Power & Conflict

This week we talked about the importance of recognizing the different power techniques that members in families may use to achieve something they want. The different power types include coercive, reward, legitimate, expert, referent, and informational. It is important to be aware of these methods, so you can be aware of when you are using them or when they are being used against you. When you are aware of the use of power preventive measures can be taken to improve the relationship between family members. Power can be used in response to conflict between people. Conflict is when there is a difference in opinion, perspective, or experience. It is important to not manipulate those you love, or be manipulated by those as well through the use of power.

Family Crisis

This week we talked about coping with stressful situations in the family. As I was looking at some videos I found this MormonMessage about a father who had a lot of difficult situations come up in his family, but he was strong and they all worked together to push through. He didn't turn to denial, or alcohol, or abuse. He was loving and kind, and it brought the family closer together and made them stronger. I wanted to post this video as a reminder of what marriage and family should be about, and it fit pretty well for Father's Day as well.

The Types of Affair

When ones mentions affair today, we automatically think of sexual relations. There are emotional and physical affairs though. Emotional affairs include: fantasy and romantic. Fantasy is described as "having an emotional affair with someone who has no knowledge about what is taking place, or with someone who is anonymous and would likely never be met." Romantic is "when an individual becom[es] emotionally involved with a specific person other than his or her spouse." The physical affairs are visual and sexual. A visual affair "such as pornography are perhaps the most common type of infidelity." Sexual, of course, is when a person engages in sexual acts with someone other than the person they are attached to. It is important to recognize that many of these affair types are linked and can lead to another. One most take the proper steps to prevent all of these affair types from occurring, so a marriage or relationship can stay strong.

Marriage

I really enjoyed this weeks discussions about keeping a marriage strong, and working through the hard times. When children come it really is important to involve the father and mother in the entire process. Have him go to check-ups with you. Work on names together, and discuss how the workload is going to change when the baby is born. It is really important to just work together and express your love. As I went throughout this week I thought of this Mormon Message and how it really does apply.