Decision Making

"It is not natural for 2 people to be completely equal. It is divine."

This statement made during class really made me think. I realized that yes, it's hard for two people to be completely equal in the way they make decisions. It's hard for each to have their say and to accomplish what they each want. Yes it is hard, but it can be done!

It is a divine thing for a man and a woman to be complete equals. They may have different views, opinions, and roles, but they are equal. In order for a family to function most effectively, a husband and wife have to view each other (and themselves) as equals. Each plays a vital role in families, and if they don't sustain and support one another, the family will not live up to its full potential.

Methods of Coping

I think this was something I needed to learn. There are many methods of coping, some of which are effective, and some that aren't. I realized some things that I need to change to help myself and my family cope better.

A lot of times, I'll use the avoidance method of coping. I won't talk about my problems; I just internalize them. I know there are problems, but I just won't talk about them. I realized through our discussion that this won't solve anything! I'll never be able to work through my problems by not discussing them and looking for how I can change it. This gave me a lot to think about.

Coping means taking raw edges and putting them together. There will always be raw edges in our lives; thing we'd rather do differently or trials that come into our lives. But it's the way we choose to cope-to work through those problems-that will determine the outcome. We can use ineffective coping methods, which will leave us with sloppy corners that don't quite fit, or we can find better methods that will leave us with smooth results. I know what I want!