Engaged Encounter

Our Engaged Encounter (EE) course during the weekend went great. Without knowing much about it, we attended with open minds and our expectation was that it will bring about more good then harm. Glad to say that our expectation was met.

I think many couples wouldn't have attended this course were it not made compulsory. And since people were "forced" to go, they might as well make the best out of it and I think most couples benefited a little something from it, if not wholly.

During our stay, we were with 29 other couples. For me personally, it was heart warming to see a group of 60 people breaking out in pairs during meal times, walking hand in hand and just being in the presence of each other. Of course there were times when people mingled in larger groups, too.

This is the first time I attend a course where you are not regarded as an individual. We were always regarded as a pair and even our name tags and files had 2 names on them.

Though our ultimate goal of was to get our EE certificate, I think we've got more than just the signed paper. We've got a clearer perspective and understanding of ourselves as an individual as well as a couple. It was also a safer ground to be completely honest and vulnerable to each other.

Generally the environment was a pretty happy one, being around people who are in the same transition in life, moving on the next stage. We had many light-hearted moments between the two of us and also as a group. It helps that the couples and even the facilitators and priests have a good sense of humour.

I wish the rest of the couples out there the best of their lifetimes to come.