Module 9

My family does not reflect the normative US family at all. Usually when people picture the "perfect" family, they see a husband, wife, and usually two kids. My family used to be similar to this until my parents got divorced. Since then, my family has expanded and there are many people who I now call my family even though we're not really related at all. My dad got remarried and lives in Texas, which gave me 4 stepsisters and a stepmother. I also have a half brother from my dad's previous marriage. My mom is not yet remarried, but has been a seeing a guy for about seven years now and lives with him. I am currently living with both of them for the summer. I call this man my stepfather, and his sons my stepbrothers. I also have a biological brother who is two years younger than me.

The tasks that my mom and stepdad do in their house is fairly similar to that of other families in my opinion. My stepdad works 9-5 most days of the week and brings in a large portion of the income. My mom recently got a new job and works a few days a week. My mom does all of the cooking and cleaning around the house. Untraditionally, she also does a lot of the "handiman" work that is needed around the house. It's a running joke in the house about how my stepdad does not have a strong talent for fixing things around the house. I notice other things too once in awhile that has to do with gender roles. For example, whenever we all go out it is always my stepdad who drives.

The way that men and women communicate definitely has a huge effect on their relationships. Women tend to wear their hearts on their sleeves and let the man know exactly what she is thinking, which has its negatives and positives. Most men seem to not want to show their emotions. This can be good at times because many fights are spared, however it can be bad when there is a lot of built up anger. If the woman is always telling how she feels and the guy doesn't feel comfortable talking about things like this, it can put a huge strain on the relationship.