Singaporean Couples Seek Premarital Counseling to Build Stronger Foundations

In Singapore, a noticeable trend is emerging among young couples: they are increasingly seeking marriage counseling before tying the knot. This proactive approach, as highlighted by CNA, reflects a growing emphasis on ensuring long-term compatibility, moving beyond the initial euphoria of falling in love.

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It's very easy to get married when you're in love, because the whole process builds up to your wedding. All of it is joy, happiness … but you don't think about the 70, 80 years that you have after that and how important it is.

Counsellors observe a significant rise, around 20%, in couples seeking premarital advice over the past year. Key concerns often revolve around practical matters like financial management and career aspirations. Some couples are even willing to postpone their wedding plans by up to a year to undergo this process, demonstrating a serious commitment to building a solid foundation for their future.

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(You have to) have all the hard conversations, because it's easy to not have those conversations before you get married and just assume that your partner would agree with you.

This shift is attributed to greater awareness of mental health and a diminishing stigma associated with seeking professional guidance. Unlike previous generations, millennials and Gen Z are more inclined to address potential issues head-on, viewing counseling not as a last resort but as a tool for proactive relationship building. The aim is to have those 'hard conversations' early on, ensuring alignment on crucial aspects of married life.

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The new generations, the Gen Z and the millennials, are more savvy in getting help. They don't wait until the problem happens.

From a Singaporean perspective, this trend underscores a maturing approach to relationships and marriage. It signifies a desire for stability and a willingness to invest time and resources into ensuring a successful, lifelong partnership. The emphasis on 'couple goals' and commitment, as mentioned by counselors, highlights a pragmatic yet hopeful outlook on marriage, preparing couples not just for the joy but also for the decades of shared life ahead.

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What’s their couple goals to work on together? How much are they willing to work on that? So that comes (down) to the commitment.