The importance of marriage

 Over these past couple of weeks, we have talked about various topics regarding families. We have talked about the importance of family,  children, cultural differences, gender differences, etc. Last week we discussed the topic of dating and how important it is to find the right partner, the different experiences that will allow us to truly get to know our significant ones. It is important to know about their values, their opinions, their reactions, etc. Some of us never think about these at first, but we understand how important they are once we begin a relationship with someone. After meeting the right person the next step if both partners agree on it would be to get married. Although this is not as encouraged nowadays it is an essential part of creating a family. As we have previously discussed married families are the best system where children can grow more successfully and have better outcomes in life as compared to other types of families.

I think most girls have dreamed of the day when they get married. We have dreamed about the dress we want to wear, when we want to do it, we have dreamed about the ideal partner, etc. However, being in a relationship and getting married are two totally different things. In fact, as we have discussed previously, whenever there is an alteration in a system, things have to become balanced again. In the step from becoming boyfriend and girlfriend, and husband and wife, many changes take place. Sometimes even the reasons for marriage can vary, it is not always up to love. Sometimes marriage comes from convenience, or are they are arranged marriages. Marriage is beautiful but it is sometimes hard. I think we have all heard about the struggles of marriage and how important it is for us to be faithful to our partners and put the best effort into them. I feel like marriage is similar to friendship. I believe most of us have had friends that we have fallen apart with, sometimes without even realizing why. I have learned the most important thing is to put the effort into our relationships. Whether they are friends or our partners. My mother always told me the importance of effort in marriage because sometimes it is not always a dream or a fantasy. Sometimes marriage is hard and the idea of divorce has passed through her mind a couple of times. But both my parents have put in the effort of maintaining the bond they created years ago. That is one of the reasons why I deeply appreciate marriage counselors. They can help partners make the best out of their relationships and help them communicate with each other.

Beginning a family as a married couple is a difficult time. There are many changes that happen in the first year of marriage. Partners go from meeting each other every other day and spending a lot of time together to spending every single day together. They leave their families and have to adjust to this whole new life. There are new aspects that are part of their lives that they have to learn how to deal with. They are no longer two different people living separate lives, they are one. Or at least that´s what my family has taught me. One of the things my parents taught me about is finances and learning how to manage it together. My parents for instance decided to have separate accounts. It is also important to talk about housework. For example, both my parents decided to continue working and focusing on their careers. This is important especially if partners are thinking about having children. Both my parents also decided to divide responsibilities at home and became equal partners.

I am no expert in marriage as I am not married and all I know about it comes from my family´s advice and the things I learn in this class. However, it is clear to me that marriage is an important step and partners have to put a lot of effort to make their marriages successful.