I personally am a huge proponent of communication (Jenna probably gets annoyed with how much I mention it) so we talk about things all the time. We actually don’t watch much TV or many movies so we have numerous opportunities to discuss our days and lives every night over dinner, relaxing in the backyard, during our exercise or right before bed over the phone.
Jenna and I felt that we wanted to prepare for our lives together via better and more open communication. So many people jump into marriage (or living together) without really having a true understanding of the other person’s moral compass, intimacy (it’s more than just sex), beliefs on money, children, etc. We didn’t want to be a couple that would have to struggle through the first year, or seven, just getting to know the other person! I think we were also open to the fact that if we clearly did not agree on some topics and it was such a strong disagreement that we should consider if marriage (or at least marriage right now) was the right choice.
Family, friends and our parish priests recommended we go on a couples retreat. So, we took such an awesome trip to Cullman, AL for a Catholic couples retreat named Engaged Encounter. Though not required by all Catholic Parishes (including ours), it’s typically highly recommended. We also highly recommend it for all couples planning to get married, whether you are engaged yet or not. Bonus, you don’t have to be Catholic to go!
The retreat was phenomenal, at least the one we went to – we know not all are the same. Feeling we would get more out of the experience due to the surroundings, we chose to drive the 5 hours to the one in Cullman, AL at the Benedictine Sisters Sacred Heart Monastery where it was lead by retired Bishop Foley from Birmingham.
While we do not live together as we are steadfast in our Catholic beliefs (and not ashamed of it! 😉), we still felt we had spoken about so much of what was discussed at the retreat. However, we quickly realized how just writing something down individually and then discussing it as a couple allowed us to dive so much deeper into the REAL things of life. Additionally, the host couples opened up to us about their own lives and experiences. One couple has been married for ~40 years and the other ~10 years.
To save you from me preaching to you about the HUGE benefits of going to this retreat, I just highly recommend you check it out, including if you are married – there is a Marriage Encounter. The topics covered include: Romance, Communication, Conflict Resolution, Decision Making, Finances, Intimacy, Natural Family Planning, Becoming a Family, Unity, Forgiveness, Stewardship.
Happy Living!
J&S
Sites of interest:
jsadventures.com 
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