FOR naval officer Teo Hon Hong, 27, and teacher Yu Xinyi, 26, finding time for  each other is a constant challenge. He has weekly assignments that may require him to stay aboard a ship  overnight, while she sometimes works late into the night marking papers or preparing lesson plans.

But the couple know how important it is to balance work and home life. They still pursue their individual interests. He plays basketball and handball about twice a month, while she catches up with friends and family.

This allows them to recharge from work, gives them time for their own pursuits, and keeps their marriage fresh, they say.

Saturdays are reserved as their day to be together. They watch movies, engage in karaoke, or visit new restaurants. Shortly after getting married in April 2006, he asked for a transfer to work in Changi instead of Tuas, partly to drive his wife to work.

She said: "We use the time on the journey to communicate and catch up, and just let each other know what's going on in our day.

He added: "The travel time may total an hour in a day but it adds up. You spend more than eight hours at work. One hour with your spouse is precious."

When they make plans for dinner, they make sure they do not cancel on each other because of work. He said: "It doesn't do justice to your relationship if you cancel.

"No one likes having something they have been looking forward to all day be dropped."