Spring Lecture Series English Lecture Series Week 7 Love

Romantic love in the U.S. Dating Valentine’s Day Engagement Wedding

Dating When does it typically begin? High School Dating Typical dates Dinner Movies Hanging out with friends Bowling Going to the mall Prom

Dating—Words and Phrases I’m attracted to him. I think I like him. I have a crush on her. I am beginning to like her. I like to flirt with him. I like to play around with him. We’re going out together. We’re dating. We’re in love. We love each other. We’re in a serious relationship. We’re only dating each other. We’re getting married. We’re going to marry. We’re having some problems. We’re arguing. We broke up. We aren’t dating anymore. We’re head-over-heels in love. We’re crazy about each other.

“Prom” or “Junior/Senior Banquet” A large party with a big meal and dancing The high school gymnasium is decorated Students dress up in formal wear For students, it is one of the most important events of the year

Prom—decorations

Prom — dressing formally

A question about dating in America… True/False American movies teach us correct information about dating, romance, marriage and more. True or False? FALSE!!! FALSE!!! TV shows like “Friends”, “Sex and the City” and “Desperate Housewives” are incredibly inaccurate as to what dating is really like for most Americans.

Valentine’s Day February 14 February 14 Origin Origin St. Valentine Illegal marriages Executed Celebration of his life Today Today Lovers’ holiday Give gifts “valentines” Candy Flowers

Engagement Usually, 6 months to two years after a couple has begun dating, the man may ask the woman an important question: “Will you marry me?” When he proposes to her he will give her an engagement ring. ($500-$10,000+)

Wedding Proposal Ideas · Down on one knee anywhere · In a restaurant · On a park bench · At Disneyworld or Disneyland · Consider a holiday theme around Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, 4th of July, etc. · While hiking, fishing, or camping · On a sailboat · While on an airplane · At a sports event · At a covered bridge · Hide ring in a bouquet of flowers · Tie ring to a kite string or fishing line · Top of the Empire State Building or other tall building · In a box of chocolates · While walking on the beach · Put an ad in a newspaper · Ask a DJ on the radio to ask for you

If she says, “YES!” then they will begin making plans for a wedding. Weddings usually take place 9 months to two years after the proposal.

Wedding Preparations Guest lists—normally 150 to 200 people are invited, but it is common to have many more than that. Invitations need to be ordered and sent out. Flower arrangements need to be chosen. A church and minister must be scheduled. Wedding dress needs to be purchased, as well as the bridesmaids dresses. Tuxedos need to be rented. Need to find a place to have the wedding reception and decide what kind of food and cake will be served. A wedding photographer needs to be hired. Friends and family are asked to play special roles in the wedding—to be in the wedding party. Much, much more!

Mr. and Mrs. Peng request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Rachel Michelle To Paul Christopher Johnson On Saturday, the 11 th of March At ten o'clock in the morning Ridgewood Christian Reformed Church Jenison, Michigan

The Wedding Party Not a “party” in the sense of food and drink, instead, a group of people that are special to the couple that is getting married. Bride Bride —Woman getting married Groom Groom —Man getting married Maid of Honor Maid of Honor —Bride’s best friend, often a sister. Best Man Best Man —Groom’s best friend, often a brother. Bride’s Maids Bride’s Maids —Other very close friends of the bride. Usually 3 to 5 people. Groom’s Men Groom’s Men —Other very close friends of the bride. Usually 3 to 5 people.

The Wedding Rehearsal The evening before the wedding day everyone gathers at the church to go over the ceremony that will happen on the next day.

The Wedding Day The Wedding day is usually really busy and really exciting! So many people come to celebrate the wedding day with the Bride and Groom and their families. Photos are taken before, during and after the wedding.

Wedding photos

The Wedding Ceremony First, guests come into the church, sign a book for the couple (a guest book) and are ushered into the church and wait for the ceremony to begin. Usually there is a musician playing while guests are entering the church. Ushers, friends of the Bride and Groom, bring the guests to their seats. Just before the ceremony begins the Groom himself ushers the grandparents to their seats. Then he ushers his parents to their seats. Finally, he ushers the mother of the bride to her seat.

The Wedding Ceremony (cont.) The Groom and the Minister walk to the front of the church. One at a time the Groom’s Men escort the Bride’s Maids down the aisle. They stand on opposite sides of the Bride and Groom. Finally, the music changes, everyone in the church stands and turns to watch the Bride, who is escorted by her father, walk down the aisle. This is the first time that the Groom has seen his Bride since the rehearsal dinner.

Exchanging vows A “vow” is a special kind of promise. I ___, take you ____, to be my loftily wedded ____. For richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, ‘til death do us part. Rings are exchanged “You may kiss the bride!”

They’re Married!

Off to the Wedding Reception!

The Wedding Party

The Bridal Party

The Best Man and The Groom’s Men

At the Wedding Reception… There is a big meal including a big wedding cake. Traditionally, the Bride and the Groom cut the first piece of cake and feed it to each other!

…also at the Reception… Both the Maid of Honor and the Best man give a speech about how much the Bride and Groom mean to them. Then everyone toasts the Newlyweds.

…after everyone eats… …there is dancing and talking, laughing and joking for a long time.

…finally the Newlyweds leave for their honeymoon.

And maybe… …if they have found true love… …and if they have had a long life together…

“Love never claims, it always gives.” ~Mahatma Gandhi

“The first duty of love is to listen.” ~Paul Tillich

“All, everything that I understand, I understand only because I love.” ~Leo Tolstoy

“Take love away from life, and you take away its essence.” ~Moliere

“You love those that love you? What does that matter? Even people who are evil love those who love them!”

“A true heart is one that loves without expecting to be loved in return.”

Mother Teresa Dedicated her life to taking care of the sick, dying and poor that lived in Calcutta, India. “Let us not use bombs and guns to overcome the world. Let us use love and compassion.” Example of someone who loves without looking for something in return.