Connect2

Lately, have you taken time to talk openly with your spouse about the shared values in your marriage? You might be in a season of adapting and adjusting from the original plan—intentionally tuning in to your spouse’s thoughts, feelings, and personal growth. When communication is strong, good things tend to follow, whether you're in a long-term relationship or just starting out.In this episode, we’re joined by Abel Ang, a retired professional who’s far from slowing down. Abel now dedicates his time to mentoring, investing, and teaching. He shares thoughtful insights on why aligning around shared values is essential to giving meaningfully in a marriage—and how that alignment can shape a deeper, more resilient connection.You can find out more about Careverse at Careverse.sg.--“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.--Sign up here to create an account with Focus on the Family Singapore to access a wide range of marriage and parenting resources designed to nurture and strengthen your family relationships.--If you have enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Spotify, 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. Please note that if you are based in Singapore, as a donor-supported charity with Institution of a Public Character status, all monthly and one-time donations of $50 and above, will qualify for 250% tax deduction.

In a vibrant multicultural society, interracial marriages are reshaping perceptions of love and unity. Hear from a Chinese-Indian couple who share their journey of blending distinct family traditions. They tackle challenges like subtle racism and family dynamics while celebrating cultural differences through food and shared values. The importance of communication and open-mindedness shines throughout their story. Additionally, the conversation touches on rising trends like loneliness and confusion around identity, offering tools for future generations to cultivate healthier relationships.

Transitioning to parenthood is a rollercoaster ride filled with both joy and challenges. Jason and Mariko share their honest experiences and tips for staying connected as a team. They stress the significance of casual conversations and active listening during this transformative time. The discussion also touches on the emotional struggles of sleep training, navigating romantic connections amidst parenting demands, and the importance of shared goals and support in maintaining a strong partnership.

Discover how shared values and a common mission can deepen your marriage. Zibin and Su-Lynn discuss their 20 years of volunteering with youth, which has strengthened their bond and helped them navigate parenting challenges. The couple emphasizes the importance of intentional time together and aligning on collective goals. They also share practical tips for couples to develop their own meaningful missions, fostering deeper connections and reflections on their contributions to others.

Eliza Gan, an Associate Counselor at Focus on the Family Singapore, shares invaluable insights on caring for a spouse with depression. She emphasizes the need for self-awareness and setting healthy boundaries to prevent caregiver burnout. Eliza discusses recognizing the signs of compassion fatigue and navigating emotional strain, especially during challenging life phases like new parenthood. She offers practical strategies to strengthen emotional intimacy, highlighting the importance of open communication and small acts of kindness in supportive partnerships.

"I'm here for you or you're not alone in this. You can talk to me when you're ready. This can be powerful to remove the person from a sense of isolation.” – Eliza GanSupporting a spouse experiencing depression is challenging. Yet, there is hope. Tune in to this podcast to hear insights from a professional counsellor as she shares valuable insights on emotional attunement, validation, and practical steps to maintain a healthy relationship with one’s spouse amidst their struggle with depression. With the appropriate mindset, skills, and support, couples can navigate depression together and emerge stronger.--“I had struggled for many years with depression. It took a toll on my physical and mental health and eventually lead me to seek help through counselling at Focus.”- Claire (Name has been edited to protect the client’s privacy) Feeing overwhelmed and need a listening ear to 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 Spotify, 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. 

Nam Seng and Sok Mian, co-founders of Bridging Hearts, have spent over thirty years supporting families and marriages. They discuss the importance of a supportive community in navigating marriage, emphasizing that shared experiences can help prevent isolation. Practical skills and mentorship from experienced couples are highlighted as key to overcoming challenges, especially for newlyweds. The duo also shares insights on managing expectations and maintaining romance, reinforcing that a thriving marriage is a community effort.

Managing a large family can be both joyful and overwhelming. The conversation dives into the importance of flexibility in parenting roles and nurturing a strong marital bond. Hear personal insights on supporting children with unique needs, like dyslexia, while fostering emotional availability. Couples share their struggles, highlighting communication and mutual support as key to overcoming challenges. Simple acts of appreciation are discussed as essential in keeping love alive amidst the chaos of daily family life.

In this insightful conversation, Hong Leong, an engineer turned arborist with 39 years of marriage to Jana, shares how they faced a business crisis together. He emphasizes that Jana's unwavering faith was his pillar during tough times. Jana reflects on the importance of prioritizing love and family above material success. They discuss how consistent emotional support and communication can help couples navigate challenges like financial hardships and mental health struggles, ultimately strengthening their bond.

Friendship is the bedrock of a successful marriage, fostering deeper connections through shared interests and emotions. A newlywed couple shares their journey of prioritizing friendship, highlighting the importance of curiosity and appreciation for differences. Practical advice on communication and conflict resolution is shared, alongside strategies to rekindle intimacy. The couple also discusses their contrasting travel styles during their honeymoon, emphasizing flexibility and curiosity as essential tools for nurturing their bond. Join in to discover tips for building lasting connections!