Mate Selection

    Initially, the mate selection model my parents fell under was the Attraction Similarity Model.   My parents both come from the same social cultural background; they both grew up in small towns in Mexico.  They also come from similar economic backgrounds.  My father was the oldest of seven children; at the age of 7, he had to help his single mother to provide for his siblings.  My mother on the other hand, had both of her parents and was the third of seven children, at the age of 8 she had to work to provide for the family.  The people they associated with at work and at parties were the structural influences my parents had in their mate selection.  There were many women interested in my dad and my mom was not looking into being in a relationship, mainly because her dad scared away the men that were interested in her sisters.  My dad pursued anyway!  Now, my parents have been married for 26 years and their relationship has developed into much more than similarities.  The Model of Complimentarity is the model that my parents fall under as they have begun to pursue activities together and apart.  My father is a very outgoing man, who has and makes friends wherever he goes; he enjoys attending parties.  My mom is outgoing in her own way but is much more reserved; she would prefer to spend time with family than at parties with friends.  My parents also enjoy time together, whether it be going back to Mexico, buying new furniture, or spending the weekend together.  Each has learned that they don't have to do everything together.  

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