Social networks like MySpace have prompted many people to really think about who they are and what they are interested in, but how many have contemplated how they arrived at these interests and social characteristics? This is one of the reasons I'm so fascinated by genealogy and family history research. Our lives are so deeply influenced by the choices our ancestors made.

Someone in your family (even you perhaps) may have put together a family tree, connecting the names of your relatives and ancestors, but have you ever loooked beyond that simple listing of names? How did these people meet? Have you ever asked your grandparents how they met each other?

Take a look at your profile and see if any of your interests are shared by your parents, grandparents or other ancestors. You may be suprised by what you discover.

For additional research advice and tips, visit my web site Genealogy Today.