Most people learn about handling relationships from experience, but those experiences can end in heartbreak - and how to you get that experience if you're single?
For those who want to learn how to be a better partner without the heartache, Central Missouri Community Action is bringing free courses from ShowMe Healthy Relationships for couples and singles to Callaway County.
"It's definitely nothing about being bad at relationships," said Nolanda Dodd, program coordinator for ShowMe Healthy Relationships. "Our program is about learning what relationships are and what they look like. We've had people who've been in relationships for a long time in our classes, but no one has a perfect relationship."
The singles and couples classes are two sessions long, with the first session taking place March 11 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:40 p.m. and the second on April 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Food is provided, but class-takers will have to find their own childcare. Plus, attendees can pick up incentives in the form of gift cards.
Singles will be learning about how to pick a partner, and couples will learn about the seven principles for a healthy marriage. Almost anyone can take the classes.
"Our only requirements are that participants must be over 18 and not in a domestic abuse situation," Dodd said.
Dodd said that each course includes activities with take-home value.
"(For example), the singles do a red marble, green marble activity, which asks 'what are things you'll settle for, what are you looking for, what do you not want,'" Dodd said.
Participants will also examine the baggage they bring into relationships from the past. But these classes aren't therapy, Dodd emphasizes.
"We give tools and resources for people to use to build healthier relationships," she said.
And the classes work, she added.
"We've had a married couple that said they talked, actually sat down and talked, not about their kids, but just about themselves in the very first time for three years (after taking the class)," Dodd said.
The organization's goal is to improve the lives of Missourians by teaching stress management techniques, building better parents and helping people maintain healthy, stable relationships. ShowMe Healthy Relationships is funded by a research grant.
ShowMe Healthy Relationships also offers classes on budgeting, parenting, stress management and more.
Sign-up requires filling out some paperwork and can take up to an hour, so those who are interested in the classes should call 1-855-422-4510 or 573-239-1948 to set up an appointment. Most appointments will be processed Feb. 21 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., but an alternative time can be set up.