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