Commitment and communication key to successful relationships

  • Published
  • By Marilyn Leggett
  • Civilian Health Promotion Services
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  One of the most common problems in a relationship is ineffectual communication.

Most of us learned to read with the help of a teacher. We took golf lessons, music lessons, or at least read a book on quick home repair. But when it comes to loving relationships, everyone assumes they know how to do it.

The fact is the majority of us didn't learn relationship skills in a direct manner from qualified sources. We picked up bits of information from books, television, and people who had good intentions, but lacked expertise. Worse, some passed on advice that was negative or destructive.

When it comes to loving the most important people in our lives, no one can ever learn too much. That's why an educational program was developed by researchers at the University of Denver - to teach couples the skills and principles they need to maintain a healthy and lasting relationship.

PREP (Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program) is a comprehensive and well-respected relationship enhancing/divorce prevention program. The PREP curriculum consists of skills designed to help partners say what they need to say, get to the heart of problems, and increase their connection with each other. PREP is education, not therapy. PREP is for couples who want to make their relationship the best it can be. It doesn't matter whether you just found your love, have teens in the home, or have the freedom of the "empty nest" PREP offers you the chance to discover how to enjoy your relationship no matter where you are today or what tomorrow may bring.

Eglin AFB and Hurlburt Field's integrated delivery systems committees, which consist of the various installation helping agencies, have partnered to provide quarterly couples' relationship enhancement seminars based on the fundamentals of PREP. This quarter's seminar will be coordinated by Team Eglin and will be held at the Hurlburt Chapel. The program runs Friday, July 16, from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, July 17, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. There is no cost and refreshments will be provided. The programs are available to any Eglin or Hurlburt personnel. To register, call 883-8024.