It's crazy to think that this semester is slowly but surely coming to a close.  And with the semester ending, we're talking about the later years in class.  We talked a lot about divorce, and I must say, it scares me to death.  I feel like I may be too picky about finding a future husband, but a divorce is something I definitely don't want.  Divorce is something I don't know too much about because I don't know too many people that have gone through it.  However, I feel like this isn't going to be the case much longer with how high divorce rates are getting.
     In class, I learned that there are 6 stations of divorce.  The first is emotional divorce.  Emotional divorce is the loss of affection, trust, and respect for each other.  It's important to remember that whoever you marry will at some point make you question them an their character.  That is no reason to get a divorce. 
      The next stage is legal divorce.  This is the kind that everyone knows about.  This is where you are separated through formal paperwork.  The next one is economic divorce.  It's important to see the whole picture, and to not simplify it.  Think of how many people this is impacting, and how it will affect them.  Next is co-parental which is where parenting is done separately. 
     The next stage is community.  This is where one parent has to leave their friends and other relationships to move somewhere else.  At this new location, they have to begin all over again, and it can be extremely hard.  The last stage is psychic.  This means going from couple mentality to individual mentality.  This can be hard for some people to get used to.  After talking about divorce in class, it terrifies me.  I don't ever want to go through something like this!
     Switching gears, there are several midlife challenges that people go through in their lives.  However, there are both pros and cons to each of these challenges.  The first challenge is health declining.  This  can be a blessing by helping relationships to deepen.  People want to be close to those who may not have as much time left as they do.  The next challenge is they are the "sandwich" generation, which means they are stuck in the middle of their parents, and their own kids.  They have a responsibility to watch and care for both.  This can be a blessing because it helps with self understanding.
     Another challenge is depression.  It's easy to slip in to.  It's easy to think about how hard life is, and how you don't know how you can take much more.  this however is a blessing because it can help you turn to the Lord for help.  It can help them to reorder their priorities.  Another challenge is appearance.  It tends to change, and they begin to look older.  This can be a belssing because it helps them to appreciate who they are and what they look like.  Instead of focusing on appearance, people tend to focus more on talents, and work on developing more of them. 
     Another challenge is death.  Death is hard on anyone, but can be a blessing to know that the person is in a better place.  It can help them not to fear death as much.  Another challenge is the empty nest.  They are so used to constantly having someone around- someone to watch and care for.  However, when all the kids are gone, it's a blessing because the couple can get to know each other again, on a deeper level.  They get the opportunity to grow closer together. 
     Through talking about divorce and midlife challenges, each is unique.  Divorce is something i'm going to strive to make sure never happens to me.  Midlife challenges are just that- challenges.  But, we can overcome them, and they really can be a bless

     Have you ever been afraid of the word parenting?  I think I have... but I'm more excited than anything!  What could be better than being a parent to children?!  However, society today seems to have a slightly different view than I do.  Birthrates are declining.  People aren't really that excited to have children anymore.  They're too busy working, so they can have money to buy all sorts of toys like IPADS, HDTV, outdoor/recreational toys, etc.  While, that's a really sad fact, I am excited to have children one day!
     When it comes to parenting, there are three different types of parenting styles.  The first is authoritative parenting.  This is the type of parenting style my parents were, and it's also the style I want to be with my future children.  This parenting style is where there is a lot of warmth, as well as good direction.  This is definitely the best kind of parenting style to be.  The next parenting style is authoritarian.  With this parenting style, there is more focus on direction rather than warmth.  And finally, the last parenting style is permissive.  With permissive parenting, there simply are no rules.  It is all warmth, and no structure.  This is not a good style to be.  When thinking about the different styles, its important to ask, what is the purpose of parenting?  The purpose is to prepare children for the world that they are going to be living in.  When we look at it in this perspective, we can see why we want to be authoritative parents.
      As parents, there are several things we should try to be.  first, when responding to children, our responses should be needs based, not behavior based.  We need to understand the childs needs so that we can better help the child.  It's important to remember that the behavior that gets noticed gets repeated.  Don't always pay attention to the bad unless you want it to keep happening. 
     In class, Brother Williams shared a quote that says "You can never get enough of what you do not need, because what you do not need cannot satisfy you."  Think about it.... That's the most true statement I have ever heard!  It's important to remember this quote in life because this will shape our priorities, and what we spend out time doing.  We need to make sure we are doing the right things, for the right reasons.
    Reflecting back on what we talked about in class this week, parenting is a terribly hard job, but extremely rewarding.  I can't wait to raise a family, and to try to be the best parent that I can possibly be!  It's important to not get caught up in the world, and to really focus on what is important.  The whole reason we are here on earth is to grow and develop and to make it back to our Heavenly Father.  Families help us

