Marriage and Family Values

There are many myths in America dealing with marriage and family. In chapter one, we learned the real truths behind those myths and how those myths came about. They myth that we lost the extended family, which are grandparents, parents and children, is false. The truths behind this myth is the fact that life expectancy in the past was lower, diseases killed many older peoples, and children left home when they married. The myth stating that people marry because they love each other is somewhat true, but not in all cases. Some people don’t marry for love at all, but for reasons such as loneliness, the fact that people might expect the couple to get married, for economic security, etc. Another myth that was brought up in chapter one was the myth that said that having children increases marital satisfaction. In truth, studies show that marital satisfaction decreases for one or both spouses during the child rearing years. One or both parents claim this for reasons such as no time and energy for their relationship and having a child adds financial restraints. Marital status does, in fact, increase when the child or children grow up and leave home. The myth that a good sex life is the best predictor of marital status is also fals

Through the conceptual lens of exchange theory and my own life experience, I will discuss and illustrate how equity and self-disclosure are key components of intimacy. The exchange theory uses the popular expression, “You owe me one”. In interaction, we all attempt to keep our costs lower than our rewards. Costs are money, time, emotional or intellectual energy we put into a relationship. Rewards are emotional or intellectual gratification, money, and a sense of security. In the exchange theory the individual weighs the pros and cons, the costs and rewards of a situation and tries to determine if the situation is fair or appealing or worth while. I am currently in a relationship with someone, and before reading this chapter, I found myself applying the exchange theory to our relationship. We have a long distance relationship that has been going on for over a year now and I often find myself weighing the costs and rewards and wondering if this relationship is worth all that it is. I came to the conclusion that no matter how great the distance is between my boyfriend and I, what we share is one of the greatest things anyone could ever experience. I find that we are very equal in our relationship, although being the romantic that my boyfriend is, he shows more affection at times. Equity is important to both of us and we both love the way our relationship is. He loves complementing me and doing anything for me if I ever need