Silence, I miss you.

It’s 1:45 a.m. and even though I’ve been sleepy since 11p.m. I’m still awake. You might ask yourself, “why are you awake, Priscilla?” I have one word for you, JUSTAS!

I’ve been a college student for nearly six years. In all those years I had never been to the Justas LAI festivities. This year wouldn’t have been the exception, but unfortunately instead of me going to Ponce for the Justas, they were brought to Mayaguez instead.

I live somewhat close to town square, and honestly, I thought it wouldn’t be too noisy around the block I live on. Oh, was I mistaken. I’m regretting the fact that I didn’t go to Camuy to spend some quality time with my family. I would be asleep and enjoying the precious sound of silence.

Instead, here I sit on my bed with my laptop on my lap. I’m cranky… grouchy…grumpy. The thought of having to deal with this craziness for two more days makes me want to punch someone (figuratively speaking). I want the music to stop, for the people to shut up, please no more screams, no more laughter. Come back silence. I miss you.

P.S. This is too short to be considered a class blog entry, however, I was extremely frustrated and needed to vent.

Mock Research (APA)

In recent discussions about dating, a controversial issue has been whether people should get to know each other face to face, how it’s traditionally done, or if they should take an online personality compatibility test and date online for a specific amount of time. On one hand, some argue that you can’t really get to know someone well enough without actually meeting them. On the other hand, others argue that this method discards the factor of being superficial at the moment of seeking your other half and decreases the stress that tends to come with dating.

Research on this matter suggests that people should get to know each other on a personal level first and not meet until at least 6 months later. One of the facts that support this is that many individuals tend to focus on physical attraction; by building a strong relationship over time, looks won’t be as important. According to Kramer (2006) physical attraction isn’t fundamental to make a relationship work. Furthermore, she states that getting to know each other from afar, permits personalities to connect on a more profound level.

In addition to this, many people support this argument by stating that this option also minimizes the stress that tends to come with dating. Studies done by Dr. Corey Dowry compare and contrast stress tests done on people who participate in online dating with those that don’t. Dowry (2008) emphasizes, “Results clearly show that online dating is indeed less stressful. When interviewing some of the subjects most said that with dating online they avoided the hassle of courtship, and felt free to act how they truly are, because they don’t feel it’s necessary to put on a front to charm potential dates.” Dowry acknowledges that online dating doesn’t work for everyone; nonetheless he urges his patients to see this as a potential dating option and highly recommends it be tried at least once, especially if all other resources fail.

In recent work, psychologist Dr. Louis Evans has offered harsh critiques on Dowry’s statements, for being so receptive of this dating method. Evans concedes that online dating could certainly be less stressful; however, she claims that according to some collected data, there’s a direct proportional relationship between online dating and cheating. In her journal article, Online dating and its adverse psychological effects, Evans (2003) maintains that, “Most people don’t take the relationship with their so-called-couple seriously. In many occasions they get romantically involved with other people online and/or date people that live nearby them.” Evans takes into account Lisa Marriott’s philosophy on how it’s best to keep it “up close and personal”. Marriott (2001)  claims that relationships formed over the internet tend to be ephemeral and meaningless to one, or in occasions, to both of the people involved. They provide several anecdotes, stories, therapy sessions, etc., to support their argument.

Kramer is right that physical attraction tends to be a deal breaker in some cases, however she seems on more dubious ground when she claims that it eliminates this factor completely. Certainly these people will exchange pictures and the “superficial factor” could still be latent. Meanwhile, Dowry is quick to defend his view, which is, online dating decreases stress levels. Although I agree with Dowry up to a point, I cannot accept his overall conclusion that it always minimizes stress that comes with dating. Though I concede that this might be the case for some people, I still insist that some individuals might worry about fidelity; this could obviously increase someone’s stress levels. On the other hand, Evans arguments fall a bit short. Pinpointing fidelity issues exclusively on online dating is a bit outrageous. It is more than proved that people are equally likely to be unfaithful in whichever type of relationship they might be in. Despite this fact, it can be agreed that meeting people online has indeed been substituting the real thing. Many people prefer to stay home, get online, and chat with people thousands of miles away.

In conclusion then, online dating is an option that can be considered by those who are fearless, even adventurous, and would rather go on a “date” with someone while they work, watch television, listen to music, talk on the phone, instead of going to the movie theater, out for dinner, or for a walk on the beach. It certainly depends on the person’s point of view and lifestyle. One isn’t better than the other, results and success rates vary depending on mainly and attitude going into the dating venue.

References

Dating tips for the clueless. (2009, November 3). Retrieved February 22, 2010, from  http://www.datingtips.org

Dowry, C. (2008). Online dating and stress: How the two are related. Human health and emotions , 77-89.

Evans, L. (2003). Online dating and its adverse psychological effects. Dating Doctor Journal , 60-72.

Kramer, D. (2006). Physical attraction not fundamental for a successful relationship. Human Relations Journal , 30-38.

Marriott, L. (2001). Up Close and Personal. New York: Leonard Publishing.

Playing the believing game

In class, with the use of templates, we’re trying to construct good arguments and also good counterarguments. In order to practice, we were assigned to pick a topic of choice and play the believing game. Compare these two; which is really my belief?

#1

In recent discussions on the matter of life and death, a controversial issue has been whether assisted suicide should be an option for people suffering from painful and/or terminal illnesses. On the one hand, some argue that it devalues human life. On the other, however, others argue that it provides a way of relief when a person’s quality of life is low.

My view on the matter is that we should be able to decide for ourselves whether we want to continue living in agony or if we rather die in peace and on our own terms. Some might say that this will provoke individuals to think intentional ending of  certain human lives as an appropriate and necessary answer to life’s most difficult challenges. On the contrary, life for the patient has now become a burden and no longer a benefit.

#2

When it comes to the topic of assisted suicide, most of us will readily agree that physicians and other medical care people should not be involved in directly causing death. Whereas some are convinced that it provides a way to relieve extreme pain; others maintain laws against euthanasia are in place to prevent abuse and to protect people from unscrupulous doctors and others. They are not, and never have been intended to  make anyone suffer.

My view on this subject is that doctors and nurses are there to take care of patients, in this case with terminal illnesses, who need it. They aren’t there to kill them, but to supply them with medicines which can relief their pain, yet keep them alive. No human being should take the life of another. Only God knows when it’s ones time to stop breathing.