Some Say Love...

While seeking love in committed relationships, I think it is important many qualities exist in the relationship.  I think trust, honesty, communication, and understanding are necessary qualities in a relationship.  Sometimes it is hard to find someone you trust all the time, but I believe in soul mates.  I believe there is someone special out there for everyone.  It may take a lifetime to find the right person, but I believe that person is out there!  I don't think being with your soulmate diminishes fighting or disagreement.  Even within the perfect relationship, arguments and problems can occur.  Some days might be better than others.

I think love songs do capture important qualities that exist in relationships.  These 5 songs encompass many characteristics of love I hope to one day experience.  The songs talk about how their love will not allow them ever to give up on each other and their love will not be able to keep them apart.

Alicia Keys "No One"

You and me together
Through the days and nights
I don't worry 'cause
Everything's going to be alright

Jason Mraz "I Won't Give Up"

I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up

Carrie Underwood "I'll Stand By You"

I'll stand by you

I'll stand by you

I won't let nobody hurt you

I'll stand by you

"Ain't No Mountain High Enough"

'Cause baby, there ain't no mountain high enough

Ain't no valley low enough, ain't no river wide enough

To keep me from getting to you, baby

"You're Beautiful"

You're beautiful. You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.
I saw your face in a crowded place,
And I don't know what to do,
'Cause I'll never be with you.

The Changing Face of Marriage

My experience of living in the "domestic church" has been a typically normal experience.  I live with my mother and father whom are married and a younger sister.  My parents were my first teachers of love and trust.  They taught my sister and I to forgive and help the dear neighbor.  The changing structure of marriage could be good or bad.  For homosexual couples, I think the changing structure of marriage is a good change.  I don't see anything wrong with having two mothers or two fathers.  Because divorce and cohabitation is so common today, the changing structure of marriage could be a bad thing.  Some children in families experience a tough time dealing with separated parents.  Some children are even living in an environment where their parents are not married.  This type of family is not stable and could in turn hurt the child.

I think it is definitely a good thing that individuals with a college degree tend to make better choices regarding marriage.  They tend to have lower divorce rates and multiple marriages.  One day I hope to establish the domestic church in my home.  I hope to teach my children the importance of love, trust, and forgiveness.

Marriage and Vatican II

While reading the article I have realized society and Vatican II have many different views on marriage. For example in the article that marriage is a vocation an authentic or divine call.  Today I don't think people really view marriage as a vocation.  Some people in the Catholic church marry, but some do not.    I think today more people view their occupation as their vocation.  The article also mentions how love is supposed to grow over time.  The divorce rate is so high today and sometimes love definitely does not grow!  Some couples find that they cannot stand one another or even that their feelings have not remained the same.  Thirdly, the Vatican discussed the importance of starting a family.  Today some couples do not have any children for many reasons.  Some do not think they would be good parents, some choose simply not to have kids, and other cannot afford children.  The church is not taking into account all of the different circumstances.  I personally think some couples today are making good decisions about reproducing.  Some couples simply might not be good parents and might not be able to make a good life for their child.  Lastly, the article talked about how marriage is between a man and a woman.  Today we have some couples getting married who consist of two men or even two women.  I think the article discussed many good points about marriage, but society today views many aspects of marriage differently.

Dating: What's the point?

I believe dating when you are young is important and is not something that should be looked down upon.  I think dating helps individuals discover who they really are and what they are looking for in a relationship.  People should date when they are young so when they get a little older and start searching for "the one" they know their likes and dislikes.
The article on Busted Halo discussed the prevalence of "hooking up" in our society.  I believe hooking up is very common on college campuses and it can mean something different for every person.  Some might see hooking up as making out, but others might see it as having sexual intercourse.  Although I do not believe everyone is taking part in the random hookup scene, many are.  I don't think this is the right way to find a healthy long lasting relationship.  Unfortunately many are partaking in this and I don't think the outcome is what they are expecting.  After a casual hookup, often times nothing follows because it was just for fun and it didn't mean anything.