Complaint/Plantonic/Reporter Inquiry/"Investment Opportunities"/ Sharing Sitters - 5/06

Thu May 25 14:01:42 EDT 2006

- NEWSLIST CONTENT IS TOO GRANTS FOCUSED!
- MARRIAGE HAS "GONE PLATONIC" ON ME
- REPORTERS INQUIRY ON GETTING IT "JUST RIGHT"
- LATEST DIRECTORY LISTING
- SHARING SITTERS AT THE CONFERENCE

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- NEWSLIST CONTENT IS TOO GRANTS FOCUSED!

Several loyal, longstanding subscribers have written to remind me that, for
weeks, the list has been all about grants and that it is very off-putting
for those who are "here for the marriage info" and who care not at all about
the grants.  Some wrote that you feel awkward about the people you have
urged to subscribe in the past month.  Some have suggested I limit to only
one Grants email a week.  And, those were the polite emails.

I know.  I worry, too.

BUT, this is an historic moment.  We've never before had available federal
funds dedicated to teaching marriage education skills. With the extremely
tight deadlines and the confusion about the amazing numbers of grants, I
don't feel I can "pace things" or it will be too late.

And, I'm primarily responding to the questions I'm receiving.  Everyone's
asking grant and conference questions.  Only had one email this week about
what to do about a marriage that's "gone platonic" - no passion, just a
devoted husband for whom she has no sexual chemistry.

So, please hang in there - all of you. Know that this heavy
grants/conference focus is not normal.  And, to the lady whose relationship
has gone platonic, you, too, need to get proactive.  Grant money and passion
- no one just rides up and hands it to you.

On, Grants, you know what to do if you've been reading this list.

- MARRIAGE HAS "GONE PLATONIC" ON ME
For passion, I suggested she get her hormones checked and also listen to
these recordings from the Smart Marriages Conference -- hear what the
country's top experts have to say about this VERY NORMAL marital challenge.
Each workshop is available in audio CD or MP3 formats for $15.  To order,
call 800-241-7785 or visit http://www.playbacknow.com/cmfce

Marital Sex As It Ought to Be - #755-807
Barry McCarthy, PhD
When it's good, it¹s great. When it's bad or non-existent, it's a bummer.
Learn what it takes to have great marital sex -- intimate and erotic -- and
how to prevent and resolve sexual problems.

Hot Monogamy: The Biology of Love - #754-202
Pat Love, EdD
The death of passion often heralds the end of a marriage. Proven techniques
can help couples restore this vital energy. Pragmatic strategies will be
presented with humor and clinical savvy.

Rekindling Desire - #755-208
Barry McCarthy, PhD
One in five marriages is non-sexual, i.e., have sex less than 10 times a
year. Specific exercises bridge the cycles of avoidance and
self-consciousness and reestablish desire. Case illustrations.

Keeping Love and Sex Alive - #755-807 (also available on video DVD for $25)
Michele Weiner-Davis, MSW
Learn the top tricks from America's #1 Divorce Buster for making your
marriage and sex life all that it can be.  You'll leave energized,
enthusiastic and empowered. Attend alone or with your partner.

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- REPORTERS INQUIRY ON GETTING IT "JUST RIGHT"

And, just as I finished typing the above on "marriage gone platonic" I
received this inquiry from a NY Times reporter. A convergence. Please help.
This sounds like a good piece focused on educating couples about what's
normal and a chance to demonstrate how marriage education can help.  - diane

> To help illuminate and de-clinify a feature I am writing for the New
> York Times about sexual desire, I would like to interview people who
> have sought help for problems with sexual desire -- too much, too
> little, the wrong sort.  It would be a plus if you live somewhere
> between Washington DC and New York City and would be willing to speak
> to me in person, but telephone interviews are good, too.  I would
> prefer sources who are willing to be identified and even photographed,
> but given the sensitivity of the subject we can use your story
> anonymously as well.
> 
> Please contact me either by e-mail, at angier at nytimes.com; or by
> telephone, 202-365-7869.
> 
> Natalie Angier

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- LATEST DIRECTORY LISTING

I'm sharing this one with the list because I particularly liked the opening
line "We offer several MARRIAGE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES.....'  Nice way of
putting it!   To check out Marriage Education classes and programs across
the country - we strongly encourage giving classes as wedding gifts -
visit: http://www.smartmarriages.com/directory_browse.html

> Enhance Your Marriage: Auburn, Washington
> We offer several marriage investment opportunities to married and engaged
> couples of all ages and stages.  CPREP & PREP, offered throughout the year, is
> designed to increase marital satisfaction & decrease the likelihood of future
> relationship breakdowns.  Married and engaged couples are invited to discover
> the tools every marriage needs. Marriage Mentors are available to meet with
> engaged couples to help prepare them for married life. PREPARE/ENRICH
> Inventories are offered to give you a detailed look into your relationship¹s
> strengths & areas of growth.  Marriage retreats are also offered.
> Email: shoover at gccauburn.net
> Web: www.gccauburn.net & www.prepinc.com

To see suggestions for wedding Gift Certificates, visit:
http://www.smartmarriages.com/giftcertificates.html

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- SHARING SITTERS AT THE CONFERENCE

> Hi Diane 
> I would like to get in touch with other parents who bring children. I have an
> 11 year old, who needs company and to share a sitterŠ
> Masha Teverovsky   - Maria.Teverovsky AT hias.org
> 212-613-1471

I'll try to connect up any of you interested in sharing.  I also suggest
that the message boards at the conference work well for this - for
connecting around any shared need/interest.  - diane
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10th Annual Smart Marriages Conference, Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel,
June 22-25, 2006
Download the brochure and registration form at
http://www.smartmarriages.com/Brochure.06.pdf

List your program in the Directory of Classes at
http://www.smartmarriages.com

Order conference audio & videos/CD/DVD/MP3s: 800-241-7785 or at
http://www.iPlaybackSmartMarriages.com

Coalition for Marriage, Family and Couples Education, LLC (CMFCE)
Diane Sollee, Director
5310 Belt Rd NW
Washington, DC 20015-1961
http://www.smartmarriages.com
202-362-3332 
diane at smartmarriages.com