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Workshop readies relationships

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Elliott Sprehe
  • 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  "A marriage requires time and attention," said the chaplain. "If you neglect a garden over time, it will fill up with weeds, and a growing marriage is no different." 

Communication is one of many keys to a good relationship, but how often do couples really take time to do just that? 

Improving couples' communication skills was the goal of the Happy, Healthy Families workshop at a downtown hotel, hosted by Ch. (Capt.) Donald Bridges, 27th Special Operations Wing. 

"It's a skills and principle-building curriculum designed to help partners say what they need to say," said Chaplain Bridges. "It helps couples identify danger areas in their relationships that all couples face and gives them the tools to improve their communication." 

The workshop is held over the course of one day and allows couples to participate in a number of communications exercises. 

The workshop, held quarterly, is open to all couples, whether they are married or engaged, and whether they have a good relationship or have problems. 

"(It's about) listening and knowing that the other person clearly understood what you said so that you have that open communication," said Staff Sgt. Donald Masterson, of the 27th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron and an alumni of the workshop. 

Though Sergeant Masterson attended the workshop more than a year ago, the material remains the same and he says he and his wife still use what they learned at the class, primarily the magnet, given to them in class, and the open lines of communication it helps to create. 

"We (my wife and I) wanted to try something to work on our marriage and doing nothing definitely wasn't helping," said Sergeant Masterson. 

The magnet symbolizes an open line of communication. The person holding the magnet also has the floor to speak openly and without interruption. 

"There's rules listed on (the magnet) and there's a high degree of structure to it," said Chaplain Bridges. 

"Some couples come to the class cautious, some come very eager and excited," said Chaplain Bridges. "Couples leave with a renewed interest in strengthening their relationship." 

For more information, call the 27th SOW Chapel at 784-2507.

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