IT WAS disturbing to read a recent news report which revealed that divorces and remarriages are on the rise.
The problem is hardly surprising and could be attributed to the following factors:
Young couples marry for the wrong reasons. Their priority is buying a Housing Board flat. Sometimes they are forced to marry due to circumstances, such as when it is a shotgun marriage.
They do not understand the true meaning of marriage, which entails unconditional love and sacrifice. They have little idea of what a marriage vow actually means.
They are often ill-prepared for parenthood.
They lack good communication skills to help them live in harmony with their spouses and, sometimes, parents-in-law.
For a marriage to be strong and lasting, married couples should constantly work at deepening their relationship through conflict resolution and forgiveness, and through active communication, which involves more listening than talking.
Constant quarrelling, infidelity, neglect, violence, taking things for granted and jumping to conclusions are often linked to a communication breakdown.
In our efforts to get more singles to tie the knot, we should not neglect the important task of preparing them for the responsibilities of married life and parenthood. Otherwise, they may end up as divorce statistics.
It would be good if the Registry of Marriages could take some steps to ensure that couples have undergone marriage-preparation programmes before they get married.
The various religious organisations could also help by organising in-depth, mandatory courses in line with their beliefs and values about marriage and parenthood.
Marriage can still be fulfilling and satisfying despite its ups and downs. However, it is meant only for mature couples who fully understand the solemnity of marriage and responsibility of parenthood.
