Over this course, I have learned many things. In the beginning, we learned about vocations. I was surprised to learn how there are many different meanings to this word. It means to become who you were meant to become, a definition that has resonated with me. We also learned about defense mechanisms and relationships. I learned that relationships no matter with friends, family, boyfriends, or strangers  are all important. They are the most successful when one respects themselves and the other person. We also learned the effort and work it takes to sustain a successful relationship. These cues will surely guide me in my future relationships. Throughout the course, we learned that serving others is the key to a fulfilling and happy life. I will use the values and principles learned in this course throughout the rest of my journey to becoming who God has called me to be.

Many people go through life searching for their one "true love." Does such a thing exist? As the article states, there is no such thing a a perfect relationship. People will go crazy searching for it. With such high expectations brought about by romance novels, movies, TV shows, etc., there are bound to be great disappointments.One can look to music in relation to the qualities one looks for in a spouse or partner. I seek to find someone to "love me true," as in Elvis Presley's famous song Love Me Tender. Just like in the Emotions' song Best of My Love, I believe when two people are in love, they should bring out the best in each other. They should inspire that person to be the best person they can be. Just as LL Cool J rapped in his song I Need Love, everybody needs it. I believe you should be able to rely on your partner to always give you the love you need and deserve. Everybody deserves to be happy. When you enter into a marriage, there are certain vows you take. Just as N'Sync sang in their hit This I Promise You, the vows taken at marriage should not be broken. And finally, just as in the Friend's theme song, I'll be There for You, partners should always support one another through thick and thin. These are the qualities I think make a good relationship and a successful marriage. Whether one's true soul mate truly exists I have yet to decide.

My family is a very close, tight-knight one. My parents, who have been raised in traditional environments, have followed in the footsteps of their parents. They too are raising their children with traditional, old-fashioned values. For example, my father has always taught my brothers to be chivalrous and gentlemanly when it comes to women. This includes opening the doors and treating them with respect. They also raised us in a religious environment as well. We go to Church every Sunday followed with a Sunday brunch and a family dinner that night. 

With that said, the changing cultural views and concerns brought up in today's society also have an affect on my family. We know that some of the Church's views on certain subjects are somewhat antiquated and hard to follow in today's world.

Because I was raised in a tight, big family with both parents very present in out lives, I want the same for myself one day. 

When reading the article, I was interested to learn the official stance of the Vatican in regards to marriage. In the article, it is stated that marriage is a vocation. I believe this to be true. If it's meant to be it will. We often times hear in the media of circumstances in which the couple may have rushed into getting married. It makes one question: Did they truly know they were meant to get married? Or did they rush into it out of fear of being alone? Although, I don't believe one needs to be married to feel fulfilled. One of my parent's really good friends was married twice. They both cheated on her. After months and months of self-doubt and depression, she realized that maybe she wasn't called upon by God to get married. She wondered if she married for the wrong reasons. She began to attend Church regularly and is now content with her life. She didn't need marriage to be happy, she need God to be happy. I agree with the Vatican when they said that marriage should be taken seriously. The honeymoon stage doesn't last forever. When it's over, you need love, trust, communication, and commitment to fall back on. With these, a married couple can "grow and ripen."

I believe that dating when your young can be a good thing. It helps you discover who you are, your likes and dislikes, and what you want for the future. In the article, informative and interesting, I noticed how prevalent "hooking-up" is in our culture. Although I believe not everyone is like this, it is a pattern in many young adults today. With that said, I believe that if one chose not to "hook-up", or whatever, it wouldn't be thought of as weird or abnormal. Often times, like the article said, the term "hook-up" is vague.

I believe that although romantic proposals and whirlwind relationships are fun and exciting, they may not necessarily be realistic. As I read, the article gave me a different point of perspective when considering engagement and the roles of gender in marriage and in life. I believe females are sometimes stereotyped as waiting for their boyfriends to propose because they just want to plan a wedding, that they only care about getting the ring. I believe males are sometimes stereotyped as commitment-phobes, afraid to propose and give up their single life. Maybe it is true in some cases, but certainly not all. I think if their is true love between each person in the relationship, the how you get engaged shouldn't matter. It is about who you're getting married to. When reflecting back on my parents' engagement, it was casual and thoughtful. There was no ring, no flowers, and no grand gesture. They simply decided that they loved each and wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. They could have gotten married in a dumpster and they would have been satisfied as long as they were together.

As someone who has been going to Catholic School her whole life, I am familiarized with the Church's teachings about our sexuality. Throughout all my experiences, I have noticed that a common theme the Church presents is that we are all made in God's image and likeness. There is something mysterious and wondrous about the way God presents humans with the gift of life.The article talks about how the Bishop believes our sexuality is a "wonderful gift," a concept that many people don't really understand. As a teenager, many believe the sexuality can be a burden. In the Church's eyes, it is merely part of God's plan, an important, yet not complete, part of who we are as humans.
From reading this article, I have come to understand the Church's reasons for the view upon sex. After reading the article, I now know, respect, and understand the Church's "unitive dimension" and "procreative dimension" in regards to human sexuality. I also recognize that each individual is learning, growing, and evolving along with their sexuality. That is a part of God's plan.