Chapter Four is all about relationships, how we define them, what we get from them, and their main consequences (being both good, and potentially bad). The first topic I would like to talk about is on the first page of the chapter. Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love is a theory saying that there are three pillars (characteristics of love) that we drift towards, almost in a Venn diagram type format, but more in a gradient sense. The three characteristics are Intimacy, Passion, and Commitment (Donatelle 75).The gradient is a good analogy because you can be in a relationship with more Intimacy/Passion, but less so commitment, or any combination of the three . However, Sternberg’s idea is that the most ideal form of love is called consummate love, and thats when all three pillars are shared equally, in the middle. This is only one form of love theory, and there are other more chemistry and brain wave based theories as well, but I like this one because it highlights that love isn’t just meant to be or not, you have to work for it.
The second topic I really enjoyed was the sub Chapter 4.3 talking about online dating. Today we have so many dating apps readily available to us, and I bet a large amount of us in this class have used them. Its become so popular, which I think is a good thing, but it also takes away from our intimacy sometimes, and also it can be dangerous as well. The chapter talks about how if you decide to go on a date with someone you met online, you have to be extra careful. This makes sense, because you never know who the person is until you actually meet them in person. It says to “Plan something brief, preferably during daylight hours. Meet in a public place, such as a coffee shop”, which I think is a great place unless you don’t like coffee (like me) (Donatelle 82). Remember, always put safety first and remember that just because you get along with someone online or through text, doesn’t mean you will in person.
The last topic I want to talk about is the Gender Differences part, 4.6. There is a great chart on the page that lists the general gender differences between men and women into four separate parts. Facial expressions, speech patterns, body language, and behavioral differences. Now it is important to note that these differences are an average. not a cold cut fact for every single person who identifies with that gender. For instance on average it says women are more likely to maintain better eye contact, but you might not fall into that average (Donatelle 85). I also like how it talks about modifying your communication by actively thinking about the receiver in this situation. If you are a woman and you know men tend to lean back when listening, make sure you understand that, or in most cases you can always just ask. The same goes for the reverse as well.
Lastly, my progress on my ankle has been going well, I have been consistently doing my drills which I have found take about 25 minutes every time. I do the drills three times a week, and I also have started running more. I have started a caloric deficit and am trying to cut down from 243lbs to 212 lbs or so now that Spring is almost here. There is almost no pain in my ankle joint now and I am excited because a lot of single leg exercises have really improved!
Luke's Wellness Blog 