Lesson 1: Societal Trends and the Family

This week we talked about myths and trends regarding the family. I found it interesting the myths that opposites attract, we marry for love, happy couples don't fight, a good sex life means a good marriage and that 50% of marriages end in divorce. These were dispelled as myths because of studies conducted and trends observed in these studies. Our teacher then posed a question: which trends are significant and WHY? The significant trends, like premarital sex and cohabitation, can influence other trends like cohabitation and putting off children.

My personal belief is that cohabitation isn't beneficial to healthy relationships but I wanted more information, so I went to Facebook (yes, still biased, but it expanded things a little). I got opinions from it's a practice for marriage to it's a practice for divorce. But overall the consensus was that it breaks down relationships because of a lack of commitment.  Why is this? It's because at any time either partner could leave. There's no commitment of a shared household, just the feeling of VERY intimate roommates. However I can understand why it's popular: the basic need for intimacy (love, affection, caring, deep attachment) coupled with the fear of rejection.

In class we talked about types of loneliness: social (a need for interpersonal interaction) and emotional (need for intimate relationships). The consequences of loneliness are physical and emotional health problems, increased stress, negative emotions (and more). The way to combat this is not through cohabitation, but rather in a married relationship. While marriage doesn't fix or eliminate problems, it creates a better environment.

"Happily ever after does not mean with never a difference nor disagreement."

My brother and his wife, Holly, on their wedding day, then a year later, after being sealed in the Logan, Utah LDS Temple. " I love being married. I wouldn't want it any other way." -Stuart Sogla