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Reaction Paper #4
Reaction Paper #4
Reaction Paper #4
10/30/07
Psych 33
overcoming traditional gender roles. As usual the chapters operate by first identifying
problems typically encountered on the subject, and then inviting the reader to reflect on
their own experienced with said problems. One of the primary focuses of chapter seven
was healthy confrontation and anger management in relationships. While two people may
proudly exclaim “We’ve never been in a fight!” the book holds that that does not
necessarily mean that they don’t have problems. Depending on our past, we all have
different views of what conflict is; the book holds that most people try to avoid conflict.
Rather than simply avoiding conflict, we should discuss our issues with our partner and
try to resolve them. The meat and potatoes of the chapter is on how to hold a healthy
discussion, paraphrasing: we should truly listen to one another, suspend judgment and try
and discussed how these can negatively impact our well-being. How men “supposed” to
be stoic, aloof, and silently provide for their family. How women “should” be
subservient, and passive and should always put family before their careers. The book
suggests that these gender roles, when defined too ridigly, and restrict a persons growth
and cause emotional turmoil throughout life. The book suggests that we search our self
and find a balance between our masculine and feminine qualities rather than only
don’t feel like I suffer much from the typical relationship problems listed, I do think that
being aware of these common detriments is beneficial to forging new relationships, and
validating previous ones. It’s easy to build emotional barriers between loved ones, we
may be afraid to reveal our selves as we really are for fear of rejection. Yet I think life is
only truly lived when we can freely express our selves, and be accepted by others in that
sincere form. The chapter made me want to tell my mom I love her or get closer to a
friend, we only have so long to live so we may as well live with love rather than hate.
I’ve never had too much trouble with gender identity, I’ve always felt the best of
both worlds. I love masculine activities, sports, competition, working on projects and
providing for others, but I also am comfortable with expressing my self effeminately. I
feel lucky that I am able to relate to both men and women and that I have many friends
from both genders. People often tell me that I am mentally androgynous and often I will