The weekend of 24 to 25 Feb. 2017 was highly anticipated by I and wife. It was at the prestigious Epe Resort & Spa, Epe. My wife and I had the opportunity to participate alongside other couples. We learnt as much as we had fun. To help couples strengthen and enrich their relationship, based on the understanding that people with better married lives are better adjusted and make better employees, the Institute for Work and Family Integration(IWFI) have designed this weekend retreat to help couples understand themselves, their spouse and rediscover true love. Want to know why you act the way you do? Sure we did, after the first discussion on temperaments. It was quite revealing, we got to understand better our reactions to issues. The presentation got us laughing most of the time, apparently as we began our journey towards self discovery and strengthening our relationship.
Set in the serene and tranquil environment of the resort, we were engaged in exercises that required private dialogue in our rooms after class discussions. Movie clips gave insight to the virtues being discussed. These private dialogues sometimes carried on beyond the allotted time as it seemed, couples did have a lot to talk about. Indeed we were meant to ‘rediscover’ true love as we sat and did things as couples. It would seem odd to find one of the spouses alone. Use of Mobile phones and Television was discouraged to prevent distraction. It was like it stated in one of the promotional materials – rejuvenating!
I can not remember the last time I playked Volleyball. Well, I got my chance (yeah with team work!).
It was social activity time that got us all sweating; a variety of sports including volleyball, swimming, table tennis, lawn tennis, dancing were all available. It was funny watching my new friends catching up like old friends.
I was impressed because its not often you see busy people letting down their hair.
Every time I walk into the cozy restaurant, the aroma of food always reminds me of how hungry I am. The food quite tasty, had international and traditional dishes beckoning on us. The rich menu and the professional and courteous restaurant staff, made our meal times a sumptuous experience.
The ‘champagne popping moment’ (well, something like that after the last class session) was one of the highlights of the weekend. Then our chief facilitators Engr. Charles Osezua and Mrs. Gloria Osezua shared their life experiences after thirty eight years of marriage. It was awesome listening to how they have made it work over the years. I am yet to experience an informative, workshop-like, yet relaxing and romantic session like the IWFI married couples retreat. Our married friends have to know about this.There are innumerable benefits to be achieved. My wife and I had a life changing experience and our love has had a new meaning after that weekend.
