Myths About Family

Hey!
     So this week we talked about a lot of different things in class. I want to tell you guys about everything that I have learned both in class and out of class, but that would be very difficult. So I have decided to talk about some of the myths or misconceptions of family and marriage. I found it very interesting how silly some of the myths are, but I will explain that a little more later.  Most of the myths I am going to talk about are out of my text book for class (Marriage & Family: The Quest For Intimacy).

Myths:

1.) Opposites Attract
     Everyone has heard this old cliche' before. However, I thought it was interesting that they called this a myth. I always thought that there was some kind of truth behind this statement, but according to the book this is very untrue. My text states, "... the more alike you are, the better your chances of having a lasting and satisfying relationship." I just thought this was really interesting. After stopping and thinking about it more, it really doesn't make sense that you would be attracted to your opposite.
     Take me for an example, I am a very responsible and realistic person. I am a firm believer in having rules and boundaries. So it wouldn't make a whole lot of sense that I would Marry someone who would go out and do whatever he wanted and not think about the consequences. Or someone that would allow our children to do something wrong and get away with it, not redirect them and teach them why it was wrong.
    I just had a thought though. Personally I would want to marry someone that would support these ideals, yes, but that would maybe be a little more relaxed or laid back. I don't want to be these supper uptight parents either. I don't think I will be uptight, but I am, as I said, a firm believer in boundaries. So if I married someone who was like me our kids would become these crazy, monk introverts. Sometimes I just need someone to tell me to take a chill pill.
Wow, now I am not sure if I think this is a myth or not. I would actually appreciate if you guys would comment and tell me your thoughts.    

2.) Happily Married People Don't Have Conflict
     This myth actually made me laugh when I read it. Do some people get married and think that everything will be perfect? That just seems so ridiculous to me. Of course you are going to have problems and disagreement. I like what the book said though. It states, "...not only is conflict normal, but when it is handled properly, it strengthens rather than threatens the marriage." Couples are going to disagree it is inevitable, but it can make you grow closer with your spouse. If you come at an issue with an open mind and work it out as a team and not as two apposing sides. We are meant to learn and grow together as individuals. If that makes sense.

Okay well this post has turned out a lot different than I planed. I was going to talk about 5 myths briefly and kind of got caught up in the first one. So let me just touch on my thoughts about myths in general. , Most of these Myths seem really silly to us, but they are falsehoods that people fall into. I would think that this stuff would be common sense. However, when people hear things over and over again they start to stick. It is like the first myth that opposites attract, do they or don't they? It has confused me severely this evening.

Here are some of the other myths I wanted to talk about but don't have time for.
3.) Having Children Increases Marital Satisfaction
4.) A Good Sex Life Is The Best Predictor of Marital Satisfaction
5.) People Marry Solely Out of Love

 If you have Question PLEASE ask. I want to learn with you guys!