Laura Schlessinger offers advice in ‘Surviving a Shark Attack’

Dr. Laura Schlessinger knows what it’s like to be the object of betrayal. In her high-profile life as the popular radio talk show host, she has also heard about every type of situation involving betrayal and revenge as well.

So her latest book, “Surviving a Shark Attack (On Land): Overcoming Betrayal and Dealing with Revenge,” covers a subject that she knows quite a lot about as she gives blunt advice on how to handle the devastation and how to come out on top a better, wiser person.

"Every single human being on the face of the earth has been betrayed, backstabbed, undermined, screwed over, or had their reputation attacked at least once in their lives," Dr. Laura writes. "It's a horrible experience, leaving you stunned, seared, sad, and very, very angry."

Dr. Laura shares how being calm and rational on how to handle those betrayals can lead a person to a wise, more mature place in their lives. "Betrayals can teach you — if you're listening — to allow people their faults and strengths and to use your own judgment to determine where to place each individual in your solar system," she says.

“Trusting everyone is foolish and leaves you open to becoming a victim, but maturity gives you perspective and the security to make assessments necessary to protect yourself and get the best results when dealing with people. People are unpredictable, not transparent. It is important that you internalize your experiences so that you can use them as a basis of judgment."

In an unusual twist, Dr. Laura shares with her readers her own personal experiences with betrayal, humiliation and pain, which she admits has lead her to have a powerful desire for revenge. (Several well-publicized events lead her to leave her on-air talk show, but she recently has begun a new satellite radio program where she continues to offer advice on a variety of topics.)

Filled with quotes from philosophers, poets and sages, the one quote Dr. Laura includes that sums up how to handle revenge best comes from a surprising source. Ancient Roman Marcus Aurelius Antonius (better known as Marc Anthony, Cleopatra’s hubby) is quoted as having said, “The best sort of revenge is not to be like him who did the injury.”

Dr. Laura highly encourages her readers to use the advice and the tools she has provided to build the confidence they need to achieve a contented, fulfilling life that is free of the stress of worrying about what others think. She concludes her book by saying “Don’t press the ‘pause’ button on your life by festering with anger and feelings of vengeance; all we each have is time, so fill it well.”