     Money, money, money.  Everyone wants it, everyone needs it.  It's one of those things that requires work to obtain, and work to keep.  However, what most people don't think about is the affects that finances can have on a family.  In society today, 80% of divorces happen because of finances... That's a really high percentage, and a really scary thought. 
     Fortunately, because I am a member of the church, there are many resources available to me and everyone else that are full of words of advice and wisdom.  In class, we received a pamphlet called One for the Money, by Marvin J. Ashton.  In this pamphlet, he gives twelve points that he believes will keep us our of financial trouble.  The first step he gives is to always pay an honest tithe.  While some months will be harder than others, it should never be a question in your mind as to whether to pay the tithing first or not.  There are billions of stories of faithful saints who paid their tithing first and were tremendously blessed.  We should always pay an honest full tithe first.  We will be blessed in return. 
     The second point he gives is to learn to manage money before it manages us.  Management of family finances should be mutual between husband and wife in an attitude of openness and trust.  The next point given is to learn self-discipline and self-restraint in money matters.  It's important that we distinguish our needs vs our wants.  The 24 hour rule helps us practice self control.  The next point is to use a budget.  He says "Every family must have a predetermined understanding of how much money will be available each month and the amount to be spent in each category of the family budget." 
     The next point is to teach family members early the importance of working and earning.  One of the greatest things parents can do for their children is to teach them how to work.  The next point is to teach children to make money decisions in keeping with their capacities to comprehend.  In this section, Marvin J. Ashton says that as parents, we need to let our children be responsible for the financial decisions affecting their own money and suffer the consequences of unwise spending.  We need to always remember the famous quote, "Save your money!"
     The seventh point is to teach each family member to contribute to the total family welfare.  We need to encourage each other to engage in inexpensive, fun projects together.  The next step is to make education a continuing process.  We need to complete as much formal, full time education as possible.  The money we invest in higher education will be wee invested in the long run.  The ninth point is to work toward home ownership.  We need to buy the type home that our income can support.  We need to remember to live within our means.
    The next point to remember is to appropriately involve ourselves in an insurance program.  It's important to have medical, automobile, and homeowner's insurance, as well as an adequate life insurance program.  The eleventh point is to understand the influence of external forces on family finances and investments.  We need to plan for and use a qise investment program that will help us to prepare for financial security, possible disability, and retirement.  The final point that is given is to appropriately involve ourselves in a food storage and emergency preparedness program.  We need to accumulate basic food storage and emergency supplies in a systematic and orderly manner.
     If we follow and apply each of these points in our lives, we will be better prepared and have control over our finances.  It will be a blessing, rather than a burden.  Finances in families is a big deal, but definitely something we can hav

