I mentioned that there are many different methods of rearing children - ranging
from strict disciplinarian to hands off. I wanted to know if they
read about or discussed the various methods they would use to raise
their baby.

Like many parents, they hadn't given it too much thought.
Basically, they were going to raise their child how they remember
being raised. Some parents who feel they had a poor upbringing try
to raise their children the exact opposite way they were raised. In
reality, our friends had no real plan for raising their child.

I see this same approach in relationships and it can be very
unhealthy. Just because you turned out "ok" doesn't mean that you
were reared wonderfully. And just because your parents never
divorced doesn't mean you should mimic their relationship.

If you want to be a great basket weaver how would you go about it?
By instinct? By watching those who make ordinary or even awful
baskets? If you want to be a top-notch basket weaver you would
spend a lot of time watching experts in the field, noting their
technique. You would read books on the subject and take some
courses. When it came to weaving your basket, you would probably
have some ideas and concepts about what you wanted it to look like
before you even started.

A relationship is a lot more complex than making baskets. If you
want to have a top-notch relationship then you can't simply let
nature take its course. You must have a plan. First, you make the
decision that you are going to have a blissful relationship and
hopefully you can get your mate to agree to the same. You will want
to observe couples that have blissful relationships and maybe ask
them a lot of questions. You should read books on the subject and
perhaps take some courses from experts.

Raising well-behaved, respectful children takes a lot of time,
thought and effort. Creating a beautiful basket takes skill,
dedication and good teaching. A blissful relationship takes all the
above and then some.