Some of the "HOW'S" to Dating

I am definitely not a pro when it comes to dating. This week's topic pique my interest, because I am still in the single phase that seems never-ending at times. Today dating has changed to hanging out. Hanging out should not replace the dating process. Hanging out is a good way to meet a lot people, and become acquaintances. It is not always beneficial when you are trying to date another person. In group hangouts there is no obligation to anyone, and it can feel like you are competing with others in the group to catch the attention of the person you like.  

Some Hows: What is a date? A date is planned, paid for, and paired off. Either the man or the woman can do these things. It is also good to involve the other in the planning. The best dates are the ones where you can get to know the other, and have fun. A movie is probably not a good choice, because you don't get to interact with each other. Some good examples would be teaching the other how to play a sport, making a meal together, or picking out a funny outfit for each other to wear on your date.    A good plan to incorporate into your dating success would be the three T's from Van Epp. They are called the "Know Quo." They include Talk, Togetherness, Time, and this equals "Knowing." Talk is good to get to know the other person and have mutual self disclosure. Togetherness is involving yourselves in a wide range of activities. This provides you and opportunity to get to know one another in different settings. Time is important also. It is hard to get to know someone in a short time. It is beneficial to both of you if you date for a longer amount of time. It allows you to get to know one another better before you move on to the next step, marriage? :)

These are just some ideas that I found interesting and informational for others. They are simple but profound when dating. They can help you make the most out of dating.

Society's Ideas on Fertility Rates

The international average for fertility rates is 2.13, and every nation is beneath this average. The U.S. is close with a 2.09 average. This average is given regarding the amount needed to replace the older generation. Is this number surprising to anyone else? That means we have families with one child and maybe a second one.

I have felt for a time that society has painted a picture of fashion, glamour, travel, money among other things above the family. That the family is good, but if you do certain things like having too many kids that you lose your freedom to live your life. It has become a self serving, look at me society. This to me is sad. 

In our current time, the old out number the rising generation. This trend of having less children is creating and imbalance in our society. This equals to less production of new jobs, and a decline in natural resources. Less is not more in this situation.

Family as a whole is beneficial for an individual, for the whole family unit, and society. There is lots to learn. In your family you learn critical lessons that set the stage for the rest of your life. The lessons that are taught in the family are taken into society by the children. These morals are what make up our society and guide us. Family benefits our society by improving productions and creates jobs. There are many more reasons why having family is a good thing. Having family is what helps improve the quality of our society, and children are apart of this family.

Understanding Same Gender Attraction

This subject is one that is heavily discussed in today's society. There are many that struggle with unwanted attraction to the same gender. I haven't always understood the struggles they go through. However, after discussing it in class and studying the matter on my own, I now have a better understanding regarding same sex attraction. My thoughts are ones of love and compassion.

It can start with just a small misunderstanding. An example could be a little boy wanting to get his nails painted with his sisters. Others outside of the boy's family might think he must be gay or that he may have those tendencies because he likes his nails painted. In this instance he is categorized as gay and people start treating him as such. The boy then starts to think that he is gay. When really this little boy just wanted to be accepted and included. This is just a simple example of misinterpreting the boys motives.

There have been many studies on how individuals change their orientation. It is said that some of the causes are not feeling accepted by the same sex; which leads them to seek approval from the same sex, sexual abuse, pornography, being detached from the parent of their same gender, not being satisfied in heterosexual relationships, bullying, teasing, and not fitting societies's norm for their specified gender. This causes the individual to suffer from low self esteem, depression, detachment, drug abuse, and suicidal tendencies. These are not all, but some of the determined causes.

Many with this difficult struggle don't understand what is wrong with them, and blame themselves. In the end it is the individual that has control over his or her actions in pursuing homosexual relations. Many have found that after living this type of life are not happy and feel empty inside. They seek to overcome this behavior that they have.

With my new awareness, I feel more love for those that have same gender attraction. I don't know what they have gone through, and what has led them to this point. I personally don't agree with individuals having homosexual relations, but that doesn't mean that I do not care for them and love them. I do care and will always be a friend. Also, I do know that there is help for those that want to overcome same sex orientation. Help can be found in religious leaders, counselors in the appropriate field, including family and friends.

This is the link to a video that helps "understanding same sex attraction"
https://youtu.be/jJhyzqdzpnM