     I think communication is one of the most important things in any relationship.  But, especially in marriage.  Communication is one of those things we learn to do through experience.  We learn language through experience as well.  It's important to understand that we communicate all the time.  You cannot not communicate, it's merely impossible.  If you aren't communicating verbally, you are communicating non-verbally, and vice versa.  Isn't that crazy to think about!?  I sure think so!  Communication can be either verbal, or non verbal.  They can be done at the same time, or separately. 
     Something interesting to notice is that when we are communicating with someone, we tend to notice more when they misunderstand us than when we misunderstand them.... that's something to definitely think about.  In communication, interpretation is everything.  That's the problem with texting these days.  In a text message, there is no way to fully understand what someone is saying because you simply can't see the emotion behind it... It's scary that the world is now relying so much on the use of technology because communication skills are lacking, and are only going to get worse in time.  This is why it is key to have communication in a marriage, and to be sure it's not a technology form of communication. 
     In life, everyone grows up in different cultures.  It doesn't matter if you're next door neighbors, or from another country.  Each culture is unique to each family.  This is important when talking about communication because we need to recognize that the way we communicate may be offensive or different than someone else.
     Communication requires an exchange of shared meaning.  It's not enough to simply exchange sounds or written symbols.  We need to make sure we are completing the feedback loop.  While sometimes it may be easier than others, it's necessary to ensure understanding.  As Harold B. Lee once said, "WE need to communicate so clearly that we can not be misunderstood."  That is something that is easier said than done, but with practice, it can easily be achieved. 
     There are some important things to remember when it comes to communication...

• Always watch your word choice.
• Communication always happens on one of three levels- words (14%), Tone (35%), and Non-verbal (51%).
• Women are naturally wired for communication.
• Women are better at picking up non-verbal cues regarding relationships, as well as anything else.
• Guys tend to express emotions is very different ways than girls.
• We need to learn to speak the language of others, especially adults.  We need to work on communicating with others in a way that they will understand and that we can understand as well.
• Teenagers tend to try on several different languages.  But for them, it's okay.  The teenage years are all about discovering who you are, and who you want to become.
• When someone goes out of their way to speak your language, how does it make you feel?  For most people, it makes them feel loved and important.  Speak the language of those you love.  Everyone will be happier and mis-communication will decrease.

     Really brief, I want to mention something else we discussed in class this week.  Family councils are necessary.  They are for the benefit of the family, and should not just be held when there is a problem in the family.  The First Presidency and the quorm of the Twelve are a great example of how we should set up our family council.  These are the guidelines we should follow-

• Sacred time: meet at a special time, and stick to this particular time.  Set some time aside.
• Sacred place: they do it at the temple... but we can do it within our own homes.
• Express love for each other: before starting anything, show appreciation for your family members.  Let them know how much you love and care for them.  This will help to promote unity within your family.
• Begin with a prayer: this will help to invite the spirit to be in your home, as well as with each member of the family.
• Consensus: this is where you figure out what needs to be done, and how to do it.
• Prayer: this is to thank and dedicate- always dedicate your prayer to the lord.
• Chocolate or Pie: end with one of the two.

     If we can learn to structure our own family councils based off of the model of the First Presidency, we will have success.  We can be closer as a family, and we will

