Couples Connection - Understanding, appreciating, strengthening relationships one at a time

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Lindsey Maurice
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Aviano couples are taking time to improve their connections thanks the to the base's Couples Connection class.

Offered about once every six weeks, with the next available class on May 15, the course was an answer to couples' concerns from the 2006 Community Assessment Survey and has helped more than 150 couples since it began just over a year ago.

"Military marriages must endure incredible change associated with relocations, deployments and various military commitments," said Gregory Simon, Airman and Family Readiness Center community readiness consultant. "We can't necessarily control the 'ops temp,' but we can learn more about our relationships and how we can appreciate and strengthen them."

During the class, which is limited to 16 couples (including those who are dating, engaged and married), participants cover such aspects as the difference between introverts and extroverts; communication styles; active talk time; destructive barriers; and love language such as words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service and physical touch.

"We have taken an eclectic and practical approach to relationship education," said Mr. Simon. "There's not a lot of lecture time. It's more about appreciating differences in each other through fun and interesting exercises.

"We've included material from some of the best including Gary Chapman ('Five Love Languages'), John Gottman ('Seven Principles for Making Marriages Work'), Kelly Simpson ('Active Relationships') and John Van Epp ('How Not to Marry a Jerk')."

In addition to the educational portion, participants are also treated to a table-for-two meal at the La Bella Vista Club as well as free child care for those participants with children at the Child Development Center during the class and dinner.

Mr. Simon said there can be a lot of benefits to couples taking the course.

"Most people are very familiar with the concept of necessary maintenance such as changing the oil in your car every 3,000 miles or going to the dentist annually," said Mr. Simon. "Typically relationships are on the bottom of the 'to-do list.' On this evening, it's on the top of the list."

Participants also receive the exercises, a marriage enrichment book from a famous author and some homework to continue the work.

Mr. Simon said the wing has received a lot of positive feedback from those Aviano couples who have attended the class.

"So far, 100 percent of the participants have said they would recommend the class to a friend or co-worker," he said. "Without any advertisement our April 23 class is full and we still have a waiting list for the May class."

The Couples Connection class is a Helping Agency initiative, conducted with the help of the AFRC, CDC, LBV Club, family advocacy, chapel and health and wellness center.

"Without the help of these agencies and wing leadership support the wing wouldn't be able to have an 'easy date' with some fun and interesting exercises," said Mr. Simon.

To sign up for the May Couples Connection Class, call the AFRC at 632-5407.