Myths About Family Life

In class we read from Marriage & Family: The Quest for Intimacy written by Robert H. Lauer and Jeanette C. Lauer. 

In the reading it talked about myths about family life. A few of the myths that are in the book are: 
Opposites attract
People marry because they love each other
Having children increases marital satisfaction
A good sex life is the best predictor of marital satisfaction
Happily married people don't have conflict
Half of all marriages end in divorce

These myths can be very damaging to family life. Opposites may attract but those differences that you thought were so cute at the beginning of your relationship may just break your marriage and family because they are differences that you can't or wont put up with or overcome. 
It is very good to love the person that you marry, but that should not be the only factor in your decision to marry. There are so many other factors that need to be considered in your choice to marry someone. A couple of these factors are goals and values that each person have. Couples need to share the same personal, life, and relationship goals. It is also very important for the couple to share the same values. 
Having children is very important and can be very satisfactory in a marriage and family. Unfortunately children also ads on a ton of stress as well. Children cause lack of sleep, they are very expensive, they take a lot of time and emotional strain on a parent and a relationship. Children can really take a tole on a marriage but children also strengthens a marriage when the husband and wife unite with each other to raise their child.
Having a good sex life will not keep a marriage together all by its self. It may help hold up a marriage but there needs to be a deeper connection between the couple. The relationship needs to be based off of friendship, love, respect, common goals and common values.
Just because you are happily married does not mean that there will be no conflicts. Many things will come up in a marriage that will bring conflicts, but it is important for the husband and wife to work together and build a stronger relationship. 
Not necessarily half of all marriages end in divorce. Even though many people get divorced it does not have to effect you and your marriage. Many people divorce over things that could be solved with some time and effort.  
 These myths can be very damaging to family life and marriage. There are many things that can hinder and challenge a marriage and relationship, but if the couple works together and fortify their relationship then there is nothing that will tear it down.