Further Exploration.

I really learned a lot from the non-verbal and verbal communication sections; they taught me things I didn’t even know I did! I was fascinated by the text and the key points and believe that if the course incorporated an activity to educate us further on these types of communication and different ways to practice them it could be very useful. The reason I enjoyed and learned most from these sections was because they are the primary ways we communicate with others, either by expressing our emotions verbally or through action. We may not recognize this, but the way we express how we are feeling through emotion is a big deal! People can read emotion better than we can ourselves; we can always hide what we feel by the way we speak, but with our actions it is way more difficult. I believe more people need to understand the mechanisms of this section as well as learn and alter their own actions. These two forms of communication can make or break a discussion—and learning the fundamentals of how to interact in situations with these two traits is crucial.

My Favorite Things.

My favorite thing about this class was that it was online! I enjoyed having a gap in my schedule to do extra studying or not be on campus for the day. I appreciated how clear and concise online instructions were; for there was never a time I needed extra clarification or to go to an office hour for help regarding the blog set-up. I liked the dynamic of reading others blogs and comments and being able to voice our own opinion about a section in the book and being able to reply to others. I think this made the class a little more unique than several other online courses I have taken previously. My least favorite thing about the class was that it became repetitious and at times; I would have liked to see other activities online we could have done such as worksheets about the chapter or even online videos would have been fun! Maybe in addition to blogs watch video’s online pertaining to the chapters and for one of the blogs write about the video or have a video worksheet and no blog. I think with a video it would create more interaction, added material, and would have broken up the flow of the class. Maybe meet in class once a semester to actually convene with the people we networked with all semester long. Despite all these things, I think the class was awesome regardless! Thank you.

What I've Learned.

I initially took this course because it was a requirement--like the majority of us. But overtime I learned this class was vital for life’s struggles; and to understand not only how to communicate with others but why we converse and say/do the things we do. It is not only important to know how to articulate with our peers, but to develop an understanding for why people act the way they do. I have learned to comprehend the field of communication in that it is a necessary skill for a person’s involvement within their community and their relationships. The fundamental skills I have acquired from this class most are the skills of understanding non-verbal communication, the foundation for both intimate relationships as well as friendships, and how to manage emotions better when in a conversation. Mostly I have learned how to manage my communication better. I am able to observe yet regulate my words and have learned to not get defensive, but instead to listen more intently and honor criticism.

Question 3

1.       A section that I found most meaningful this week was to “Make Daily Choices That Enhance Intimacy.” I find that a lot of people who are in long term relationships or have been in marriages for a long time either remark on the fact they are “happily in love” or have “fallen out of love”—mostly due to the excuse “we are no longer sexually there” or “he/she doesn’t act the same way” or what have you. I think that these are all excuses and it is their own fault; it is us that “choose who we will be and what kind of relationship we will fashion” (Woods, 318). Whether you have a busy schedule due to work or children, never get comfortable with neglecting your spouse or loved one. It is our responsibility to maintain a loving and healthy relationship, regardless of who it may be—it takes two. Woods could not say it any better but that “intimate partners choose to sustain closeness or let it wither, to build defensive  or supportive climates, to rely on destructive or constructive communication to deal with conflict, to fulfill or betray trust, and enhance or diminish each other’s self-concepts” (Woods, 318). Think of one thing you like your partner does on a daily basis, whether it’s bringing you your coffee in the morning to remembering your favorite treat and buying it at the store for you. These things are considered the little things, and in most relationships these occur in the beginning stages, but why do we let them fade? That is our fault if that happened. Make this a continuing effort, and create more of them—more likes and more memories. These are the little things we long for and should continue to want to do for our loved ones to sustain an intimate relationship. So quit making excuses and start making choices that will continue to enhance the quality of your relationship now.

Evolving Marriages.

1.       Knowing our society has become more advanced and more open to new ideas, we have witnessed changes that have never been done before—like gay marriages, higher divorce rates and more women in the work force obtaining higher power. These types of changes have truly changed our society according to some people. Over the next 50 years there is going to be change not only in our marriages, but the way families operate and handle things. Our society is changing every day, and the more we let it take over, the more it will also take over our family as well. Change in this world has brought a lot of technological advances into our lives and with small changes like these and too much of them it can eventually destroy family time and the way we interact with each other—which essentially is the building block for marriage and family.

Family.

1.       I believe a family is a very big commitment, not just for a married couple but also a commitment to the family members you bring into this world—you have a responsibility as an adult to take care of the people who you love and have created. Often times neglect comes into play and can cause things like divorce and split homes/families for children, and I believe that is wrong. I understand that things happen overtime whether they are for the good or for the worse, but you made a vow to commit to a person and that is a promise a person should consider forever, especially when bringing children into this world. Family members to me in my perspective provide love, support, and friendships that last a lifetime. My family is important to me, despite the fact my family is small, and my parents being divorced (which is why I support and believe in building a strong family from the beginning), I treasure and value them daily. I believe family is there for advice and to talk when you have good things happening in your life or bad; I believe family is your support system and should be there in any time of need for love and comfort. Based on the family relationships discussed in the book, I believe that establishing a family is most important, and to plan your expectations from the get go. I do not typically agree with enlarging a family unless you are financially ready and able; because without doing this, you can create many financial burdens and unnecessary problems in your family life. I believe in encouraging independence, but not neglect. Making sure your child or spouse has freedom is very important to become a healthy and successful adult in the future.