Use Timeouts and Choose Timing

In many marriages, couples seek therapy not because they lack love, but because communication has quietly broken down. In a world filled with noise, hurry, and competing demands, staying emotionally connected to your spouse can feel increasingly out of reach.

In this episode, Delia speaks with Peter and Harriet Chung, married for 40 years, who reflect honestly on how communication both challenged and transformed their relationship.

They reflect on their turbulent first seven years, marked by contrasting upbringings, parenting differences, and intense conflict—and share how seeking mentorship, creating space for honest dialogue, and addressing issues without turning against each other helped them move from confrontation to compromise and eventually collaboration.

They emphasise choosing the right moment to talk, seeking clarity before responding, avoiding accusatory language, and allowing time‑outs when emotions run high. Above all, they underscore the courage to reach out for help and the commitment to build “the same bed, the same dreams.”

You can listen to Peter and Harriet as they share, "Staying close to your spouse through life's seasons."

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Build your early years of marriage with Connect2 Just Married! Designed to equip couples married for five years or less, this programme helps you learn key skills, clarify expectations, strengthen communication, and navigate differences and responsibilities with confidence. Grow a strong foundation and keep the romance alive as you journey together. Find out more at www.family.org.sg/C2justmarried.

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