The book sets out to examine feelings — why we feel as we do and how the way that we feel about ourselves effects our lives. It is suggested that many of our feelings and beliefs are gained in childhood and that at that time we are dependent on others and learn to suppress the feelings that are unacceptable and show only that side which will gain us approval. The authors believe that this teaches us that our happiness and self-worth depends on others, rather than being of our own making.