     Stress... As a college student I know the meaning of this word all too well.  There is an endless list of things that could be considered stressors- homework, work, social life, church callings, etc.  But the big question is- Are stressors bad?  I think the correct answer to this question is both yes, and no.  Stress can affect people in many different ways.  Every single person handles stress in a different way.  In some cases, stress can bring family members closer together.  In other cases, some people do better on homework or other tasks when they are under an intense amount of pressure, which is also considered to be stress.  In life, we need to accept the reality that every family faces stressors.  Some will be predictable, and others not so much.
     There is a model to represent stress.  It's called the ABCX model.  A: stressors and hardships B: management C: families definition (even individual family members can be different) X: outcome.  When stress hits, the tension builds, and keeps BUILDing, and keeps BUILDING, till it reaches the max amount, then begins to decrease.  However, sometimes life really likes us a lot and we can have pile up.  Pile up is where several stressing events hit at the same time.  I know this has happened to me a lot in my life.
     In talking about stress, it's important to know the different types of stressor events that can take place.  First is internal vs. external.  This simply means is the stress taking place in or outside of your family.  Next is normative vs. non-normative.  This means events that are either expected to happen in the life cycle, or unexpected events.  Next is ambiguous vs. non-ambiguous.  This means an event in which you can or can't get the facts.  Next is volitional vs. non-volitional.  These are events that are either wanted and sought out, or not.  Next is chronic vs. acute.  This is a time related stress meaning it has either a long or short duration.  And finally, cumulative vs. isolated.  This means that either events pile up one right after another, or they simply occur alone.  Each of these types of stressor events can have a significant impact on us.
     When stress does hit, what next?  Some people take what hits them, deals with it, and moves on.  However, others may not have any idea of what to do.  When crisis hits, how do we respond?  It's important to note that crisis doesn't really mean failure.  It simply means something has hit that is a turning point in which significant changes are likely to occur due to the circumstances.  And, when crisis does hit, we have the choice of how we are going to respond to it. 
     There are some ineffective ways to cope with crisis.  The first is denial.  We simply pretend that there isn't a problem.  When asked about it, we simply ask what they are talking about because we don't accept the fact that it's real.  The second ineffective coping pattern is avoidance.  We say we'll deal with it later.... then later comes and we say we'll deal with it later.... and this cycle just keeps repeating.  And finally scapegoating is putting the blame on someone or something else.  We simply want no responsibility whatsoever. 
     On the contrary, there are some effective coping patterns.  We can take responsibility, and not try to place blame where it doesn't belong.  We can affirm our own and our families worth.  And we can also balance our self-concern with concern for others.  It may be hard, but can be very rewarding.  It will change our perspective,and will make coping with the crisis that much easier for us.
     When we are in a crisis situation, it's important to realize that we aren't the only person going through it.  Our family, and others who love and care for us are also going through it.  We need to stop thinking about how we are handling it, and focus on how others may be handling it.  It's also important to not only focus on the one who is sick or has the problem, but to look at the caregiver.  They are the one who really needs help.  They go through just as much, if not more than the one with the problem. 
     To slightly switch topics, when in crisis, we want to have good relationships with others so we have someone to turn to.  Because in all reality, we can't face major problems alone.  That's why we have friends and family.  To build good relationships, we need to GIVE.
G- gentle: we need to be gentle towards tohers.
I- (demonstrate) interest: take interest in them and in things they like.
V- validate: we want to validate what they are feeling.  It's impacting when we are able to experience the same emotion as the other person.
E- easy manner: we need to be slow to take offense.  There is a good chance they are going to say things they don't mean.

And, we also need to maintain self respect.  We can do this through FAST.
F- fair to self and others: we don't place blame where it doesn't belong.
A- (don't) apologize for doing the right thing: some people say sorry too much, especially when they do what's right because someone doesn't agree.  Don't worry about them, do what you know you should, and don't feel bad about it.
S- stick to your values: don't let your guard down, no matter what.
T- truthful with self and others: everyone deserves to know and hear the truth.  Don't justify.

     Stress and crisis can be huge deals!  However, the more we learn to cope, the easier it will become.  It's

    In class this week, we talked all about intimate relationships within a marriage.  Seeing as I'm not married, I don't really have a lot of experience in this area.  So, I'm going to take my blog a different way, because I don't have an awful lot to say about this topic.  It's hard to discuss something you don't really know a lot about.  In a way, I can relate physical intimacy to the temple.  (Now I know you are thinking, what the heck, you're crazy!)  Trust me, this will make sense.  Before someone goes to the temple to get their endowments out, we don't really know everything that takes place.  We get told different things here and there, but until we experience it, we simply don't understand.  The same goes for sexual intimacy.  We get told different things and aspects about it, but, we can't fully understand everything it entails until we experience it.
    I do have a few things i'd like to mention about this topic though.  Sex and the family- There are several reasons why this is a good thing.  First of all, it initiates parenthood.  Neither you or I would be here today if it wasn't for sexual intimacy.  Another thing marital intimacy is good for is it helps to strengthen marital relationships.  You don't want to engage in such an activity with someone you can't stand.  Physical intimacy can also be healing for both the husband and wife, depending on different circumstances. 
    ;In class, we talked about how "new gets old."  This was something I had never really thought about before, but the more I think about it, the more it makes sense.  When we don't wait till marriage to engage in physical intimacy, it get's old, and can cause problems.  New things are fun, but excitement tends to ware off after a while.  If we wait till marriage, we will have more excitement that will last longer, and be different than with those who live together before they are married.
    As we talked in class, sex is something children are learning more and more about at a younger age.  And, the more you think about it, the stuff they learn isn't every really correct.  So, it's the parents job to teach their children what they think they need to know.  Based off of our class discussion, the following things are what I think kids need to know about sex...

