Families in the 21st century come in all shapes and sizes: traditional, single parent, blended (more than one family together in the same house), and gay and lesbian parents - just to name a few. No matter the "type" of family you have, there are going to be highs and lows - good times and bad. Many times, however, families become blocked in their relationships by hurt, anger, mistrust, and confusion. These emotions are natural and normal, and few families do not have at least a few experiences with them. The worst time for most families, is during a divorce. By making a few simple changes in the way we look at the world and deal with other people, it is possible to create happier, more stable relationships. Families need to be units of mutual caring and support; they can be sources of lifelong strength for all individuals. It is never too late to begin the process of improving family relationships – even if they are already of good quality - by developing some simple skills. Whereas in other situations you can step back and assess the relationship, it is often hard to do this with your family. Your family may be a constant presence in your life, so when an argument or issue arises, it may seem impossible to handle. Remember that communication is key to resolving conflict. While it may seem that your siblings are constantly present to annoy you or boss you around, they are also there to communicate. Use your family's presence to your advantage – communicate with each other, develop ways to value boundaries, and build trust and respect. 98. The passage mainly discusses ____. A. families in the 21st century B. how to keep and improve family relationships C. what changes to make for a happier family D. family problems and solutions in the 21st century 99. Which of the following is not listed as something that blocks family relationships? A. mistrust B. divorce C. bankruptcy D. confusion 100. The word "them" in the passage refers to ____. A. families B. emotions C. relationships D. times 101. The word "units" in the passage almost means A. places B. situations C. people D. times 102. Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage? A. All families experience both good and bad times. B. Family care and support make individuals strong. C. Good family relationships need no improvements. D. Normally, it is hard to assess family relationships. 103. The word "handle" in the passage almost means ____. A. hold B. share C. control D. solve 104. According to the passage, which of the following is the best way to deal with family problems? A. Making changes to create happier, more stable relationships B. Communicating among family members for better understanding C. Developing some simple skills to assess family relationships D. Valuing boundaries, and building trust and respect among family members