I Didn’t Sign Up for This book cover

I Didn’t Sign Up for This by Tracy Dalgleish Summary

I Didn’t Sign Up for This
Tracy Dalgleish
4.3 (508 Reviews)
Relationship
Self Help
Memoir
Mental Health
Overview
Key Takeaways
Author
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Overview of I Didn’t Sign Up for This

Psychologist Dr. Tracy Dalgleish reveals what happens when relationships crumble - including her own. Endorsed by bestselling author Dr. Becky Kennedy, this rare glimpse into real therapy sessions offers tools that transformed countless struggling couples. What's your relationship's breaking point?

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Key takeaways

1

Relationships: The Journey We Never Expected

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Ever fallen head over heels for someone, only to find yourself months or years later thinking, "This isn't what I signed up for"? That magical person who once seemed perfect now leaves dishes in the sink, withdraws during arguments, or seems oblivious to your emotional needs. This universal experience of disillusionment isn't a sign your relationship is doomed-it's actually the beginning of a deeper connection, if you're willing to navigate it consciously. The early romantic haze inevitably gives way to reality, revealing patterns that often stem from our earliest attachment experiences. Many of us were raised believing that dependency equals weakness, that we should be completely self-sufficient. Yet true relationship strength comes not from independence but from healthy interdependence: maintaining individuality while connecting deeply with another person. Think about it-how many of your relationship frustrations stem not from the surface issues (those unwashed dishes or forgotten errands) but from deeper feelings of being unseen, unappreciated, or emotionally abandoned? The good news is that even if only one partner is willing to change, significant growth is possible. The journey begins with awareness of our patterns, acknowledgment of our needs, and aligning our actions with our deepest values.

2

Breaking Free from Destructive Cycles

3

Your Body and Emotions: Keys to Connection

4

Finding Balance Between Together and Separate

5

The Mental Load: When Love Feels Like Work

6

Boundaries: The Framework for Healthy Love

7

Vulnerability: The Courage That Transforms

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@Raaaaaachelw
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"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
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"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

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"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

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117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
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"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
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12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
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star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
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96
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4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
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"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
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"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

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