Could a little peace and A LOT of quiet improve a relationship?
Written by and originally published in momlogic.com, September 22, 2009
URL: http://www.momlogic.com/2009/09/shut_up_and_save_your_marria...
Momlogic's Momstrosity: Experts insist that the key to a good marriage is plenty of verbal communication. In fact, they won't stop yammering about it. The truth is, talking isn't the only way to nurture a relationship; there's also much to be said about the benefits of, well, shutting up.
Make no mistake, this form of non-communication is not about giving your partner the proverbial "silent treatment" when they get on your nerves. The idea is based on the age-old principle of Tibetan Dalai Lama: achieving enlightenment in complete silence. And it's not just for monks who've taken a vow of silence. Soon, couples from all over the country will live in complete isolation in an Arizona desert and will be forbidden to speak for exactly three years, three months, and three days.
Stéphane Dreyfus, 32, and Jessica Kung, 27, are one such couple that plans to forgo all modern convenience and seclude themselves in what's called The Great Retreat.
The couple, who met in 2007, are engaged to be married. Both are convinced that their relationship can withstand not speaking for what amounts to almost 1,200 days. Plus, they have an abundance of practice. Both have participated in many silent retreats, locking themselves off from all distractions for as long as a month.