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Little Rock marriage seminar opens lines of communication

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nestor Cruz
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  Team Little Rock Airmen and their spouses attended a one-day marriage seminar Aug. 31, 2010, where they learned how to strengthen relationships through better communication.

The base chapel sponsored the seminar at the Holiday Inn Presidential in Little Rock.

The seminar wasn't intended as therapy for married couples, but rather it was an opportunity for spouses to get to know each other better, said Chaplain (Capt.) Jeremy Gorline, 19th Airlift Wing chapel corps.

"The marriage seminar is another opportunity for those interested in investing in their marriage," Chaplain Gorline said. "We try to make that happen for couples, so we're looking at hosting eight seminars this school year."

During the seminar, couples took a personality test to understand their different personality types and how they coexist with each other. Participants also wrote letters to their spouses, made date night plans and learned about the five love languages.

Chaplain Gorline also taught the group the five essentials in a marriage: show your appreciation, practice communicating from the heart, be intimate, practice the power of forgiveness and be "teach-able".

"We want to help couples build an understanding of each other and find out what it means to be a spouse," the chaplain said.

Tech. Sgt. Clifton Britt, 19th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron wash rack NCO-in-charge, said he and his wife, Mary, gained valuable information from the seminar and are thankful programs like this one are available to support Airmen and their families.

"We learned [the importance of] communication including getting rid of distractions," Sergeant Britt said. "Most couples don't know what resources are available to them. Even if people aren't having problems with their relationships, [the seminar] still offers good information."

Mrs. Britt agrees, adding the lessons she learned from the personality test.

"What really helped me was getting a better understanding of different personalities," she said. "Now I'll be able to approach things in a different way and hopefully we'll have effective communication between us."

Overall, Chaplain Gorline believes the marriage seminar benefits all married couples.

"No matter where your marriage is, whether it's great or not doing so well, there's always hope to improve your relationship," Chaplain Gorline said.