into you like a train

I've been reading this book Goddesses in Everywoman: A New Psychology of Women by Jean Shinoda Bolen, MD and it's been quite intriguing. It's fun like reading a horoscope, but much more intelligently written--in every chapter I find myself thinking "Does this apply to me?"

A common type of couple where the woman is Demeter fits the pattern of Great Mother mated to a son-lover. This archetypal mother-son relationship does not refer to a difference in chronological years, though the man may be younger. Usually he is a talented, sensitive man who feels unappreciated or misunderstood by others who do not value his specialness (as she does) and who won't overlook his irresponsibility (as she does). He is an immature, self-absorbed boy with a sense of specialness, more than he is a man. She agrees with his self-assessment and repeatedly overlooks behavior toward her that others consider selfish and thoughtless. ... His thoughtlessness often hurts and angers her--but if he then tells her how much he appreciates her, or how she's the only person in his life that really cares about him, all is again forgiven.

Another particularly resonant excerpt:

As long as there is an element of "pursuit" on her part, an Artemis woman may be interested in a man. But if he moves closer emotionally, wants to marry her, or becomes dependent on her, the excitement of the "hunt" is over. Moreover, she may lose interest or feel contempt for him if he shows "weakness" by needing her. As a result, an Artemis woman may have a series of relationships that go well only as long as the man keeps some emotional distance and is not always available. ... And an Artemis woman can be cruel to a man who loves her, once she is no longer interested in him. She may rebuff him and treat him as an unwanted intruder.

Well, damn.

PS. 289 used & new from $0.01! Definitely worth buying.