Relationship Transitions and End of the Semester

Seems I forgot yet ANOTHER topic! So, I'm going to blog about transitions in marriage, and just wrap up the semester!

The funny thing about relationships is that they tend to change. They tend to make transitions, as you get further into a relationship. You move from dating, to being in a relationship, to being in a serious relationship, to being engaged, to being married. Then within marriage there are transitions. What's also interesting is that in every relationship there's a "honeymoon" period, where everyone is on their best behavior and showing the best parts of them. Then comes the transition, where you've reached the point in your relationship where you can just be yourself, and this can be a somewhat rocky transition. However, don't let this deter you. The point of any relationship is to get to know the person, and to do everything you can to make it work.

One of the biggest changes that can happen in a marriage is having children. This is a HUGE time of transition, because you're trying to get used to having a new person in your life, and doing all you can for this beautiful little creature of endless needs. This can cause a lot of strain on a relationship, because suddenly you don't have as much time for yourself and your spouse as you used to. But continuously finding time to work together, and grow closer in your relationship can strengthen your relationship.

In my Abnormal Psychology class last semester, one thing we talked about was the myth of "happily ever after." Don't get me wrong, I love Disney and fairy tales as much as the next girl, but the funny thing about stories like that, is they give us the wrong idea. They give us the idea that people should be happy day-in and day-out and that everything gets better or easier after marriage. In the immortal words of Dwight Schrute: "False." Marriage is just as hard as any other relationship, if not harder. But, it is also the most rewarding. Which is why we need to work through the issues, and navigate through the transitions. Any relationship can be warm and rewarding, if you are willing to put in the time and effort necessary to make it so.

This class has been a really amazing class. I have learned so much, just in the space of 3 months. I will forever be glad that I took this class, because of the knowledge and understanding of families and relationships I have gained. I think it will come in handy when I have a family of my own someday.