Marriage is a journey of sharing—not just your life but also your space, emotions, and dreams. 'I used to have my own personal space,' Steven reflects. 'But now we share it, and that’s been a challenge.' 

In this episode, our guests, Steven and Charissa share how they learned to communicate their needs, struggles, and desires as a couple. From navigating life’s transitions to resolving misunderstandings and celebrating milestones, their story highlights the evolving nature of communication in marriage. 

If you’ve ever wondered how to build strengthen communication with your partner or struggled to express yourself during times of change, this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped. Don’t miss this heartfelt episode! 

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The early years of marriage are filled with unique challenges and opportunities for growth. With some practical skills and tools, you can be equipped to build a love that lasts.

If you are a newlywed (married for less than 5 years), Just Married is a 3-session hybrid workshop designed just for you! Through the hands-on and interactive guidance of husband-and-wife trainers, participants will:

• Learn about the 3 critical skills that can make or break your marriage
• Gain clarity on roles, responsibilities and expectations during these formative years
• Strengthen communication skills to navigate tricky topics like finances, in-laws and parenting
• Gain practical tools to work through differences and conflicts
• Discover ways to keep the romance alive and fireproof your marriage

There will be two weekday online sessions and one onsite session on a Saturday. Find out more details at www.family.org.sg/C2JustMarried.

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If you have enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcast or Podchaser. It'll be very helpful for others to find our podcast. You can also help us by copying this link www.family.org.sg/connect2podcast to share with your friends.  

You can also support us by giving monthly. We appreciate your generous giving as every dollar helps to sustain our efforts in strengthening families. Do note that if you are based in Singapore, one-time gifts above SGD$50 or monthly donations above SGD$10 are eligible for 250% tax-deductible benefits.

“It’s learning to take emotional risk, and stay in touch with my emotions, before I slowly let him in… that is what it means to create a safe space for each other.” – Si Lin

Every wide-eyed couple says “I do” at the altar with no intention of getting a divorce. But the statistics show that the highest rates of divorce are among those married between 5 to 10 years. How do you keep your promise to lifelong commitment for the long haul, when the struggle of marriage inevitably comes?

In this heartfelt episode, Marcus and Si Lin open up about their 8-year journey together, sharing powerful principles that have helped them navigate the highs and lows. Whether you're newlywed or years into your marriage, this conversation is packed with wisdom and real-life insights you won’t want to miss!

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The early years of marriage are filled with unique challenges and opportunities for growth. With some practical skills and tools, you can be equipped to build a love that lasts.

If you are a newlywed (married for less than 5 years), Just Married is a 3-session hybrid workshop designed for you! Through the hands-on and interactive guidance of husband-and-wife trainers, participants will:

• Learn about the 3 critical skills that can make or break your marriage
• Gain clarity on roles, responsibilities and expectations during these formative years
• Strengthen communication skills to navigate tricky topics like finances, in-laws and parenting
• Gain practical tools to work through differences and conflicts
• Discover ways to keep the romance alive and fireproof your marriage

There will be two weekday online sessions and one onsite session on a Saturday. Find out more details at www.family.org.sg/C2JustMarried.

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If you have enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcast or Podchaser. It'll be very helpful for others to find our podcast. You can also help us by copying this link www.family.org.sg/connect2podcast to share with your friends.  

You can also support us by giving monthly. We appreciate your generous giving as every dollar helps to sustain our efforts in strengthening families. Do note that if you are based in Singapore, one-time gifts above SGD$50 or monthly donations above SGD$10 are eligible for 250% tax-deductible benefits.

“It may not have been the person's intention to hurt ... what can we do about this situation together, to remember that we are a team and we're not against each other.” Darren Lim  

Dating isn’t always smooth sailing, but it’s full of opportunities to grow! Tune in to hear how Hosanna and Darren learned to fight fair, set boundaries, and lean on trusted mentors for counsel.

Discover how active listening and teamwork can transform conflicts into moments of growth and compassion. Whether you’re navigating dating or moving toward marriage, this episode is packed with relatable stories and practical wisdom.

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Building a strong foundation is essential to having a marriage that thrives and lasts for a lifetime. If you have friends or family members getting married soon, would you share with them about the Connect2 Marriage Preparation Workshop? 

Through the guidance of husband-and-wife trainers, participants will learn to:  

• Engage in effective communication and healthy conflict 
• Plan and manage family finances well 
• Understand sexual intimacy and the importance of romance 
• Manage expectations and plan for the future (children, in-laws, work-life) 

Couples will benefit from the interactive style of learning, practical tips offered, and deep discussions about topics that are not usually raised in conversations before marriage! 

There will be two weekday online sessions and one onsite session on a Saturday. Find out the dates and workshop details here. 

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If you have enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcast or Podchaser. It'll be very helpful for others to find our podcast. You can also help us by copying this link www.family.org.sg/connect2podcast to share with your friends.  

You can also support us by giving monthly. We appreciate your generous giving as every dollar helps to sustain our efforts in strengthening families. Do note that if you are based in Singapore, one-time gifts above SGD$50 or monthly donations above SGD$10 are eligible for 250% tax-deductible benefits.