• They need to learn accurate words about their different body parts.
• They need to learn and know that sex is only to be done within the bonds of marriage.
• They need to know it's only to be done between a man and a woman.
• They need to know that it is okay to have sex once you're married in the right place, at the right time, and by the proper authority.  Help them understand that Heavenly Father wants them to do it, and that in reality, it's part of the plan.
• They need to know that it's a sacred act.  It's not bad, just sacred.
• They need to know the truth, and it's the parent's responsibility to be blunt, but not too blunt.  Just be clear and simple.
• They need to know they why's behind things.  Knowing reasons helps children to better understand.
• They need to know the biology about what is going on.  They need to know what their bodies are going through, and what to expect to happen at different stages of their lives.
• They need to know whatever you feel is best for them to know because if you don't teach them, someone else will, and more than likely it will be a misconception. 
  
• And finally, always answer any question they ask you.  Be sure to give them accurate information.

    Physical intimacy is something that has a proper place, and can be a very good thing.  I want to make sure that in the future, my kids will know what I think they should.  I want to be a parent that they aren't afraid to come to and ask questions.  I know that physical intimacy is important, and that it's part of the plan.   

     This week in class, we have talked a lot about weddings, and marriage in general.  I am in no way, shape, or form an expert on this topic.  I'm not married, and honestly not even close to it.  So, I really listed to the things members of my class had to say, in hopes that one day I can put all their advice to use. 
     We began our discussion by talking about transitions that take place in marriage.  Woah, I've never even thought about transitions that happen when someone gets married.  The first 2 months of marriage is the huge transition time period.  One of the big transitions that takes place is communication.  You have to learn how to communicate effectively with one another.  Another transition is finances.  Instead of having your own money, you now are combined with someone else, and have to learn how to budget.
     Another transition is to have plans of what to do.  Instead of deciding spur of the moment to go play with some friends, you have to see if your spouse wants to go, or if they have other plans.  You have to learn how to compromise, and to act like a team player.  Also, within the first few months of marriage, rules change regarding friends and friends of the opposite sex.  It's funny to think about, but it's definitely true.  I've seen this happen in some of my friends who have recently gotten married. 
     Another transition that takes place is you become more reliant on your spouse.  Instead of clinging to your parents, or friends, you become dependent on each other, and not on others.  I've noticed that some people really struggle with this transition.  And lastly, I feel that the hardest transition to make is sharing everything with someone else.  Growing up, we tend to have stuff that is simply ours, and others generally respect that.  When you're married, you share everything, and there really aren't limits to what you can and can't use.  This is definitely a transition that I could see taking some getting used to. 
     We talked about some ways that we can prepare for the transitions in marriage.  One way is to find out their expectations so you can know before hand what you can do to prepare.  Another way is to find out how their family is.  This will give you a sense of how they were raised, and what they are going to be expecting.  A final way to prepare is to do just that- prepare.  It will help to prevent frustrations and many problems later in life. 
     After talking about transitions, I'm excited but also nervous.  It's definitely something that requires planning, and knowing beforehand what to discuss will really help!  Marriage is a huge step, but

