Engaged Encounter Weekend?

Still trying to decide if I want to spend the $$$ on this. For those that attended: What was it like? What were the accomadations like? Where did you attend?

Engaged Encounter Weekend?

I was just there this weekend. (We attended in CA though so I don't know how much help this will be, but I believe they follow the same format everywhere). It was a nice time - great to have so much time to focus on us, but it was a lot of writing and a bit repetitive. We didn't have any great revelations or identify any new issues (which I guess means we have good communication :) It was less religious than I feared. They threw in some nice romantic surprises (which I won't mention and ruin the surprise) Overall it was a good experience and I'm glad we did it. We stayed in rooms of 4, but there were curtains sectioning off each bed so it really was private.

Engaged Encounter Weekend?

I think they are all different, The one we almost attended in Colorado was at a Catholic HS and you camped out in the classrooms. I know there is a great one in suffolk county at an awesome retreat house. I went to Catholic Hs and if you have time, I suggest going. They have some real secluded and beautiful retreat houses here on long island. My fiance and I just don't have a full weekend to enjoy it since we have to fly to see each other and we would never make the friday night time.. argh!! Good luck

Engaged Encounter Weekend - very long

Steph, I did not attend EE in NY, but I want to offer my perspective anyway. The accommodations were modest - no TV, no radio, dorm style (guys on one floor, ladies on another). Each room is equipped with two sinks for private use. Showers were in the shared bathrooms, but I was pleased that they were very private! The format of the weekend (in my opinion) is MUCH better than the weekly sessions, from what I have heard. The weekly meetings are 'public' discussion. The weekends allow more time for private discussion and reflection for each couple. There's so many issues that get raised, and you may not be comfortable talking about it in front of a bunch of strangers. Unless you and your husband invest additional time after you leave the weekly sessions to discuss these things further in private, you may never talk through some important issues before you marry. My husband and I didn't really know what to expect from the weekend. And, we were nervous that it would be a bunch of 'preaching' from the Church - my husband is not Catholic, so he was ultra-sensitive to this. The weekend was exactly the opposite. It is all about what you put into it, and if you are serious with yourself and one another when you discuss certain topics. It was emotionally exhausting for us, but WELL WORTH the money and time. We came out of the weekend feeling so connected to one another, and more intimate on many levels. I understood what makes my husband 'tick' better than I ever have before. Among many other things, we learned how to disagree fairly, how to listen and respect one another, and how to be 'life-giving' in our marriage. These might seem like simple lessons, but they are things we all often take for granted in a committed relationship. There are plenty of breaks given throughout the weekend, so that you and your fiance can go for a walk, or spend time alone talking about something that is a particular challenge in your relationship. All in all, I highly recommend the EE weekend. It was a very special and spiritual experience for both of us - one that we still look back on fondly. It was a very special time during our engagement, and we have already put some of the theories and practices that we learned to good use. Please feel free to email me, if you have more specific questions - [email protected]. Good luck, whatever you decide!

Engaged Encounter Weekend - very long

I did do EE on Long Island and it was well worth it. Imagine it on World Series weekend with 20 guys aching to see game 6- they still had a good time! We liked it b/c it allowed us the private time together to discuss deep issues in our relationship (you know...the five issues all your fights always come back to!). Other sessions we breezed through, laughed a little and realized how great our relationship was in terms of communication, love and friendship. Well worth it - emotionally trying and draining but will bring the two of you closer together. I am not a real religious person but enough of a balance to keep it interesting and spiritual yet not 'this is the way it should be.' If you get Ray and Marilyn or Paul and Meg you are golden!

Tjspridur...

Where did you do EE? How were the rooms?

I totally agree...

I was at the same EE as Tjspridur, it was well worth the money!It was in Glen Cove at a beautiful spot right on the water. Claud2001 described it perfectly, it was very meaniful. The accomodations were like being in a college dorm, and the food was good. I would highly recommend the weekend, it is also a very nice break away from the 'real world'. I didn't use my cell phone all weekend!Please feel free to ask any other questions. Continued success to all...

Do you have the contact info? *NM*

http://www.engagedencounter.org/ *NM*