5 Ways To A Happy, Lasting Marriage
The Singapore Women's Weekly|September 2018

Even in the happiest of marriages, the “D” word can sometimes rear its ugly head. We ask the experts for secrets to lasting happiness

Sandhya Mahadevan
5 Ways To A Happy, Lasting Marriage

How many of us have been schooled on relationships before entering into marriage? The answer is none. We either learn from watching our own parents or standout influences in our lives.

“So, the first big problem is that we refuse in the first place to do due diligence by knowing what marriage or living together means, and what we need to know and do before committing to such a big responsibility,” says marriage counsellor Leonardo Talpo of Leonardo Talpo Family-Work Relationships. As a result, some of the common milestones that married couples set for themselves and their expectations of each other can test their ability to transition to “we” without compromising on individuality.

“If a couple is unaware of their own coping patterns, relies on them too much and does not take time to communicate and reconnect with themselves and each other, they may only realise at a later point, that they are living a life that they did not choose or want,” says counsellor Sylvia Sivanesan of Think Psychological Services. “It’s the little things that count the most. No grand gesture can ever be the ingredient that saves a marriage.”

Here, they share five basic rules that married couples should keep in mind:

RULE NO 1 COMMUNICATE CLEARLY, ALWAYS

As a couple begins to evolve in their relationship, so also does their manner of communication: They are at a stage when specifics can be discussed openly. It is most important to attend to concerns when they are small; at a stage when they are still manageable for the couple to work through themselves, without the need for counselling.

Denne historien er fra September 2018-utgaven av The Singapore Women's Weekly.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra September 2018-utgaven av The Singapore Women's Weekly.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA THE SINGAPORE WOMEN'S WEEKLYSe alt
The Singapore Women's Weekly

Ready To Zoom

Glow up and put your best face forward on video calls

time-read
1 min  |
August/September 2020
Caramel Eclairs
The Singapore Women's Weekly

Caramel Eclairs

Choux pastry is a French classic that transforms in the oven into airy puffs with a crisp exterior, ready to be filled and iced. It may seem a little daunting to make, but it’s easy with our step-by-step guide

time-read
2 mins  |
August/September 2020
The Singapore Women's Weekly

Clear The Air

The quality of the air you breathe inside your home has a significant impact on your health. Here’s a look at managing indoor pollution

time-read
3 mins  |
August/September 2020
How To Show More Compassion
The Singapore Women's Weekly

How To Show More Compassion

It’s an unhealthy habit that we often don’t realise we are doing. Ahead, some tips on how to show more compassion

time-read
1 min  |
August/September 2020
Resolving Conflicts
The Singapore Women's Weekly

Resolving Conflicts

Living in a digital age means that many of our social interactions are done online. However, reaching out and connecting with those around us is paramount, and even more so, with tough conversations. Ahead, experts share insights to help us navigate

time-read
7 mins  |
August/September 2020
Mood For Mango
The Singapore Women's Weekly

Mood For Mango

Mango makes refreshing and satisfying sweet treats – perfect for relaxed entertaining

time-read
2 mins  |
August/September 2020
The Singapore Women's Weekly

Dealing With The Unknown

If you’ve endured a few bumps and detours in the game of life, don’t be disheartened – these events might just make all the difference

time-read
7 mins  |
August/September 2020
Our Different Butterflies
The Singapore Women's Weekly

Our Different Butterflies

Artist and art educator Saharra discusses the importance of art education as coping strategies for our young ones during these unprecedented times

time-read
3 mins  |
August/September 2020
And Breathe
The Singapore Women's Weekly

And Breathe

The simple processes of inhaling and exhaling can aid sleep, beat cravings and reduce stress. A breathing expert explains how

time-read
5 mins  |
August/September 2020
Great Women Of Our Time
The Singapore Women's Weekly

Great Women Of Our Time

Every year, we shine a light on 18 distinguished and powerful women in the Great Women Of Our Time Awards. They are women who are changing their field of work, and doing their best to improve life in Singapore – and the world.

time-read
10+ mins  |
August/September 2020