     Yep.  My title is true.  I DO love to see the temple, and someday I'll be able to go there.  Just not yet.  Every girl dreams about her wedding- what the colors will be, how the day will go, where the reception will be, what temple to get married in, who the guy will be, etc.  There is a never ending list.  However, before we can talk about marriage, we have to think about dating.  And before we think about dating, we have to like someone.  So the big question is, what attracts us to others?
     There are several things that attract us to others.  Similarity is huge!  We've all heard the saying, "Birds of a feather flock together."  But we've also heard the saying "Opposites attract."  Wait a second... isn't that a contradiction?  I sure think so.  That's something I don't fully understand, but know someday I will. 
     Proximity is another factor.  When we have similar classes with someone, live close to someone, participate in similar activities as someone, and have similar values, each of these are large contributors.  A valuable thought to remember in regards to proximity and dating is that we tend to date and form close relationships with those who are in close proximity to us. 
     Another thing that attracts us to others is physical attraction.  However, I do want to stress that physical attraction is only a factor, and definitely not a main factor.  It's not bad to feel attracted to someone.  It's important to remember that Heavenly Father created us, and wants us to be physically attracted to someone so we can marry and build the kingdom.  We just have to remember that in the long run, looks only go so far. 
     I want to switch gears a little bit and talk about the "know-quo" that was mentioned in class.  There are three key factors to the "know-quo" and they are talk, togetherness, and time.  Add these all together and you get intimacy.
     When you talk, you need to have self disclosure, but this needs to be done in steps.  It shouldn't happen all at once, but rather slowly.
     Togetherness is a really interesting key, but a very important one.  You need to make sure you are "seeing the animal outside of the zoo."  It's important to see how they act around others.  You also need to avoid the matting model which is- hang out, make out, drop out.  That is no way to get to know a person.  Elder Oaks defined the three components of dating.  A date needs to be planned, paired off, and paid for.  Planned means to have an actual activity planned.  When effort is put in to planning something, you don't waste time trying to think of something to do.  Instead, you get to spend that time getting to know each other.  When you are paired off, you get to know each other better, on deeper levels.  If you aren't paired off, it's simply hanging out.  When you are paired off, you get to see how the other person acts.  It's been said you marry who you date, and you won't be in a group for eternity.  When a date is paid for, that means generally the man pays for the woman.  He makes sure to provide the resources needed to have a successful date. 
     Now, something interesting to think about is that in the Proclamation to the World, it says that a father is to protect, provide, and preside.  To protect means to keep the family safe.  It means they go to great lengths to make sure no harm comes over their family.  To provide means to provide financially as well as spiritually.  And presiding means to lead, to take charge of the family and what takes place within the family. 
     Ironically enough, the 6 P's that I mentioned work hand in hand.  A planned activity is similar to a man's role of presiding.  Paired off is similar to protecting, and paid for is the same as providing... Interesting isn't it...
     And the third key in the "know-quo" is time.  It takes time to truly get to know someone.  Knowing them on an intimate level doesn't happen overnight.  It doesn't happen in a week.  It doesn't happen in a month.  It takes AT LEAST 3 months to get to know someone.  And even at that point, it's most likely not on an extremely intimate level.  Marriage is a huge decision that can't be taken lightly.  It's important to be friends with your future spouse, and to have a solid foundation. 
     I want to mention the four types of love, and briefly describe each.  The four types are storge, philia, eros, and agape.  Storge is a parent/child type of love.  It's being willing to sacrifice.  It's a desire to nurture and protect.  Philia is a friendship kind of love, also known as "brotherly love."  Eros is romantic, passionate, sexual, emotionally intimate, lust, possessive, and has a sense of commitment.  And last, agape is unconditional, charity, and benevolent.  It's the kind of love the Savior has for each of us.
     In a relationship, it's important to have all four types.  You may have more of one type than another, and that's okay.  But, they all need to be present to make a relationship last.  Relationships are so important, and I look forward to the day when I have the opportunity to be with my future husband forever!  That way I can say. "I'm going to the temple, and FINALLY going inside today!"

