Myths

How many of us have heard that 50% or half or marriages end in divorce? How many times have we heard that? Personally I have heard it at least 10-20 times. Have you ever wondered where that statistic comes from? Brother Williams shared with us that research actually shows that 25% of marriages end in divorce...

Today in Family Relations we discussed some really interesting myths about the family.

Common myths:

-Opposites attract.
When it comes down to it. We are more successful with people with a similar backgrounds and values/goals. Of course we are each different, but usually opposites that are extreme which attract us at first, are the things we struggle with after marriage.

-Having children Increases Marital Satisfaction.
While having a child is incredibly fulfilling, it requires new energy and time. Having a child, for most means stretching the financial belt and can cause worry. The energy and time you were able to put on your relationship is now focused on your child instead of each other. Now, having a child is amazing, can and does increase happiness for a successful couple. But many couples who are struggling think that having a baby will solve their problems. This is the side of the myth.

-Happily Married People don't have conflict.
 This one is pretty obvious right? This is why communication and problem solving come in handy. It is impossible to dodge or avoid conflict altogether. But those who can work  through them together are happy:)

(This next myth is not from my family relations class, but I think it's a good one)
-A relationship is 50/50
One of my mission Dads always told me "This is the wrong way to think about it If each of you is only willing to give 50% what happens when one of you is struggling and can't make up your part? You have to each be willing to go 100% so that when one of you is struggling, the other one is there."

So what are your thoughts about these myths? Do you think they are true? False?



   

FAML160

This Semester I am studying Family Relations where we look into the family unit: how we can contribute, what role certain factors play in relationships and development, and so on. Our teacher has invited us to blog about our findings--and I think it's awesome!

I just want to share my thoughts and why I am so passionate about The Family. I do not believe it is a coincidence that God set us up in families, and that they are the most fundamental units we are involved in. I know that we find strength in family. Sure we have struggles, but there is a gravity that pulls us together. I find joy in my family, in trying to understand each other and figure out what I can do better and how I can help them more. Life would be so boring if we didn't have all of our quirks and stupidities. We shouldn't be ashamed for being different than everybody else. We are each separate and unique for a purpose.

Together we are powerful. 

What The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints teaches us about the family.