Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84; site cca.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!allegra!bellcore!decvax!cca!denise From: denise@cca.UUCP (Denise Higgins) Newsgroups: net.social Subject: Marriage Encounter Information Message-ID: <1766@cca.UUCP> Date: Mon, 4-Mar-85 11:40:38 EST Article-I.D.: cca.1766 Posted: Mon Mar 4 11:40:38 1985 Date-Received: Thu, 7-Mar-85 05:34:52 EST Organization: Computer Corp. of America, Cambridge Lines: 76 Glad you asked! And since I have had a number of requests for more information, I'm going to post this reply for the benefit of those that may be interested but somewhat reluctant. Marriage Encounter (ME) evolved on or around Valentine's Day in 1981. Primarily, this organization was established in response to a need for a support group for good or potentially good marriages. These days, it is sometimes difficult to find a role model for a good marriage. What resulted was an immense interest and this organization has every right to claim its successes. Incidentally, in this short period of time, it has grown to be international--quite relieving to know that wherever you may be or wherever you may move, there is a Marriage Encounter group close by. The Marriage Encounter weekend is a non-denominational weekend shared with your spouse only. Sure, other couples are on this weekend but you are encouraged to concentrate all of your thoughts and discussion with your spouse. Three married couples give short presentations--it is quite intense and exhilarating! Following the presentations, (which are the couples' own real life experiences-- touching and enlightening) you sequester to your room for quiet discussion with your spouse. In this time, you truly come to know your spouse. The gray areas in your lives are brought forth by careful coordination of the questions (and presentations) given. You actually begin to learn the techniques of dicussion. In ME terms, this is referred to as dialogue. Quite frankly, we don't have any social situation that teach or prepare us for communication with each other. Communication difficulties account for almost all of our current divorces. ME teaches both spouse the concept of communication in a very straightforward, simple way. Moreover, both learn the same techniques of communicaton, thereby making the process of communication easier--allowing the two more time to con- centrate on the real issues. The best part of the whole weekend is learning this new tool. This new tool is portable and when used frequently, results are spectacular. This weekend didn't solve all our problems, but it did put us in communication with each other. Our marriage counselor (yeah we went that route once) could never do for us what this organization has. We now have a sharing group that is an extension to the ME weekend. Twice a month we come together in each other's house (about 4-5 couples) to support and encourage each other. These people are only a phone call away when help or words of support are needed. Hearing that others have been through some of our emotional difficulties, hearing their solutions (or that the have no apparent solutions) bring us closer to the underlying problem. Once we are aware of the underlying problem, solutions are worked out together. Sometimes it just takes hearing that others are in the same situation to reassure one that it's not so insurmountable. Before we were introduced to ME, we could not approach family or friends with some of our difficulties, keeping them to ourselves just intensified the situation. So, I guess you can see just how valuable it is to have our sharing group. The cost is VERY minimal (especially considering the resulting value). The organization will even waive the fee for anyone with financial concerns, but I'm sure you'll agree with me that by the end of the weekend you'll want to make a contribution to keep this thing going for other couples to learn and enjoy. Babysitting is also arranged (other ME couples provide this free service) if necessary. There is really no way to express or describe a Marriage Encounter weekend to someone who has never experienced one before--you'll just have to find out for yourself. With the overwhelming success of the Marriage Encounter, there now exists an "Engaged Encounter", same basic principles. Since Marriage Encounter is international, if you provide me with your city and state, I can give you a local phone number and address of a Marriage Encounter couple in your area. The next step could make all the difference in the world. Keep smiling, Denise