I think my title could be taken several different ways... and honestly, this post could go many different ways.  There are several levels of attraction.  Or at least, I tend to think there are.  Everyone assumes the common type of attraction is a male to a female, or a female to a male.  Which, is how it's supposed to go.  But, there is another kind of attraction that is becoming more of a trend in society today.  A trend I don't really like, and one that is uncomfortable for me to think about.  Before this week, whenever I heard the word "gay" or "lesbian", I would feel awkward at the thought of it.  But, I don't think this is the case anymore.
As members of the church, we have always been told that we are to marry someone in the temple, and have children.  However, this isn't possible when we have relationships with the opposite sex.  The common trend of society today is that it is perfectly okay to be gay or a lesbian.  I don't know where the idea came from, but it's becoming more and more of a problem everyday.  Is it true that some people really are "born this way?"  I don't think so.  No one is born to have the attraction to their same sex.  No one is born being the third gender.  We learned in class that same sex attraction really isn't about sex, but rather about intimacy.
Intimacy, not sex?  Who would have thought.  We all want to belong, and we all want to feel loved.  If a member of our same sex makes us feel this way, we experience feelings of belonging, and we simply want to feel them more.  We don't necessarily care about the source, we just want more and more of that feeling.  I think this is the underlying cause of the same sex attraction that is taking over today. 
We've learned that developing relationships with the same gender is required before developing relationships with the opposite gender.  If our gender makes us feel a certain way, why go for the other?  This is a question that many in same sex attraction find themselves asking.  But, when it all comes down to it, we are meant to build relationships with those of our same gender, and we are meant to build even stronger, intimate relationships with someone of the opposite sex.  The trends taking place today haven't always been around, and in time, I think they may diminish.  They're so hyped up in the media, that it's the new rant and rave.  However, the less attention things get, the quicker they begin to fade.
When someone thinks they are "gay" or "lesbian" it is simply a misunderstanding.  As we talked about this issue in class, my opinion on things has changed.  While the thought is still disturbing, these people aren't completely lost and hopeless.  They just need help understanding the feelings which they are feeling, and the more we learn about this, the more help we can be to them.  Hopefully this trend doesn't continue, and we can do our part to help make a change!

    Social class... We've heard this term since the time we were all young.  Growing up, it was obvious if you were rich, poor, or in the middle.  It was also really easy to see what category your friends and kids at school were.  As we get older, social class is a big deal in high school.  But, why?  What's the big deal?  Aren't we all the same, just have different circumstances?  Why can't the rich be friends with the poor?  Why can't the middle class get more respect?  All these questions, and yet, there aren't really any answers.
    Growing up, I would consider my family to be the upper end of middle class.  Our needs were always met, and we didn't have to wonder where our next meal was coming from.  We also had many of our wants met, but not enough to turn us into spoiled brats.  We were taught young to avoid debt, and to save money for emergencies.  I've also learned to not spend everything I earn.  While I may have money for everything I want, sometimes things aren't really necessary.
    Reflecting back on my life, if my family had been in the lower class, I don't know where we would be today.  My dad has had some very serious health issues, and we wouldn't have the insurance we do to cover all the hospital bills, as well as several other bills.  If we were in the super high class, I don't think my family would be humble about it... It's hard to say for sure, but I could see it easily going to my sister's head.  Looking back on things, I'm grateful my family was where we were at.
    Thinking about the different social classes, a quote was mentioned in class that said," High society is like high school."  I've never thought about it that way, but how true the statement is!  Those who are in the upper class are always concerned about what people are saying and thinking about them.  In high school, this is all that matters.  It's interesting how similar both of these things are.  In reality, the world ISN'T that concerned with you.  It's not all about you.  This is the problem with high society.
    It's been said that 25% more income would make anyone, in any social class comfortable... why?  It seems like in society today, we're always wanting just a little bit more.  And with all of the technological advances, there is always something bigger and better coming out.  Imagine what people would/could do with just a little bit more money.  Do we really place that much value on money?  I think this statistic is very interesting.  Especially since it doesn't matter what class you are in.  It seems like we, each member of society, are never fully satisfied with what we have.  We always want just a little bit more...
    The subject of social class is something I've never really thought about.  However, this week has really opened my eyes, and has changed my perspective on how I view things.  How funny it is that even though we are all equal in God's eyes, we label someone based off how they look, and what material items they have.