[SuziQ]

I would say that, with any gift you might receive, you are not OBLIGATED to use it. Now the fact that this is tied up with the family does make it a minefield, but truly if it is something you do not want to do, no one should make you feel bad if you do not want to go.

You are in a unique situation in that it is truly difficult to get away, so you do like to use those special times for something that will help you as a couple they way YOU see fit.

SirKit and I once attended a Marriage Encounter Weekend, and we decided that it just was too touchy feely for us. We were not comfortable 'sharing' with a bunch of strangers. This wasn't because it was too religious because we are religious people, we just didn't like the whole group dynamic thing. Gatherings like that just aren't for everyone.

Just my humble opinion of course. ;o)

[HairOfTheDog]

The group discussion element did not appeal to us either.

[RosieCotton]

SirKit and I once attended a Marriage Encounter Weekend, and we decided that it just was too touchy feely for us. We were not comfortable 'sharing' with a bunch of strangers. This wasn't because it was too religious because we are religious people, we just didn't like the whole group dynamic thing.

Yeah...that's how that whole thing sounded to me. And my parents did Marriage Encounter once, too - with the same conclusion you folks came to. Dad especially really disliked it.