In The Song I Won T Give Up

When one looks at romantic love, one would conclude that it is a social dyad that brings about certain responsibilities between two people in a relationship such as honesty, protection, openness and expressions of love. (William, 2008: 76). Contrasting with

Doesn’t giving up mean a person can’t fail? I believe that if someone gives up they can’t succeed. If they hadn’t given up, think about all the accomplishments they could have earned

Fairy tales tell us that once upon a time a girl met a boy; they fell in love, and lived happily ever after. Reality is not that simple. Long-term relationships force couples to get to know each other, involve themselves in each others’ worlds, fight through the hard times, and eventually develop deeper connections as noted through distinctive stages of Knapp’s relationship model. Although I have dated the same person for over two years, our communication through relationship stages makes it seem as though I am now dating a different person than the one I met years ago. Following dissolution and subsequent repair, I realize the most exhilarating of roller coaster rides develop through sets of ups and downs, much like the

One of the reasons that so many marriages today end up in divorce today has to do with the interpersonal personal relationship principle known as fatal attraction. When most people think of fatal attraction, they right away think of the popular definition represented in the movie “Fatal Attraction”. This paper will define the principle of fatal attraction from an interpersonal relationship perspective. Along with a definition of fatal attraction, I will explore some of the causes of fatal attraction. I will discuss my experiences with fatal attractions.

Dating back to the early 1900’s and all the way through to the present, romantic relationships have been viewed differently. From strict unwritten dating regulations to not having regulations at all, recent generations have become more liberated in making their own decisions. The progressing times have made us become a more accepting society and have caused a decrease in the strong practice of religion and class. Even though differences such as religion and class in relationships were more than an issue they were not always a complete deterrence.

The part of chapter 1 I find most interesting is that, Epp breaks the social norms that have been instilled in us since childhood. For example, fairytales and romantic comedies that depict that you can find your soulmate and know they are “the one” in single moments. Many relationships end because of issues over looked or minimized because of “love”. Epp uses the term love-is-blind syndrome to describe his patients that lessened warning signs of relationship issues and lacked the knowledge to cultivate healthy relationships. The history of marriages was not always based on love, it wasn’t until recent history that people have been responsible for finding their own partners. “Eighty percent of all cultures throughout all history practiced some form of planned marriages: arranged marriages and forced marriages.” In the past relationships were based off of “…cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds; compatible in social status and family values; beneficial for not just the two who were marring but also the extended families involved.” It was planned out to create the most beneficial situation as possible, love was not involved. Epp referred to this as “think” when creating a relationship. That is the issue in today’s society that thought has been thrown out the window, and the heart has taken over. For example, “The trouble

The saying, “Do not give up,” makes up a huge part of who I am. Constantly, in my day-to-day life, there is a challenge that I must face and conquer. Whether it be family, friends, soccer, or school, I have always had to persevere through the challenges that these things, and many more bring my way. In this case, perseverance is a giant part of my identity, and who I am. When something challenges me, I do not turn away, but instead I face it.

The stark divide between love and marriage shown right the way through cannot be comprehended fully by the twenty-first century reader: in today’s society marriage and love are mutually exclusive - you very rarely get one

The idea of "love at first sight" is a common theme portrayed throughout a wide variety of media outlets within the American culture. In his article "Choosing Mates-The American Way," Martin King Whyte puts forth the idea that in American culture there are two distinctly different theories that describe the process in which we go about choosing a companion, one which involves a marketplace viewpoint and another that is established in love (134). These competing viewpoints surrounding the ways in which we choose our partners are important ideas to consider when thinking about the formation of family bonds within our culture. A few other intriguing viewpoints that I will consider in the formation of my own family is the idea of "choice" that is prevalent amongst our Western culture (Pasupathi 163), as well as, the power that an individuals demographics plays on their opportunities at choosing a companion (Pasupathi 165). With the notion of the "traditional American nuclear family" being constantly challenged and reshaped in our current times, one can get a sense of how the concept of family is a fluid one. As postulated by Stephanie Coontz in her article, "Historical Perspectives of Family Diversity," what constitutes a family has consistently differed throughout history and that one must always take into consideration the context of the many outside influences (socioeconomic, time period, cultural, etc.) that have a part in its formation (55).

Another myth about romantic is that a true soul mate ought to recognize what the partner is thinking or feeling without being told. Trust and disclosure go together in a romantic relationship progression. Specifically, the dialectical theory proposes that in the beginning of relationships, disclosure is vital as it is an indication of trust and affection in the relationship. The revelation of intimate details shows that a couple is going into a deeper relationship level (Click et al. 131). The myth that mind reading is required in love causes the assumption that partners ought not explain their rational assumptions or expectations since the other partner can read what they are thinking.

Relationships are hard and can be very painful sometimes. But, why? Are we just unlucky when it comes to making relationships? Or is the second party of the relationship at fault? Dr. Gary Smalley remarkably explains key concepts that could solve many relationship issues in his book The DNA of Relationships.

Sociological perspectives explains love relationships as not perfect but a working progress. A commitment which relies on continuous maintenance and reassurance. Love relationship practices and investments are configured in experiences that will be shared in the past, present and in the future.

This literature review will first define romantic relationships and explore what exactly happens in the development of these relationships. From the research found, individual’s age or sex did not necessarily affect the differences in communication. Some research claimed that communication itself defined a romantic relationship; while other researchers said that a couple having the conversation of, “what are we?” was enough to define the relationship. Sometimes it was mutuality in a relationship that helped define it. Mutuality in relationships was often increased with positivity and compliments between partners (Doohan and Manusov 2004).

The article “Romantic Comedies Affect Beliefs About Relationships”, written by Arlyn Riskind, suggests to readers that romantic films are a major source for developing unrealistic expectations about love and relationships. “A survey of 335 undergraduate students in the Midwest found a significant relationship between reporting watching romantic films often and belief in the ideals “love conquers all,” “one and only” love (soul mate) and “love at first sight” (Riskind). These findings compliment the expectation that watching romantic movies is a major source leading to the unrealistic expectations among viewers.

For many of us who are in a relationship either by marriage or simply as mates can relate to the feelings they are exhibited within and around one when they are with or simply thinking about our mates. This feeling of security and belonging tends to increase our love towards each other, especially during times of pain and death. We begin to see the world of insecurity and being alone, a world of being abandoned and feeling useless. There are those who don’t posses a “soul mate';, and nonetheless they too feel an increase of love; the love of having a mate of being wanted and loved, and the feeling of not being alone.