"My Best Friend": Valentine's Day and Beyond

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Katrina R. Menchaca
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Whether at a deployed location or back in garrison, the high-ops tempo of military life presents a challenge for even the strongest couple.

Fortunately, there's Valentine's Day--a day that emphasizes commitment, friendship and companionship, said Hugh Clark, Family Advocacy outreach manager and a husband of eight years.

"These days are here to help remind us, in this chaotic world we live in, that we have each other and that we are a team," he said.

However, Valentine's Day isn't the only day that loved ones should express their love and appreciation for each other; rather, it's a daily process, one that involves hard work and communication. And that's where two Yokota organizations stepped in.

The Airman and Family Readiness Center, in cooperation with the Family Advocacy program, host the "My Best Friend" class, a class held the last Saturday of every month, to teach and help couples to become better communicators.

The curriculum is inspired by a study that says 70 percent of all marital problems wouldn't exist if the couples could just learn how to discuss issues rather than argue. Students are taught that it's often just a misunderstanding that escalates regular conflicts to something that is unhealthy.

"The purpose of the class is to give couples the tools they need to stay together, to contribute not only to their own happiness but also to the mission," said Clark.

"Communication is so vital," he said. "Language and communication are the bridges between our internal world and external world.

"We need it to get our desires known and to ensure that what you say to your loved one is what you mean. It is extremely important to strengthen the bond and build on protective factors in our relationships."

Regardless of if it's Valentine's Day or just an ordinary day, take the time to communicate how much he or she does means to you.

For more information on classes available at the Family Advocacy program and the A&FRC, call 225-3648 or 225-8725.