Family Essay: How A Family Is A Changing System

Definition

A family is defined as a “system within a system”, it is actually compared to a self operating entity in which each part is related to another in order for it to correctly function (Sigelman & Rider, 2012, p.470). Sigelman and Rider (2012) agree that, the family is a changing system, in a sense, because there are new members that come in, some others pass away, and that changes sometimes the roles of each and everyone in the system. There are multiple relationships in the family such as parents-children, and siblings to siblings. Also, families nowadays exist in a changing world; therefore we are seeing more unmarried parents, more working mothers, more divorces, and more multigenerational families (Sigelman & Rider, 2012, pp. 472-473).

I remember the first one I had was back in seventh grade. He was the sweetest and the most respectful guy I ever met. I always had this idea that whomever I am going to settle with, should be able to be accepted by my family, and I had clear ideas of who or what my parents could accept. That first relationship did not last a long. Obviously, it was a childhood romance, and nothing serious. Over the years, I made choices that were not the very best, and I, at some point lost some of the values and goals I had set to myself. However, today, I am back on track, and I know what I expect from my partner. I think that I am at a stage in life where I would not like to be involved romantically with someone that will not be a good friend, a good father, a good husband, and a good provider. The person I will choose to be my life partner should have all the qualities to be my friend first, have a sense of responsibilities that shows that he will be able to start a family and provide for them, be able to be present for his family in good and bad times, and support them. I have tried over the years to be engaged romantically with someone who has these criteria, to avoid