Includes bibliographical references (p. [529]-535) and index.

Pt. 1. Mysteries of the life cycles --
Ch. 1. Madness and method --
Ch. 2. Predictable crises of adulthood --
Pt. 2. Pulling up roots --
Ch. 3. Breast to breakaway --
Ch. 4. Playing it to the bust --
Ch. 5. "If I'm late, start the crisis without me" --
Ch. 6. The urge to merge --
Ch. 7. Beginnings of the couple puzzle --
Pt. 3. The trying twenties --
Ch. 8. Getting off to a running start --
Ch. 9. The one true couple --
Ch. 10. Why do men marry? --
Ch. 11. Why can't a woman be more like a man and man less like a racehorse? --
Ch. 12. Sneak preview: men and women growing up --
Pt. 4. Passage to the thirties --
Ch. 13. Catch-30 --
Ch. 14. The couple knot, the single spot, the rebound --
Pt. 5. But I'm unique --
Ch. 15. Men's life patterns --
Ch. 16. Women's life patterns.

At last, this is your story. You'll recognize yourself, your friends, and your loves. You'll see how to use each life crisis as an opportunity for creative change -- to grow to your full potential. Gail Sheehy's brilliant road map of adult life shows the inevitable personality and sexual changes we go through in our 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond. The Trying 20s -- The safety of home left behind, we begin trying on life's uniforms and possible partners in search of the perfect fit. The Catch 30s -- illusions shaken, it's time to make, break, or deepen life commitments. The Forlorn 40s -- Dangerous years when the dreams of youth demand reassessment, men and women switch characteristics, sexual panic is common, but the greatest opportunity for self-discovery awaits. The Refreshed (or Resigned) 50s -- Best of life for those who let go old roles and find a renewal of purpose.