This semester I finally signed up for an institute class, at first I was really nervous about it.
My roommate drug me to this class the first day of the semester and at the beginning I thought she was insane, what freshman that's not even dating anyone takes a Marriage and Family Relationships class? Uhh, (usually) NOT me!
But she begged and begged me to go, (she took it last semester) so finally I went in and sat in the far corner.
Ok, within the first 10 minutes I was hooked.
He explained that the class was really for any one on any relationship level, and it's true. I can apply everything I learn in that class not only to me and a future spouse, but also to any relationship I have with anyone I come in contact with!
I literally love every moment of this class, the hours in there fly by feeling like only minutes.
Each class really hits home, and I always feel like he's talking directly to me.
Anyways... Last week we had a long discussion about how men and women are different on monday, then went into how men and women are alike on wed.
On monday I learned that women communicate to reach intimacy. We talk to become closer. Men on the other hand, build that closeness first-then they communicate to complete a task. See how it's opposite? We communicate to bond, they bond then communicate. Interesting huh?
Then on Wed he put up a slide, (this is what I really wanted to post...) He put up:
The Top 8 Ways Men and Women Are Alike
by Victor W. Harris, M.S.
1. Both men and women need to feel safe and secure.
2. Both men and women need to develop a positive picture of themselves.
(we need to be independent before we can be codependent)
3. Both men and women need to value themselves and to feel valued by others.
(core of the Gospel-- Sons and Daughters of Heavenly Father)
4. Both men and women need to be involved in close, loving relationships.
(don't date someone that doesn't already have close friends, it will be hard for them to build relationships.)
5. Both men and women need to feel like they belong.
(both have to feel like they belong to the other, and that they belong to the other's extended group of friends/family.)
6. Both men and women need to feel self-respect and to feel like they are respected by others.
(self-concept is not exactly self-esteem), (Do your beliefs match your doings?), (DEMAND to be treated right.)
7. Both men and women need to be growing and developing in mental, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual ways.
(a good relationship will be intimate in every single one of these ways.)
8. Both men and women need to feel competent or like they are good at doing or achieving certain things.
We discussed each of these in for a long time, noticing that some of them could be considered the same but that if you look at them deeply they are all completely different.
It gave me the chance to take a step back and look at the relationships that I have now, and to realize where I need to work.
This class is truly AMAZING!
... Don't be surprised if you hear about it again, cause I think after every lesson I want to go teach someone what I've been learning. :)
