Nurturing Your Relationship

Based on the principles of The Virtues Project™, weekend retreats and classes are for committed couples who wish to enhance their relationship. Couples will come away with better communication and listening skills, and a more positive outlook on their partners and themselves.

• Learn and practice new communication tools
• Resolve conflicts peacefully
• Renew your relationship
• Time for reflection, journaling, communication, and fun.
• Couples' privacy respected Held at beautiful, peaceful retreat centers.

Peter Smith and Betsy Lydle Smith, co-facilitators

Peter Smith and Betsy Lydle Smith are both Virtues Project™ Master Facilitators who have been married (to each other for) 38 years and are committed to always improving their relationship. Pete is a business owner; Betsy is a teacher and full-time facilitator. They have developed a unique program using Virtues Project™ principles and strategies to assist others strengthen their relationships.

"In addition to extraordinarily peaceful and lovely surroundings that the retreat was taking place at, we learned so many tools that allow us to communicate and extend love and respect more fully towards each other. For instance to this day, after 4 years, we still use the phrase "I acknowledge you for .......". Both of us enjoying the recognition that we would not have known how to express in the past. -K & S, Bellevue, WA

Thank you Betsy and Pete, for helping us grow closer together." -M & R, Seattle, WA

"After 39 years of marriage and several marriage encounters, this is the best marriage retreat we've ever been on!" -J & R, Issaquah, WA

" I loved reconnecting with my wife on a deep level." J.P., Kingston, WA

"The power of the weekend was fueled by a focus on the needs of the couples who attended. I appreciated the facilitators' friendliness and courtesy. Pete and Betsy are perceptive facilitators who seem to know when it's time to make adjustments to the schedule to meet the needs of participants. They are obviously committed to making sure participants get what they want from the workshop; they do this by listening and according respect to each person. This was LIFE-CHANGING for us." L & B, Federal Way, WA

Spirit Ridge Inn, Camano Island, WA

"Pete and Betsy are wonderful examples of how the virtues work in 'life.' You make it all seem possible and doable.

What I most appreciated about the facilitators was their wonderful sense of boundaries and propriety, AND the loving and caring you had for all of us, And the care put into each element: the packet, gift, flowers, symbols, music. Everything done with such care!" -K.A., Camano Island, WA

"I appreciated new ways of communicating with my spouse in a non-threatening position and acknowledgement of the virtues and strengthening relationship tools with more effective, loving techniques."

"Through Betsy and Pete's approach, experience, and sensitivity, we addressed important issues without risking emotional injury. It was a great setting and environment." B. B., Seattle, WA

"I will companion more than giving orders and making demands." – R.M., Miami, FL

"I appreciated the facilitators perfect amount of respect for the project, yet lighthearted and relaxed environment and openness to everyone's thoughts." -M.C., Seattle, WA

"I do not consider myself a 'touchy-feely' type guy, but was originally open-minded enough to look at the Virtues Project. Through the years I have discovered and used the tools presented in the VP to help open avenues of communication with my wife. These tools help to eliminate the emotional "hot buttons" and help us recognize those God-given gifts (virtues) which we each have developed to a greater or lesser extent without criticizing one another. Those tools are also helpful with my employees, clients, and anyone else with whom I come in contact. The benefit of VP is to watch people open themselves to acknowledgement of their true selves which in turn creates an atmosphere of peace and harmony. Both the giver and the recipient feel better as a result of true communication."