Blog Entry #2: Looking Within: How Culture, Gender, and Perception Shape Who We Love

In this blog entry, I’ll be reflecting on how culture, gender, and perception shape how we see ourselves and others, especially in romantic relationships. Chapter 4 of our textbook helped me understand that our perception of the world isn’t just based on facts, but on who we are. I really liked the part where it encouraged us to think about how our experiences, gender, cultural background, and even mood or personality can affect the way we interpret people and situations. It also made me realize how much of what we believe is shaped by what we’ve been through and how we can become more aware of that.

Through the Johari Window exercise, I discovered that people see me as an active listener, which was a nice surprise, but also encouraging. I’ve always felt like I pay attention in conversations, but it’s nice to know others actually notice. I also learned that my cultural background and personal experiences influence how I see myself: strong, nurturing, and pretty open, but I don’t always show those sides to others right away. Honestly, sometimes I feel like there’s a gap between how I see myself and how others do. That can feel confusing, but it also reminds me to check in with myself and be open to feedback. This week’s lesson has made me more aware of how self-perception plays a big role in our relationships.

When it comes to how I view others, especially romantic partners, I value honesty, kindness, emotional maturity, and someone who can laugh through life’s chaos. Being #7 of 8 children, I saw how these traits matter, because I’ve seen how important they are in a lasting relationship. As a married person, I’ve also come to understand how my early perceptions influenced who I chose to spend my life with. Chapter 3 talks about how we use mental frameworks, or schemata, to form impressions, and that made me think about how I tend to avoid people who seem closed off or emotionally unavailable. I now understand that my self-image as someone who gives and feels deeply may affect how I connect with others.

This exercise helped me reflect not just on myself, but on how I can guide and support my children as they navigate their own relationships. I’ve gained insight into how culture, gender, and personal traits can shape both perception and attraction. In the future, I want to continue encouraging open communication and emotional awareness in my family. Understanding how we perceive ourselves and others can truly make a difference in the way we form healthy, loving relationships.