By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net 

WITH so much going on in life competing for time and attention, many couples rarely have the energy to focus and zone in on their most important relationship - that with their spouse.

To help married couples who may be struggling to find time to nurture, grow their intimate connections, founders of Pillow Talk  - a marriage club - is hosting its first ever Pillow Talk in Paradise Marriage Retreat on November 15-17 at the British Colonial. 

Couples, whether in a good place in their relationship or on the brink of breaking up, are encouraged to put their marriage to the forefront and take a moment to recharge together. 

Pillow Talk was founded by the husband and wife duo Pastor Marvin and Dr Tamalia Gibson, Pillow Talk is an interactive, educational and fun community dedicated to nurturing healthy marriages free of charge. 

The marriage club was created to bring couples together as a way to help them socialise with one another.

Pillow Talk Marriage Club was formed in February 2024 with a goal of “building healthy marriages around the world one marriage at a time”.

While the club is primarily a virtual club, it hosts in-person events every quarter. However, the duo believes the club’s omost life changing, marriage enhancing gathering will be Pillow Talk in Paradise Marriage Retreat. 

“Life can get very busy with careers, children, and crises.  We are launching Pillow Talk in Paradise Marriage Retreat as a wonderful way to escape from the cares of life and focus on our most important earthly relationship-the one with our spouse,” Dr Tamalia told Tribune Woman. 

Dr Tamalia said the retreat is for all couples who may be at different stages of their marriage whether “beautiful or rocky”.

“The marriage retreat will be a soul-stirring way to connect with your spouse, laugh, have fun, learn important skills to enhance your marriage, and meet other married couples,”she said.

The theme of this year’s retreat is “Igniting Intimacy”. It is the hope that every couple who attends with an open mind will have their intimacy and fire either rekindled or flamed to make it even stronger.   

All of the speakers for the event are couples who will share on topics related to “Igniting Intimacy” in various areas of our marriages. 

Pastor Marvin Gibson and Dr Tamalia will be sharing on “Igniting Emotional Intimacy”. Richard Desmangles and Tamara Desmangles’ topic is “Igniting Sexual Intimacy”. Pastor Leonardo A Allen Jr and Minister Delarese Allen will share on “Igniting Spiritual Intimacy” while Nathaniel Butler and Ashley Butler will share on “Igniting Financial Intimacy”.  

“All of these topics are so important and often not discussed enough in marriage. Emotional disconnection, problems with sex life, lack of spiritual connection, and money issues are often things that can lead to divorce if not addressed and understood. Pillow Talk Marriage Retreat is a safe space to listen and learn about all of these issues by attending this life-changing conference. Whether you got married one month ago or 50 years ago, there will be something for you at this retreat,” Dr Tamalia said. 

Pillow Talk in Paradise Marriage Retreat will kick off with a welcome party hosted at Garden of Eden. The couples will enjoy delicious food, exciting games and prizes, a 360 video booth, dancing, and mixing with other couples at a romantic pool side setting. Saturday will be dynamic sessions on different topics related to “Igniting Intimacy”. They will play games and engage  fun activities to win prizes.

Pillow Talk Marriage Club will also be honouring Bishop Walter S Hanchell and Elder Minalee Hanchell for being an exemplary married couple. 

“I’m really looking forward to the vow renewal ceremony at the retreat. I think that we often need to reflect on the day we chose to marry our spouse and why we fell in love in the first place. The vow renewal ceremony will be a great way to recommit to our spouses in a fun, exciting and romantic way,” she said. 

The retreat will end with a service at Evangelistic Temple together where couples will worship together. 

“I believe that couples who attend Pillow Talk in Paradise Marriage Retreat will gain support, learn helpful tools to improve their marriage (even if their marriage is already great), and have fun. It is so important to be able to laugh with your spouse, connect and take time just to focus on your marriage.” 

As a clinical psychologist and relationship coach, Dr Tamalia said she has met many couples who simply do not communicate well or understand each other which is the core of a myriad of problems they face on their marriage. 

“This marriage retreat will help couples to improve their communication skills, connect better and renew their commitment to each other. The great thing about it is you can sit quietly and observe at the retreat or you can be active by asking questions or making comments. There is no pressure to speak at the retreat. I highly suggest all married couples to register for this marriage retreat. 

“We hope that persons leave with a renewed commitment to their marriage and increase in their love and appreciation for their spouse. For persons considering separation or divorce, we pray that their marriage is restored. Married couples who attend this retreat will gain a support system who is ‘rooting for’ their marriage to win,” she said.

To register for the retreat, log onto at www.pillowtalkmarriageclub.com.