So I read this interesting article this morning that said that spouses tend to be copycats. That's right one tends to follow the other when it comes to behavior and lifestyle changes. The study that was done showed that when one spouse decided to make a change in lifestyle such as eating healthier, exercising, quitting smoking, or even getting a flue shot, greatly influenced the other spouse to quickly follow suit.

The study showed that a spouse was five time more likely to quit smoking if their partner had already done so, as well as five times more likely to quit drinking if their partner didn't drink. The times when partners were less likely to follow in each other's footsteps were when a course of action was influenced by a doctor, rather than the spouse, such as getting their cholesterol screened.

It is so exciting to see studies done that show how greatly family members can influence one another's behaviors. We have so much power in our family units to mold each other into exceptional human beings, yet so often we tear each other down, and rip each other apart, setting the tone that it is okay to do this to others out there in the 'real world.' Not only are we teaching our children how to be good people, we are constantly teaching each other as spouses what kind of people we truly are.

We have the power to keep families alive and well. Even if your spouse seems disinterested in changing his or her ways, lead by example and see if they just don't follow in tow, because chances are they will. Sometimes all families need is someone to stand up and take charge and say "okay, this is what we are going to do, this is how we are going to be," and then show them what it takes to do it. We are becoming a society of 'do as I say, not as I do,' and we simply can't expect people to become good people, loving people, honest and caring people, if there is no one left to set the example of what is right. And now there is proof, if you stand up and and lead your family in the right direction, they will more than likely follow suit. Sure some damaged children may or may not get on board after years of abuse, trauma, and trust issues, but if nothing else at least you and your spouse can be in harmony with one another, and continue to show your children how even in the worst and most stressful of times, families do not have to fall apart, but become a stronger unit instead.