One of the books in the Caring for Marriage Library is titled "You Paid How Much for That?" I have not, I confess, read it. John and I are mostly in sync when it comes to revenue streams. We skimp on furniture, clothes, and vacations, and buy healthy food. Which can mean ten pounds of bulk beans, or organic strawberries. The purse strings loosen when it comes to supporting marriage, and we frequently pick up the tab going out with young couples. It feels like a modest investment in something we care deeply about. Way more than the age of our couch. I still remember fondly those times that an older couple took us to dinner, back when frugality trumped fun. It felt positively indulgent to get dessert too. 

I wandered on the Gottman website considering spending a bit on fresh resources. Two items landed in my cart, and will show up in cardboard boxes next week. There is a juicy array of retreats on John and Julie's schedule, and I actually clicked on the one at their island resort. How much could it be, anyway? 

Oh. That much. 

There will be a couple who have put in the effort to become trained in Gottman strategies at the Marriage Conference we are hosting in February. For a mere thirty bucks people can spend three hours in their influence, and even pick another workshop too. Snacks included. 

Maybe even strawberries.