rigorous

theory: a critical function of familial relationships is that individuals are forced or strongly motivated to work through difficult emotional circumstances with people from whom they cannot 'escape.' the skillset learned through these [universal] experiences prepares an individual to maintain healthy, long-term relationships outside of the family circle.

theory supported: without the foundation established by familial relationships, when confronted with a problem in a relationship, we would be strongly inclined to abandon it in favor of another, seemingly simpler relationship. i.e., through the difficult practice of maintaining familial relationships, a person comes to understand the necessity of unconditional love.

theory challenged: the struggle of familial relationships and the apparent 'need' to maintain them against all odds because we are 'stuck' with blood relations forever only set up a dynamic wherein we believe dysfunctional extrafamilial relationships deserve the same amount of tenacity as seems warranted in difficult familial circumstances - even though we are in fact free to move on to a healthier relationship. i.e., through the difficult practice of maintaining familial relationships, a person never learns when to call it quits and is thus vulnerable to abuse.

assessment: theory is strongly underdetermined.

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tonight for the first time in years i remembered putting salt on oranges. i was preparing a grapefruit, had my spoon in the sugar. i always wondered if the practice of salting citrus fruit was widespread or if it was limited to nicaragua. none of my (american) friends salted their oranges. i still don't know the answer.

Comments

[juleepizza]

j.laporte salts her melons :)

thanks again for the apt help yesterday. and i'm serious about us being friends on a full-time basis. you'll be hearing from me soon.