We had our final not too long ago and part of it involved reminiscing about previous assignments/discussions. Its interesting to see how much easier it is to remember when you are discussing with someone else. We split up into groups a lot in that class and I think there is a reason for that. It kind of helped me see the benefits of working together and helping one another. BYU-I is big on teamwork so this is a good concept to learn.

Since we wrote a paper on fatherhood in my Family Relations class I thought I'd post some of my opinions. My main thought is that there are two sides to parenthood; a work oriented side and a loving and nurturing side. Both parts are very necessary. Many fathers and mothers think that providing for the physical needs of the family is enough; that that is all it takes to be a good parent. The truth is this is only half of the work. People need their emotional needs fulfilled; it is just as necessary to life as eating and breathing. Being a good parent means moving past comfort zones and improving, daily. It means going through the awkward talks and all of the struggles children face. A big part of being a good parent is also restraint; punishments are used to teach children not to let out uncontrolled emotions. Parenthood is a big job and something that takes a lot of work, but yet is one of the most rewarding jobs we can ever take on.

In class we discussed the meeting of the 1st Presidency in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (the Mormon church), and even if you do not believe in such a faith the example they set can be applicable for anyone. (The 1st presidency meeting is basically when the leaders of the Mormon church get together to make big decisions.) First off in their meetings they start by saying a prayer to invite the Spirit to help them think clearly and to make appropriate decisions. They then go around the room and give their different opinions until they come to a complete consensus. Another important aspect to their meeting is they show appreciation and kindness to each other; it is not a battle of who is right and wrong. Everyone's opinion is equally valued and respected. The last thing they do is eat chocolate pie. It might seem funny but it has significant psychological benefits; it helps keep everyone in a better mood essentially. This type of meeting is extremely applicable for the way we meet with our spouse; showing love, kindness,and appreciation for one another, coming to a consensus decision, and not arguing but seeking the best option.

About three weeks ago we talked about what makes "dating" dating. Dating is planned, payed for, and paired off; these are the three "P's" of dating. I went to the movies a few months back with a girl who I had been acquaintances with for a while. I simply asked her to the movies but never made it clear on whether or not it was actually a date. I have to say it made it all the more thrilling but also more complex. We talked about it later and it was in fact considered a date by her standards and mine since it was planned, payed for, and paired off. Anyway, something to keep in mind if you ask a girl to the movies.

Many divorces are caused from financial problems. A lawyer might say 80% are caused from a lack of money or disagreements about money, a psychologist might say 60%, but a Family/Marriage counselor would probably give you a number around 30%. Who would know best? In my opinion a couple probably isn't going to be perfectly open and honest about their divorce problems with their lawyer. A psychologist might have more insight, but a Family/Marriage counselor is the one who would be more interested in the absolute truth or the real problem. Sure 80% of divorcees had financial problems, but chances are there are underlying issues. Someone like a Family/Marriage counselor would have the skills to really find out the real source.

A few weeks ago, in class, we talked about relationships and the five main parts, or steps to them, which are: know, trust, rely, commit and touch. They are supposed to go in that order but often times those entering a new relationship will skip a step or four. This can cause problems if touch comes first. This can boost trust, relying, or commitment to an individual without actually knowing them. It tricks our brain into think a relationship is further ahead than it really should be. I think its something we should be careful of. If we want the ideal relationship, there are certain ways to go about it.

In class a while back we talked about depression and since I have known quite a few people with depression I was pretty interesting in hearing what the teacher had to say. We mainly discussed the origins of depression and how it had to do with how the way we think affects the way we are. If we think there is no hope our body will actually prepare for its demise. I just found it interesting, and it seems depression hinges a lot on hope and what we look forward to.