Marriage and Family Life Unit 3: Exploring Single and Married Life

Objective 1: Profile single and married lifestyles. Single lifestyle More time for self and for personal interests Greater privacy Greater independence Focus on career and other personal goals Sustained by a strong network of friends Responsibilities borne by the individual

Objective 1: Profile single and married lifestyles. Shared experiences of daily life Lifelong companionship Greater financial security (from pooled resources) Shared commitment to one relationship Shared responsibilities Greater emotional security Focus on common goals

Objective 2: Identify factors that influence lifestyles. Where you want to live Type of work you enjoy Type of personal and family life you want Importance of money and career Pace of living Leisure activities you enjoy Attitude toward marriage or single life Circumstances Beliefs and values Family and friends Career goals Finances and other resources

Objective 3: Identify factors that influence the decision to remain single. Importance of independence and “freedom” Fear of failure Commitment to education and/or career No interest in marriage and/or parenting Lack of a compatible partner Desire to delay marriage

Objective 3: Identify factors that influence the decision to remain single. Desire to remain financially independent Need to care for a sick or elderly relative Ability to care for yourself Financial stability

Objective 4: Select options for single living. Living alone Becoming or remaining a single parent Living with a partner Living with a roommate Living with family members

Objective 5: Identify implications of living with another person. Fewer legal property rights for either person in the relationship Custody issues may arise when children are involved Combines aspects of single and married living without traditional husband and wife roles Legally single, but emotionally committed to a partner Reduces living expenses for each person

Objective 5: Identify implications of living with another person. May allow a person to get to know another person better May allow either or both persons to avoid personal commitments Potential for parental/community disapproval May be fewer legal issues if the relationship ends Not eligible for most of the legal benefits of marriage

Objective 6: Identify factors that influence the decision to marry. Age Feelings about commitment Compatibility Desire to parent or current pregnancy Financial security/economic support Independence from family Desire for intimacy

Objective 6: Identify factors that influence the decision to marry. Loneliness Marriage laws Mature love Parental approval Proximity Social pressure/expectation

Objective 7: Develop a personal and family life goal plan.

Objective 8: Explore personal attitudes about single and married lifestyles.

Objective 9: Distinguish between love and infatuation. Takes more time to establish. Love reflects growth in a relationship Combines strong personal attachment and attraction Is a give-and-take relationship. Involves sharing and trusting Accepts the other person (including faults) Requires mutual respect Shows concern for what is best for the other person.

Objective 9: Distinguish between love and infatuation. Has a strong physical element May not be rational. Involves a strong but often temporary attraction Overlooks undesirable traits. Seldom lasts long Is usually one-sided

Objective 10: Distinguish between the stages of a romantic relationship. Dating Allows people to spend time as a couple and to develop their friendship Provides an opportunity to learn more about yourself. Helps you use and improve various skills. Acts as an opportunity to learn more about other people in a variety of settings. Activities revolve around the interests of you and your date.

Objective 10: Distinguish between the stages of a romantic relationship. Engagement Is the last stage of dating and signifies the start of a couple’s plans for marriage Serves as a formal announcement to friends and family Acts as a testing period and time to discuss important issues not already discussed Allows time to plan the wedding and obtain a marriage license

Objective 10: Distinguish between the stages of a romantic relationship. Wedding Marks the beginning of a life together Announces the marriage to the public Legally binds the couple during a civil or ceremonial service The honeymoon provides time for the newly married couple to adjust to each other and to share some intimate time together

Objective 11: Identify the adjustments that marriage requires. Making decisions together Managing your finances together Making decisions about careers Learning to communicate effectively Finding areas of common interest Deciding on roles

Objective 11: Identify the adjustments that marriage requires. Finding a place to live Handling the habits, routines, and schedules of daily living Handling changes in social activities and relationships Nurturing relationships with in-laws Managing day-to-day conflicts

Objective 12: Rank factors of personal importance for a successful marriage.

Objective 13: Identify the scope of marriage laws. All marriages require the mutual consent of both partners Neither person can be married to someone else Both people must be mentally competent Marriage is a legal contract that has to be legally dissolved Many states require blood tests before marriage

Objective 13: Identify the scope of marriage laws. All states have a minimum age requirement A marriage license is required, except in the case of common law marriage A licensed official must perform the marriage ceremony Most states will not allow marriages of people related by blood Many states have laws prohibiting marriages between two people of the same sex

Objective 14: . Profile marriage laws and wedding customs.