“A marker that I'm ready for a relationship is when I'm not banking my whole self-worth on whether or not I am desired by someone else.” - Hosanna Nazar 

How do you know you're ready for a relationship? It’s about building self-worth, setting clear goals, and having a strong foundation of friendship.

In this episode, our guests Darren and Hosanna share honest stories about moving from friendship to romance, the funny awkwardness along the way, and the role of boundaries in keeping things healthy.

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Building a strong foundation is essential to having a marriage that thrives and lasts for a lifetime. If you have friends or family members getting married soon, would you share with them about the Connect2 Marriage Preparation Workshop? 

Through the guidance of husband-and-wife trainers, participants will learn to:  

• Engage in effective communication and healthy conflict 
• Plan and manage family finances well 
• Understand sexual intimacy and the importance of romance 
• Manage expectations and plan for the future (children, in-laws, work-life) 

Couples will benefit from the interactive style of learning, practical tips offered, and deep discussions about topics that are not usually raised in conversations before marriage! 

There will be two weekday online sessions and one onsite session on a Saturday. Find out the dates and workshop details at www.family.org.sg/C2MarriagePrep.

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If you have enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcast or Podchaser. It'll be very helpful for others to find our podcast. You can also help us by copying this link www.family.org.sg/connect2podcast to share with your friends.  

You can also support us by giving monthly. We appreciate your generous giving as every dollar helps to sustain our efforts in strengthening families. Do note that if you are based in Singapore, one-time gifts above SGD$50 or monthly donations above SGD$10 are eligible for 250% tax-deductible benefits.

"One thing Charlene allows me to be is she gives me space to say anything I need to say. Space to be and space to breathe" - Verrill Choo

Hear from Verrill and Charlene, a pair of couples coaches, as they share that a sense of openness, a willingness to be vulnerable, and mutual trust are key to supporting each other in their journey as first-time parents.

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Building a strong foundation is essential to having a marriage that thrives and lasts for a lifetime. If you have friends or family members getting married soon, would you share with them about the Connect2 Marriage Preparation Workshop? 

Through the guidance of husband-and-wife trainers, participants will learn to:  

• Engage in effective communication and healthy conflict 
• Plan and manage family finances well 
• Understand sexual intimacy and the importance of romance 
• Manage expectations and plan for the future (children, in-laws, work-life) 

Couples will benefit from the interactive style of learning, practical tips offered, and deep discussions about topics that are not usually raised in conversations before marriage! 

There will be two weekday online sessions and one onsite session on a Saturday. Find out the dates and workshop details here. 

--

If you have enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcast or Podchaser. It'll be very helpful for others to find our podcast. You can also help us by copying this link www.family.org.sg/connect2podcast to share with your friends.  

You can also support us by giving monthly. We appreciate your generous giving as every dollar helps to sustain our efforts in strengthening families. Do note that if you are based in Singapore, one-time gifts above SGD$50 or monthly donations above SGD$10 are eligible for 250% tax-deductible benefits.

"Mummies, you can actually help your husband become a better husband and better dad by segregating your wife’s request vs mother's request and by being extremely specific in your communication.” - Charlene Chew 

Amidst first-time parenthood daze, what can you do to understand your wife’s needs better?  

Learn practical tips and tricks from couple coaches, Verrill and Charlene, as they share their first-time parenthood experience raising baby Judah.

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Building a strong foundation is essential to having a marriage that thrives and lasts for a lifetime. If you have friends or family members getting married soon, would you share with them about the Connect2 Marriage Preparation Workshop? 

Through the guidance of husband-and-wife trainers, participants will learn to:  

• Engage in effective communication and healthy conflict 
• Plan and manage family finances well 
• Understand sexual intimacy and the importance of romance 
• Manage expectations and plan for the future (children, in-laws, work-life) 

Couples will benefit from the interactive style of learning, practical tips offered, and deep discussions about topics that are not usually raised in conversations before marriage! 

There will be two weekday online sessions and one onsite session on a Saturday. Find out the dates and workshop details here. 

--

If you have enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcast or Podchaser. It'll be very helpful for others to find our podcast. You can also help us by copying this link www.family.org.sg/connect2podcast to share with your friends.  

You can also support us by giving monthly. We appreciate your generous giving as every dollar helps to sustain our efforts in strengthening families. Do note that if you are based in Singapore, one-time gifts above SGD$50 or monthly donations above SGD$10 are eligible for 250% tax-deductible benefits.

“[Couples] all have good intent, but the expression looks different… it’s helping them find common ground, [where they realise] they're actually not against each other.” – Madelin Tay 

It is inevitable for differences to arise in marriage, so how do we go about navigating them?

Joined by Madelin Tay, a counsellor from Focus on the Family Singapore, we discuss common sources of conflict, and how couples can adopt a growth mindset to work through them. She also shares practical tips on how addressing differences constructively helps couples strengthen their bond instead of pushing them apart.

Tune in for valuable insights on reconciling differences in marriage.

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“I was all ready to quit after seven years of marriage. The endless communication breakdowns, deep-seated misunderstandings, and growing resentment in me has taken its toll.” 

- Tricia (Name has been edited to protect the client’s privacy)    

Life can be overwhelming. Having a listening ear can bring relief, help you feel supported, and improve relationships. Make an appointment with a counsellor today. Fees apply.

Find out more at www.family.org.sg/counselling. 

--

If you have enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcast or Podchaser. It'll be very helpful for others to find our podcast. You can also help us by copying this link www.family.org.sg/connect2podcast to share with your friends.   

You can also support us by giving monthly. We appreciate your generous giving as every dollar helps to sustain our efforts in strengthening families. Do note that if you are based in Singapore, one-time gifts above SGD$50 or monthly donations above SGD$10 are eligible for 250% tax-deductible benefits. 

“The biggest element is the motivation, because if they are motivated to work on recovery, they will recover well and fast.” - Kiat Yong  

The discovery of a spouse’s affair is never a pleasant one, but the road to reconciliation and healing is possible, says Kiat Yong, a seasoned counselor with Focus on the Family Singapore. Kiat Yong delves into the emotional turmoil that both the betrayed and the betrayer experience, while giving hope to couples by clearly laying out the practical steps they can take to rebuild their marriage. Tune in to discover how couples can navigate this storm and emerge stronger! 

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“I was all ready to quit after seven years of marriage. The endless communication breakdowns, deep-seated misunderstandings, and growing resentment in me has taken its toll.”  - Tricia

(Name has been edited to protect the client’s privacy)     

Life can be overwhelming. Having a listening ear can bring relief, help you feel supported, and improve relationships. Make an appointment with a counsellor today. Fees apply. Find our more www.family.org.sg/counselling. 

--

If you have enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcast or Podchaser. It'll be very helpful for others to find our podcast. You can also help us by copying this link www.family.org.sg/connect2podcast to share with your friends.  

You can also support us by giving monthly. We appreciate your generous giving as every dollar helps to sustain our efforts in strengthening families. Do note that if you are based in Singapore, one-time gifts above SGD$50 or monthly donations above SGD$10 are eligible for 250% tax-deductible benefits. 

“I think even just recognising within ourselves at the points that we are totally triggered and need to take a pause from this conversation...” – Grace Chua 

Navigating the ups and downs of marriage takes self-awareness, empathy, communication, and teamwork. It's no easy task, whether you're in your first year or have been married for years.

Whether you're dating, thinking of marriage, or married for years, the insights from our three guests, Elvin & Esther Foong, founders of The Treasure Box Singapore, and Grace Ann Chua, founder of htht, will help you strengthen your bond and provide language for everyday struggles.

Tune in to discover how to face love's challenges together! 

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A lifetime of love and romance requires intentional effort and attention. Yet in times of busyness and with overwhelming priorities to tend to, our marriages can often take a back seat. No matter the state of your relationship today, we want to help you, and your spouse thrive.

Visit our website at www.family.org.sg/resources for articles and resources today.

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If you have enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcast or Podchaser. It'll be very helpful for others to find our podcast. You can also help us by copying this link www.family.org.sg/connect2podcast to share with your friends.   

You can also support us by giving monthly. We appreciate your generous giving as every dollar helps to sustain our efforts in strengthening families. Do note that if you are based in Singapore, one-time gifts above SGD$50 or monthly donations above SGD$10 are eligible for 250% tax-deductible benefits. 

“Dating it's also a journey of self-discovery not just other-discovery… even if it doesn't work out, you come out with a better awareness of who you are as a person.” -Elvin Foong 

Dating isn't just about finding the right partner—it's also a journey of self-awareness! The journey towards marriage is one which requires wisdom and perspective from older ones, courage to confront differences, and understanding another’s values and habits.

Tune in to this episode to hear from our three guests, Elvin & Esther Foong, founders of The Treasure Box Singapore, and Grace Ann Chua, founder of htht, as they share their insights on all things dating, marriage and relationships! 

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Know of couples who are getting married soon? Do invite them to check out our upcoming Connect2 Marriage Preparation Workshop in November 2024.   

Husband-and-wife trainers Nam Seng & Sok Mian will help couples learn to: 

• Engage in effective communication and healthy conflict 
• Plan and manage family finances well 
• Understand sexual intimacy and the importance of romance 
• Manage expectations and plan for the future (children, in-laws, work-life) 

Couples will benefit from the interactive style of learning, practical tips offered, and deep discussions about topics that are not usually raised in conversations before marriage! 

Connect2 Marriage Preparation Workshop 

Couples can look forward to two weekday online sessions

and one onsite session on a Saturday. 

Register Now: www.family.org.sg/C2MarriagePrep 

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If you have enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcast or Podchaser. It'll be very helpful for others to find our podcast. You can also help us by copying this link www.family.org.sg/connect2podcast to share with your friends.   

You can also support us by giving monthly. We appreciate your generous giving as every dollar helps to sustain our efforts in strengthening families. Do note that if you are based in Singapore, one-time gifts above SGD$50 or monthly donations above SGD$10 are eligible for 250% tax-deductible benefits.