Family Life and Relationships

Study Notes

Family is a small unit where socialization begins to improve one's personality and makes them productive citizens. Integrity, love, and honesty are vital values that begin within the family, where each member plays a role in creating a healthy family life.

Attraction is admiration for someone, possibly including a desire to get to know them better. It often happens through infatuation or a crush.
Attraction is the charm or special quality that draws you to something. This can be physical or psychological although sometimes differentiating between the two can be difficult, particularly with love.

Infatuation is a short-term intense interest in someone or something.
Infatuations are often temporary, like intense crushes or a stomach flu, coming on strongly and then fading.

Love is a strong feeling of affection for another person. It's most commonly seen as an emotion between two people.
Love is a natural force that can't be commanded, demanded, or taken away.

Courtship can be informal and private, or a formal arrangement with family approval, a public affair or a formal arrangement.
It's about getting to know someone and their family, testing compatibility, and understanding their background, including their families.
It's often a stage preceding marriage and a way for couples to evaluate their compatibility.

Courtship can be done using cellphones through frequent calls and texting that develop a feeling of belonging and intimacy.
It can also include platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Skype, or other social networking sites.

Dating is a social activity where two or more people assess each other's suitability for a relationship.
Dating can be enjoyed as part of an existing relationship.
Dating involves people who are attracted to each other spending time together to see if they can stand to be around each other most of the time. If this is successful, a relationship may develop.

Engagement is a period of agreement between two people who are in love, allowing them time to get to know each other, their families, and making sure they are ready for a long-term commitment.

Marriage is a legally and socially sanctioned union, often between a man and a woman.
Laws, rules, customs, beliefs and attitudes regulate marriage, outlining the rights and duties of the partners and the status of children.

Maturity: Making good decisions and handling relationships responsibly.
Fidelity: Sincerity, commitment, and truthfulness in the relationship.
Commitment: Peaceful and long-lasting relationship, handling responsibility.
Love: Strengthening the relationship and understanding one's partner.
Economic Readiness: Ensuring financial stability and providing for the needs of the family.
Physical Maturity: Having a healthy body and outlook.
Character: Responsible, honest, hardworking, respectful and compassionate character.