More Than Reproduction

More than Reproduction
There are many aspects that make a relationship successful, whether it is from a romantic point of view or even a friendship. While some believe that interaction and the idea of bonds between people are nothing more than chemical reactions or the mere fact that as humans we are supposed to find “the one” and reproduce, others know there are many more factors that make a relationship successful. Even though some professionals will continue to compare human unions to those of animals and scientific theories, others are convinced that it takes much more than science in order to create a lasting bond. No matter what statistics or professionals say in the end, each relationship is unique with its own ups and downs, as well as what really goes on behind the scenes in order to keep the love alive.





Not every aspect of life needs to be broken down into the overall goal of mankind: reproduction. In Helen Fisher’s After All, Maybe it’s…Biology she constantly makes connections between modern dating and previous civilization offerings in exchange for mating (Beedles and Petracca). While there is clearly evidence that behavior stays similar throughout history, not all actions and emotions can be broken down this way. This particular author also completely drags love at first sight through the mud by reducing a romantic act into nothing more than something squirrels do in order to procreate (Beedles and Petracca). For most people finding a lasting, loving relationship is much more important than simply having children, although it usually is a part of marriage. There are several complex aspects each person is looking for in a partner that go much farther beyond.


Attraction to prospective dyadic relationships: Effects of fate control, reflexive control, and partner's trustworthiness by Grzelak, Kuhlman, Yeagley, and Joireman discusses different aspects that make a relationship stronger such as: the overall trustworthiness of their partner, how one views the other in terms of social interaction, and attractiveness as well. Psychologists also note that interpersonal attraction includes experiences, liking, friendship, admiration, lust, and love (Weiten). What is known as the “Matching Hypothesis” also says that individuals will select a partner that is equal to their own physical appearance (Weiten). This type of connection typically produces a stronger bond and the pair is less likely to end their union (Weiten). A romantic union will rarely be successful and happy if those within the relationship are not attracted to one another. Professionals and typical people cannot deny the fact that sexual attraction to their partner is an important factor in committing to a long- term relationship, but it is not the only factor anymore. In today’s world finding a suitable mate over a short period of time and attempting to procreate is not on anybody’s list of goals to accomplish.




As mentioned previously, our relationships have become far more complex in modern society. Simply being handsome, strong, and capable of putting dinner on the table does not cut it anymore. Trust, items in common, communication, and the ability to grow as a couple are just a few of the traits most look for and strive to achieve in their relationships and marriages everyday. Couples who are committed or dating also typically have age, race, religion, social class, education, and values that are similar (Weiten). Love can be broken down into two categories: Passionate and Companionate. Ellen Berscheid and Elaine Hatfield have done extensive research on the topic of love and define Passionate love as intense emotion usually revolving around tender sexual feelings while companionate love is trusting, warm, with lots of affection as a couple’s lives become more and more combined (Weiten). Committed people find themselves in the deep end with companionate love which creates more satisfaction in a lasting relationship (Weiten). Commitment itself is the factor that makes a relationship more meaningful and stable.


Each connection is unique, using individual aspects of love, attraction, and communication in order to make it successful. Something as complex and intense as love and lasting relationships should never be reduced to simply chemistry or biology. Love is never easy or as simple as finding a mate who can reproduce the fastest; it is rather a great mystery that has captured the lives of millions across the globe for centuries. Love has given us great stories, lessons, and joy within our own hearts that can never be replaced. Even though the author believes scientifically love fades after only a few years, hopeless romantics will prevail and keep the multi-layered aspects of true love and relationships alive.







Works Cited:
Beedles, Bonnie, and Michael Petracca. Academic Communities/ Disciplinary Conventions. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2001. Print.


Fisher, Helen E. "After All, Maybe It's... Biology." 2001. Anatomy of Love: The Natural History of Monogamy, Adultery, and Divorce. W. W. Norton & Company Inc., 1992. 303-05. Print

Grzelak, Janusz L., Michael D. Kuhlman, Erin Yeagley, and Jeff A. Joireman. "Attraction to prospective dyadic relationships: Effects of fate control, reflexive control, and partner's trustworthiness." PsycINFO. Discovery Links. Web. 3 Dec. 2009.

