By reader Nelson Quah

I REFER to the report, "Younger couples working harder at marriages" (my paper, Oct 27).

It is heartening to note that these couples are taking their marriages seriously, and do not just throw in the towel when they encounter problems.

One thing for sure is that the saying, "Getting married is easy but staying married is a challenge", has never been truer.

Building a happy and healthy marriage is not impossible. Here are some things married people should consider to help achieve that goal.

Motive: What is their real motive for marrying their spouse?

Were they genuine when they made their promises to each other on their wedding day, which is "to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, till death do we part. I will love you and honour you all the days of my life"?

Communication: They should acknowledge their differences and learn to communicate with each other respectfully.

Love: In his letter to the Corinthians, St Paul defined true love as always patient and kind; it is never jealous, boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish and does not take offence, and it is not resentful. Love is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes.

Forgiveness: Couples should genuinely forgive each other for their shortcomings, and not rake up or harp on past misunderstandings.

Enrichment: They should not take their marriage for granted, but strive to enrich each other continually through romance, and by attending marriage-enrichment courses to make their marriage even better.

Sacrifices: There can be no true love without sacrifices on the part of both husband and wife.

Marriage is not all about romance and sex. It comes with its challenges as well.

Moreover, it is certainly not meant for immature and irresponsible people.

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