Engagement

Photo by Kadarius Seegars

The engagement period can be an exciting and transformative time for a new couple. While experiences and feelings can vary among couples, here are some common aspects of what the engagement period might feel like:

Excitement and joy: The engagement period is often characterized by a sense of excitement and happiness. It's a time when couples celebrate their commitment to each other and look forward to their future together. There may be a general feeling of joy and anticipation about the upcoming wedding and the life they will build together.

Deepening of the relationship: Getting engaged signifies a deeper level of commitment in a relationship. During this period, couples may experience a sense of closeness and intimacy as they plan their wedding and make important decisions together. They may also engage in deeper conversations about their values, goals, and dreams for the future.

Wedding planning stress: While the engagement period is generally a positive time, it can also come with its fair share of stress, particularly related to wedding planning. There might be decisions to make, such as selecting a venue, choosing vendors, managing guest lists, and handling finances. It's important for couples to communicate effectively, compromise, and support each other during this potentially stressful phase.

Photo by Wallace Araujo

Anticipation and eagerness: The engagement period is often marked by a sense of anticipation and eagerness for the wedding day. Couples may find themselves counting down the days, imagining the celebration, and visualizing their life as a married couple. This excitement can create a shared sense of enthusiasm and bring the couple closer together.

Balancing personal and family expectations: Engaged couples may face the challenge of balancing their own desires and preferences with the expectations of their families. They might need to navigate different cultural or religious traditions, manage guest expectations, and handle any conflicts that arise. Open and honest communication is crucial in order to find a balance that respects both the couple's wishes and their families' expectations.

Growth and self-reflection: The engagement period can be a time of personal growth for each individual in the couple. It may involve self-reflection, introspection, and learning more about oneself and one's partner. Couples may explore their strengths and weaknesses, address any potential concerns or issues, and work on personal development as they prepare for marriage.

Remember that every couple's experience during the engagement period is unique. It's essential for couples to communicate openly, support each other, and be patient and understanding as they navigate this transformative phase in their relationship.

Getting Ready for Marriage/Long-Term Commitment Workshop

Purpose of workshop:

• Cultivating an opportunity for couples to learn essential relationship skills through structured curriculum covering various topics like effective communication, conflict resolution, problem-solving, financial management, intimacy, and more.

• Providing interactive activities, discussions, and exercises, couples can deepen their understanding of each other, improve their emotional connection, and build trust.

• Evaluating your relationship through assessments will assist couples in understanding their compatibility, identifying strengths and growth areas while uncovering potential areas of conflict. 

• Connecting with those are going through a similar life stage.

• Preventing future marital/relationship problems by addressing potential issues proactively with proven tools and strategies to uplift aliveness and connectedness. 

• Strengthening effective communication, conflict resolution, and financial management by developing the necessary skills to handle challenges when they arise.

This is for you if:

• There was a previous relationship that ended in divorce or other challenges.

• You are struggling in your relationship, and scared shitless for the upcoming nuptials. Or you’ve been living together and never talked about any of this stuff.

• Sometimes you don’t feel heard or understood by the love of your life.

• You hope to establish a strong foundation for your future life together in partnership.

• You and your partner come from different cultural, religious, or socioeconomic backgrounds, and understanding and respecting each other’s differences is important to you.

• You are seeking constructive dialogue about potential challenges and ways to overcome them.

• You have limited relationship experience but what to be equipped with essential skills and knowledge to enhance the long-lasting love you have found.

• You want to prepare yourself and your partner, to increase your chances of having a happy and successful relationship.

• You are 18 years or older in a committed partnership that is engaged, pre-engaged or have stated long-term commitment to each.

Limited to 8 couples per cohort for August. Waitlist Available for October cohort. Queer inclusive.

When:

• Cohort Engaged Couples: MONDAYS 6 PM - 7:30 PM ET

• Cohort Pre-Engaged Couples: WEDNESDAYS 6 PM - 7:30 PM ET

Where: Zoom link will be provided.

Contribution: $150 per week, NOW ONLY $100 per session

Total: $600

By: Tanisha Christie, LCSW (s/her)