By Bernard & Huizhi

We've learnt about the Four Seasons of Marriage at the MGS.

In Spring, the couple have no children. The greatest need is for mutual acceptance.

Summer is marked by a family with children under 12 years. This is a busy and hectic period and couples have to make time for the marriage relationship. The couple should have time alone with just each other.

Autumn is when the children become teens. This period is changeable and sometimes stormy. The couple should support and encourage each other.

Winter lasts the longest of all the seasons. The couple is usually less active and have more time together. Good communication is important and a common interest should be developed (a sport or travelling etc).

Each season brings with it a different set of challenges. As long as we are committed to overcoming the challenges together, the marriage will definitely be strengthened and blossom. =)

By Hui Zhi

I was looking through my Friendster account and chanced upon a previous blog entry which I had written.

Read an article in the Life section of the Straits Times: the author was commenting how the BOX has taken away time from our loved ones. How true! Some may argue that No! they watch TV together as a family.. But if we really think about it, how much communication is it possible when our eyes and ears are fixed on the BOX?

And more than that, I think a lot of electronic stuff have broken down the basics of society.. Just to name a few...

The computer and internet: though assisting our work and communication, can break down our relationships as well. Internet pornography and unhealthy chatrooms, children that spend too much time on online games, at the expense of time with parents. Electonic gadgets like the mobile phone: Getting used to SMSing, we don't get to hear the voices of our friends that often, until of course we really meet up in person.. We have gotten so used to them that we'd feel 'itchy' all over if we do not have them by our side..We have become too dependent on them.

Still remember the day we had the island-wide blackout. The TV, computer etc. were not able to function.. Communication thru mobile phones were hampered due to busy network. It seems like we have gone back to primitive times, dinner by candle-light accompanied by news reports from portable radios, neighbours chatting about the situation along the corridors, with fans in their hands. What delight it was when the power came back on. Cheers were heard! =)

Not wanting it to hamper our communication is the reason why we'll not be having a TV in our new home. I know for sure, if I have one switched on, it'll get me hooked. And as the seniors say, a newly-married couple needs more time for communication, hence our decision to not have a TV...