Marriage and the Family

 

Read Chapter on Living Alone, Cohabiting, Same-Sex Unions, and Other Intimate Relationships.

The issue of cohabitation is a debated topic in terms of cultural acceptability and societal norms.

1. Write each question, then write your response. There are four specific questions that required your response. Write no less than 3 pages.

Based on your understanding of the reading and notes and some internet research –

a) What are your thoughts about cohabitation?

b) Is cohabitation a good thing or a negative thing?

c) What is the basis of your opinion (research) on cohabitation?

d) Is cohabitation a societal norm, cultural norm, or personal decision? Explain.

 

2. Review the alternatives to marriage below. Explain in no less than 200 words the similarities and differences between – Civil Union; Domestic Partnership and common law. –

Marriage and the Family

 

THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES

1: Words of Affirmation Actions don’t always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words “I love you” are important—hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten.

2: Quality Time – For those whose love language is spoken with Quality Time, nothing says, “I love you,” like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but being there—with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby—makes your significant other feels truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be exceedingly hurtful.

3: Receiving Gifts – Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, cared for, and prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday, anniversary, or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures.

4: Acts of Service – Can vacuuming the floors be an expression of love? Absolutely! Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an “Acts of Service” person will speak volumes. The words he or she most wants to hear: “Let me do that for you.” Laziness, broken commitments, and doing more work tell speakers of this language their feelings don’t matter.

5: Physical Touch – This language isn’t all about the bedroom. A person whose primary language is Physical Touch is, not surprisingly, very touchy. Hugs, pats on the back, holding hands, and thoughtful touches on the arm, shoulder, or face—can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love. Physical presence and accessibility are crucial, while neglect or abuse can be unforgivable and destructive.

Answer each of the following questions in 3 or more sentences. Write the question; under it, write your response.

1. What do you think is the correct love language for you? Explain why. This may also be a combination.

2. What love languages do members of your family use? How do you know?

3. What may be some of the conflicts love languages cause in your family? Explain

4. The expert says that we get our love languages from our parents. How could we change our love languages to keep the peace in our family? Explain

5. How could you find out the love language of members of your family? Explain