Weiten, Wayne. Psychology: Themes & Variations. Mason, Ohio: Cengage Learning, 2008. Print.

Selecting the "Greatest Hits!"

Aubrie:
Another class together this semester =). I really enjoyed reading all of your work for this semester. Every time your writing was clear, concise, and kept me interested throughout each time I read one of your papers. It is very easy to follow your train of thought and keep up with the interesting topics you have chosen to write about which makes it so much easier for me not only to read your posts but to also grasp exactly what your point of view brings to a particular subject. The ability to make your work easy to read is a very valuable trait you have possessed throughout the course, and will make reports and other writing assignments for the future successful just like your work for this class. You have also been a great help to me as well when I was struggling with citations because yours are always correct, so for that I thank you immensely!

As far as “greatest hits” go I really enjoyed reading your post entitled, “The Regulator.” The facts you presented were well researched and relevant to the topic, but I especially enjoyed the section in which you gave your own opinion on the topic. These two sections were very eloquently written and really showed how greatly you feel for government restriction or lack there of. It is difficult for most Americans to decide on which political party to follow because it is like choosing the lesser of two evils, which is why millions of others cannot decide on which to join. I also really enjoyed your post, “That Golf Game is looking a Little Rusty.” The title was so perfect for the situation and it was really interesting to see your writing from a more playful side! I do not think it would be the best choice for our final project, but it was a really nice break from the serious side of your writing.

Another favorite of mine was “The Fracturing of the Family” post we did at the start of the semester. I really liked how you incorporated the fact that technology is always changing and how these seemingly amazing, tremendous advances for the electronic world have actually created suffering for the typical family setting. I think this particular post would be a great one to expand on. It seems like individuals who have lived in different decades have so many issues with our technological advances. Older people are always saying how teens are always on the phone or parents always complain that their children do not spend enough quality time with them. This might be a really great topic to expand on just because of the relevance it has on our current society. Overall, great work this semester! Even though I have not been reading your work all semester long, it was a great experience to go through all your writings at once because I feel like you have really evolved as a writer over the semester. Great work this semester and good luck in the future!

Krista:
I had so much fun reading all of your posts for the semester! I have not had the opportunity to read or work with you yet so I was really excited to get started! I first of all love the layout and title of your blog. At the start of this class I did not know how much our personalities would come out through our writings as well as the backgrounds we chose, but right away I was intrigued by your work! I feel like you and I are really similar in the way that our voices and opinions/ personalities come out through what we write. (“Some kind of Purple” was one of my favorites in terms of voice and using personal experiences! My momma says all kinds of catch phrases too.)

“Moving Forward” was another one of my favorites, and one I think you might want to expand on if you have not already. It was not what I was anticipating, but I believe that is the reason why I liked it so much. Your facts were presented really well and the overall stance you wanted to portray on the topic was very well executed and easy to follow. I am such a big advocate of being able to get your point across through your writings and doing such in a clear, concise way. “Working through it” was another one of my favorites to read. I feel like most people believe the idea of monogamy should be preserved, but then their actions do not follow their words. I felt like you chose to side with the idea of monogamy and really backed up what it means to our world and societal beliefs regardless of the trends in human sexual behavior. Definitely look over that post again in order decide whether or not to possible expand it, because it really has potential to be great!

Your final “greatest hit” in my opinion would have to be “Ideas and Thoughts.” Reading your blog was a blast from the past of earlier in the semester. I remember getting this assignment and thinking about how difficult it was going to be to actual discussing what an idea or thought was. I thought you had some really great things to say on the matter and did a nice job of getting your opinion across on the matter, especially with “not all thoughts are ideas.” This is a very interesting topic and with more research I think it could turn into something really great as well as unusual and interesting! I loved your work overall this semester and wish you the best of luck on our final project, as well as in the rest of your college career! Have a wonderful, restful break! (We all deserve one!)