Twitter
Facebook
The Ramstein chapel community hosted a marriage seminar for KMC couples Aug. 6 on Ramstein.
Gary Chapman, marriage counselor and author of “The 5 Love Languages” book series, spoke to the couples about the different ways they can better understand their spouses and improve their marriage life.
“I think it went really well,” said Chaplain (Capt.) Kristin Swenson, 86th Airlift Wing. “It’s encouraging to see so many couples wanting to continue to grow and develop in their marriage, whether they are struggling or even maintaining (that) healthy relationship.
“Either way, hopefully it was beneficial for them,” Swenson continued.
The topics discussed during the seminar included how different people give and receive love, common causes of conflicts between couples and how couples can improve communication in order to minimize conflict.
Chapman emphasized communication as an indispensable tool in producing a healthy and intimate marriage.
“The only one that knows what you’re thinking and feeling right now is you,” Chapman said. “That’s also true of me and my wife. If we’re ever going to be intimate, I must choose to reveal to her something that is going on inside of me, and she must choose to listen.
“If we do, we can get close, but if we don’t, we never will,” Chapman continued.
Chapman also pointed out what the essence of marriage is and why many people desire to marry.
“The very heart of what marriage is all about is this idea of unity, oneness or the sharing of life,” Chapman said. “There’s something about the way we’re made that cries out to have an intimate relationship.
“It doesn’t mean we lose our individuality, but it does mean we have a deep sense of intimacy,” Chapman added.
Swenson was pleased with how receptive the audience was to Chapman as he spoke. She also said she was happy with the way Chapman engaged with the audience and that she learned some things even as an organizer.
“He’s a pretty dynamic speaker,” Swenson said. “Watching him, I think people were very engaged. As a chaplain … I can definitely use (his) book as a resource for couples in my counseling and teaching.”
At the end of the seminar, Chapman told the participants to face their partners, hold their hands and proclaim their love and commitment for each other despite their imperfections.
As the seminar drew to a close, Chapman and Swenson both hoped the participants left with a renewed sense of passion and commitment for their spouses.
