“When in a relationship one should always take opportunities to get to know your significant other better,” said Nathan Heatherly, a senior business major.
Residence Life hosted their annual relationship conference, “Communication: The Key to a Great Relationship,” on Friday, Feb. 22, and Saturday, Feb. 23, at Luther Hall led by Dr. Stew and Shelli Grant, the former director of marriage ministries for the center for healthy relationships at John Brown University. The goal was to educate students on the importance of significant relationships for those engaged, married or in serious relationships.
The night began with a couple of icebreaker questions, followed by a catered Olive Garden dinner, and ended with the first conference session: cultivating real love. Each couple had scheduled times to take tests about their view of the relationship and discuss it with their significant other.
“There were some good tips on communication, which is important for any relationship,” said Katie Allison, a junior history major.
On Saturday morning, breakfast was served and the three remaining sessions were taught over the topics of healthy communication and conversation, listening (the secret to great communication) and choosing a Christ-centered relationship.
At the beginning of the workbook, Gary Oliver, the executive director for the center for healthy relationships, writes that there are three parts that the growing healthy relationships retreat should enforce: attending the two day seminar and listening to the speakers, practically applying the provided tips to the relationship and hearing from other couples to challenge their own relationship.
“It was a fun weekend full of practical advice, encouragement and quality time with other young couples,” said Molly Carman, a junior intercultural studies major. “I am glad that I got to go, [have] focused time in prayer and practice some of the things that we were learning.”
Photo by Sabrina Clendenin