Class aims to teach how to avoid jerks, jerkettes
Most of us have at least one horror story about it.
It's supposed to be the most romantic holiday of the year, but then he ditches you on Valentine's Day to watch the Bulls game.
Or maybe she didn't even thank you for that $100 bouquet you sent to her office.
Hopefully those red flags helped you avoid diving further into a nasty relationship.
Right now, though, your Valentine's Day misfortunes can also pay off.
Through Tuesday, the University of Illinois Extension DuPage is hosting "The Jerkiest Valentine Story" contest. And the submitted stories will do more than console jilted contestants (or give them a laugh).
Winners will receive free registration for the Valentine's weekend series class "How to Avoid Marrying a Jerk or Jerkette," offered annually at the U of I Extension.
"The series is very popular and people walk out feeling empowered," said extension Director Barbara Linek.
The research-based seminar is aimed at single adults looking for or between relationships. Family life educator Betty Barsley-Marra will lead the class in two parts on Feb. 16 and 17, teaching her students how to balance their hearts and heads when starting a new relationship.
"When you learn what you should be looking for, how to slow down the relationship and know what you're looking for before you decide to make the commitment, you are going to get hurt less often," Linek said.
After several years of teaching the course, it was Barsley-Marra's idea to host the "Jerkiest Valentine" contest in conjunction with the seminar. Every time she teaches the class, students share their tales of woe.
Ultimately, though, students typically leave the class with new tools to help avoid future mishaps.
"It's wonderful to see people walking out of there saying, 'Wow, I wish I would have known this sooner,' " she said.
To submit your story, e-mail it with your name, address, phone number and e-mail address to dupage_co@extension.uiuc.edu or fax to (630) 955-1180 by Feb. 5.
If you go
What: "How to Avoid Marrying a Jerk or Jerkette," offered by the University of Illinois Extension DuPage
When:Feb. 16-17
Where: University of Illinois Extension, 1100 E. Warrenville Road, Suite 170, Naperville
Cost: $30
Info: (630) 955-1123 or extension.uiuc.edu/dupage