Fallback Girl a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Mr Unavailable & the Fallback Girl is a valuable read for anyone seeking healthier relationships. It offers insights and strategies to overcome patterns that hinder personal growth and happiness.

    Who is the author of Mr Unavailable & the Fallback Girl?

    The author of Mr Unavailable & the Fallback Girl is Natalie Lue.

    What to read after Mr Unavailable & the Fallback Girl?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Mr Unavailable & the Fallback Girl, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • The Dreamer and the Fantasy Relationship by Natalie Lue
    • The No Contact Rule by Natalie Lue
    • Women Who Love Too Much by Robin Norwood
    • The Art of Seduction by Robert Greene
    • Big Dating Energy by Jeff Guenther
    • Eight Dates by John Gottman
    • Love Life by Matthew Hussey
    • No More Mr. Nice Guy! by Robert A. Glover
    • The Man's Guide to Women by John Gottman
    • The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday