Best-selling author and college media instructor Karl W. Beckstrand has lived abroad, interned for Congress in D.C., and earned a B.A. in journalism and an M.A. in conflict resolution. He was a technical recruiter in Silicon Valley and a Spanish interpreter for Angel Flight (aviator nonprofit). But his relationships were far from satisfying. Today, he enjoys profound lasting ties.
Regardless of marital status or sexual orientation, every person has legitimate needs for love and true union, including connection with those of one’s own sex. Still, long-term relating bliss can be elusive for just about anyone; but there are more kinds of connection than we know—and happier bonds than the sparse ones society often signals.
“Thoughtful…candor…. Beckstrand…delivers multiple supportive arguments…. Readers will be gratified by its conclusions and novel assertions…particularly relating to meaningful relationships…which lends it distinction and is refreshing to read.” – The BookLife Prize (Publisher’s Weekly)
Real love isn't wanting someone, it's wanting the best for someone. Emotional needs can manifest as sexual desire, like feeling hungry when you’re dehydrated. By neglecting true emotional connection, the feeling of neediness persists, regardless of how much sex one has. Meeting emotional needs healthfully can illuminate true needs, open previously unimagined relational possibilities, and might also reduce compulsive behavior.
Know a gay couple that’s floundering? Beckstrand shares counterintuitive keys for healing relationships and creating deep lasting same-sex bonds. What he’s learned also applies to heterosexuals, married people, singles, men, women, etc. Chapters include:
- Beyond Either/or Thinking
- Is It All about Sex?
- What’s Good About Attraction to Your Own Sex?
- Is Fluidity Real?
- Are Competing Desires Healthful?
- Authentic Identity – The Key to Happiness
- How to Not Miss Out
- Close Beyond Imagination
Don’t miss these concise concepts plus information on relating with a gay loved one, suggestions for coming out (or not), tips for supporting families of LGBTQIA people—plus online bonus material. A more spiritual version of this book is titled, God Adores You (hard/soft/ebook/audio). See also, Men Need Men: How Rewarding Relationships Can Replace Poor Habits (2025).
Beckstrand is the award-winning author of 30 books and winner of a 2016 International Book Award (reviews by Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus, and School Library Journal). No AI. 40,000 words, 195 pages, 8.5”x5.5”; Paths Press (Premio Publishing worldwide rights © Oct. 2022) and major self-help book distributors. YAN051040, YAN048010, YAN032000, SEL046000, YAN051110, HEA042000, SEL008000, YAN029000, FAM029000, YAN006150, YAN051240, OCC011020, SEL041040, FAM030000; LCCN: 2022947036, soft ISBN: 978-1951599188, hard ISBN: 978-1951599201, (eISBN: 978-1951599218)
