According to most relationship experts, communication is the key to developing a long-lasting, healthy relationship. Imagine what it would be like if you didn’t speak the same language as your partner? How could you ever know what he or she expects and needs from you or vice versa?
With October being Domestic Violence Prevention month, two events are scheduled to help Airmen discover, interpret and communicate their love language as well as those of loved ones. Both events are open to Luke Air Force Base Airmen.
A class on love languages, facilitated by Jessica Paul, 944th FW Family Advocacy outreach manager, is noon to 1 p.m. Sunday at the 944th FW Family Readiness office, Bldg. 993. Copies of the bestseller, “The 5 Love Languages,” by Gary Chapman, will be raffled off and food and refreshments will be available for those who attend.
A “Relationship vs. Fairy Tales” seminar, facilitated by Lindra Fishleder, Glendale Community College counseling department, is 2 to 3 p.m. Nov. 17 at GCC B-202.
Participants of both events will learn which relationships work better than others, which to avoid, and which to run from. Information on what parents and birth-order have to do with successful relationships will be part of the “Relationship vs. Fairy Tales” seminar.
The “Relationship vs. Fairy Tales” seminar is open and relevant to everybody even if not in a romantic relationship,” Fishleder said. “If your relationship is with a parent, friend, sibling or anybody, it is applicable.”
Fishleder recommends taking two assessments online before attending the seminar to help figure out who you are and what you need in a relationship.
The first assessment is the Human Metrics, www.humanmetrics.com, to help you identify your personality type. The second is The 5 Love Languages, www.5lovelanguages.com, to discover how you prefer to experience and express love which includes words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time or physical touch.
She emphasized how those who attend will get a lot from the seminar without the assessments but having concrete feedback helps participants confidently examine their choices.
“It really taught me the type of person I am in a relationship and my top love language,” said Marlene Barrera, GCC alumni, about the seminar. “Plus, it’s free, open to the public, and you get to learn more about yourself.”
After identifying their personality type, the seminar helps participants relate to people by discussing how to communicate the different nuances of their personality. It demystifies the preconceived notions of a Mr. Perfect or Mrs. Right. It is constructed to help participants realize anyone can find a healthy relationship through good communication and hard work.
The seminar is interactive and some of the participants will get the opportunity to share life experiences. For those who prefer a one-on-one session, arrangements can be made.
Fishleder has been facilitating the seminar for the past four years and has a master’s degree in counseling with training in counseling psychology. She has been working as a counselor for Maricopa County Community Colleges District for ten years.
“I hope participants take away a level of self-awareness so that they grow on an individual level,” said Fishleder. “I also hope they leave with a better understanding of how to communicate effectively.”
To register, email marlene.barrera@gccaz.edu. For those unable to attend but interested in attending, this seminar is offered twice a year.
For more information, call Paul at 623-856-2289 or GCC Counseling Services at 623-845-3064.
For victims of domestic violence, contact the 24/7Domestic Violence Victim Advocate Hotline at 623-255-3487.