rble618740 Posted September 15, 2004 Share Posted September 15, 2004 My husband and I separated in June. He came home in August to try to work things out. There is a Retrouvaille weekend in our hometown this weekend and I am interested in participating. My husband has reluctantly agreed to participate if I'm set on it. We are not Catholic and my husband is pretty sure he'll be uncomfortable. I have two questions: 1. Have any of you participated in the Retrouvaille program? If so, was your experience a positive one? 2. I'd like general opinions on whether there is any benefit to asking my husband to participate knowing that he's reluctant and just doing it for me. I don't want to push him (and I told him that I'd find out if I could participate alone), but I think he's going to be uncomfortable at any couples weekend or marriage counseling. I don't want to fall back into old patterns and I think there's still a lot of work left for us to do. I also know that my husband is very passive. Since things are going alright, in his opinion, I think he'd be content not to take any steps to continue working on us. Your advice would be greatly appreciated. Link to post Share on other sites
Scott S Posted September 15, 2004 Share Posted September 15, 2004 It's a big step in the right direction. I'm sorry your husband is reluctant, but that's better than unwilling. Retrovaille is a great program. It's helped many marriages. The word Retrouvaille is French, it means "re-finding" or "rediscovery". The program offers couples the opportunity "re-find" themselves, their spouses, and their loving relationship. You don't have to be Catholic, although a priest is there to offer counseling & spiritual help. It is for couples trying to repair a marriage, re-establishing dialogue, reconnecting with the love feelings they once had & what brought them into the relationship. Both partners have to commit to saving their relationship, so both partners need to attend together. Particiapting alone defeats the entire purpose of it. It's a weekend retreat, & post-retreat program. There are workshops & presentations by couples, with a lot of private time for couples to talk about their issues. Each gets a turn at expressing their feelings, & the other needs to listen, without quarreling, getting defensive, etc. The problems in the relationship did not arise overnight, therefore they won't go away overnight. That's why the program continues after the weekend. Here's a link: http://www.retrouvaille.org/ Marriage is, by nature, a high-maintenance relationship. One can't be passive & expect it to work. Good luc to you both, & God Bless!!! Good luck, & take care, both of you!! Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts