Second Honeymoon Packages for couples in troubled marriages are being extended to all Malaysians. Modules to help couples include romantic walks along and beach and building sandcastles togetherFour couples, whose marriages were on the brink, recently participated in a state-government sponsored trial program aimed at saving troubled marriages. Dubbed as the Second Honeymoon Package, the program was touted a “success” because the couples said they were “happy” again after the 3D/2N honeymoon on a resort island. The module includes intimate activities ranging from romantic walks along serene beaches to building sandcastles together. There were also marriage counsellors on hand to give tips on enhancing relationships.
Oh come on! Who are we kidding? Anyone would be happy if they had a 3D/2N break on a resort island courtesy of the government! If only life is that simple…you have been at each other’s throats for years (maybe even decades) and then you pack off for a 3D/2N getaway on a resort island minus the children and…Voila…all is well again!
I am surprised that the counsellors involved in the program did not advise the powers that be that like in every aspect of life, problems in a marriage can only be solved if we can identify them and then work on them. To claim success just because the couples were happy immediately after the getaway is just premature.
Couples in the West go through long therapy sessions with their counsellors to save a troubled marriage and even then, success cannot be guaranteed. Human relationships are complex... throw in financial woes, the children, work and in-laws…and you can see why marriages need hard work by both parties.
Back to the Second Honeymoon Package, it was announced that due to the “success” of the pilot program, it will now be extended to all Malaysians. The module will be similar and there will be a minimum charge imposed for out-of-state participants.
There are ramifications that must be considered. Possible abuse is one…a 3D/2N getaway on a resort island at minimum charge is too tempting that couples may even pretend to have marriage problems so that they can be included. Consideration must also be given to the socio-economic background of our lower income families who usually tend to have more children. A vacation, if you ever get one, is a luxury and the children are included. Even for middle class families, it is generally geared towards having the whole family together. It would not be good for the children, for example, if mum and dad whisked off to a resort island leaving them behind when they never had vacations before…the issues are endless.
This appears to be a hastily cooked-up program at the expense of taxpayers. The authorities have obviously not given much thought but one thing they are thinking of is a solution to tackle nagging wives. This is being considered for inclusion in the module because the state Religious Department recently claimed that nagging is one of the contributing factors in separation amongst elderly couples…bla-bla-bla-bla-bla-bla-bla-bla-bla-bla-bla!!!
Oh come on! Who are we kidding? Anyone would be happy if they had a 3D/2N break on a resort island courtesy of the government! If only life is that simple…you have been at each other’s throats for years (maybe even decades) and then you pack off for a 3D/2N getaway on a resort island minus the children and…Voila…all is well again!
I am surprised that the counsellors involved in the program did not advise the powers that be that like in every aspect of life, problems in a marriage can only be solved if we can identify them and then work on them. To claim success just because the couples were happy immediately after the getaway is just premature.
Couples in the West go through long therapy sessions with their counsellors to save a troubled marriage and even then, success cannot be guaranteed. Human relationships are complex... throw in financial woes, the children, work and in-laws…and you can see why marriages need hard work by both parties.
Back to the Second Honeymoon Package, it was announced that due to the “success” of the pilot program, it will now be extended to all Malaysians. The module will be similar and there will be a minimum charge imposed for out-of-state participants.
There are ramifications that must be considered. Possible abuse is one…a 3D/2N getaway on a resort island at minimum charge is too tempting that couples may even pretend to have marriage problems so that they can be included. Consideration must also be given to the socio-economic background of our lower income families who usually tend to have more children. A vacation, if you ever get one, is a luxury and the children are included. Even for middle class families, it is generally geared towards having the whole family together. It would not be good for the children, for example, if mum and dad whisked off to a resort island leaving them behind when they never had vacations before…the issues are endless.
This appears to be a hastily cooked-up program at the expense of taxpayers. The authorities have obviously not given much thought but one thing they are thinking of is a solution to tackle nagging wives. This is being considered for inclusion in the module because the state Religious Department recently claimed that nagging is one of the contributing factors in separation amongst elderly couples…bla-bla-bla-bla-bla-bla-bla-bla-bla-bla-bla!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment