Better Halves: From Bumble to Forever
‘Better Halves’ is a video series that shares couples’ stories as they were given questions about their first meeting to marriage life. Read more to unravel secrets of a healthy marriage!
“I think it's the respect he gave me, the way he just treats me, really, like, above and beyond. And he just loved me unconditionally” said Hazwani, one of the couples interviewed.
In this episode of ‘Better Halves’, we uncover stories from a couple, named Zainul and Hazwani, that have met each other through a dating application called ‘Bumble’. The couple shares their stories from the time they met to wed..
Where their love grows..
Just over a month into their marriage, a young couple reflects on their journey to finding each other and the deep connection that binds them. Their love story began in the digital realm, on a popular dating app called Bumble.
"I felt a connection with her immediately," recalled Zainul, "Her personality fits mine perfectly, and I knew she was what I wanted in my life."
Hazwani equally smitten, shares, "I married him because he's my soulmate. I fell in love with everything about him. I was comfortable with him, and our love continues to grow every day."
Their relationship blossomed quickly. Despite meeting online, their bond grew strong, leading to a heartfelt proposal. "He was the only one who proposed to me, and I said yes immediately," the wife says with a smile. "He got down on one knee, put a ring on my finger, and that was it. It was simple, yet perfect."
According to advice shared on Marriage.com, simple and heartfelt gestures, such as proposing after a home-cooked meal or in a familiar, meaningful location, can create deeply memorable and romantic moments. These types of proposals focus on the personal connection and shared experiences between partners, making the moment truly special and intimate.
Moreover, a research by Dr. Lisa Hoplock and Dr. Danu Stinson analyzed hundreds of proposal descriptions and found key factors associated with successful proposals. These include having a prior discussion about marriage, presenting a ring, and proposing in a private setting. Public proposals, while sometimes dramatic, were nearly twice as likely to be rejected compared to private ones.
Celebrating Love
With proposals to determine and show their love, the couple keep their tradition to celebrate love even after their marriage. Every month, the couple sets aside time to celebrate their love. They choose special places for dinner and cherish these moments of togetherness.
"It's important for us to celebrate our monthly anniversaries," noted Zainul. "It keeps the romance alive."
The wife shows her love through small, thoughtful gestures. "She cooks for me, buys me little things, and gets my meals ready for work," said Zainul appreciatively. "These acts of love mean a lot to me."
Celebrating love plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the health and happiness of a relationship. Regularly acknowledging and commemorating your bond helps strengthen emotional connections, improve communication, and boost overall well-being.
How does respect work in a healthy relationship?
The little celebration, yet, impactful approach to couples is one of the key roles to maintain a healthy marriage. In addition, the couple also shared their thoughts on the role of respect that led to their healthy relationship.
"He treats me with so much respect and goes above and beyond for me. He loves me unconditionally, and that's something I cherish deeply." said Hazwani emphasizing how respect plays a crucial role in their relationship.
A respectful marriage allows each partner to pursue personal interests and growth without fear of criticism. Respecting each other's individuality supports each partner’s goals and aspirations, leading to a more fulfilling and enriched life together.
Practical Tips for Cultivating Respect in Marriage
Communicate Openly and Honestly: Share thoughts and feelings openly while listening attentively to your partner.
Show Appreciation: Regularly express gratitude for your partner’s contributions and efforts.
Support Each Other: Be there for your partner in times of need and celebrate their successes.
Maintain Boundaries: Respect each other’s personal space and boundaries.
Resolve Conflicts Constructively: Approach disagreements with a problem-solving attitude rather than a confrontational one.
As the couple shared that marriage is about commitment and navigating daily life together. "We discuss finances and ensure everything is stable," explained Zainul. "We went through a marriage course that taught us the dos and don'ts, helping us express our feelings better and communicate more effectively."
Looking Ahead
Their hopes for the future are simple yet profound.
"I hope this marriage lasts forever," said Zainul earnestly.
Hazwani adds, "One day, I hope we grow old together and build a home. I look forward to that, and I thank you for loving me unconditionally every single day."
In this modern love story, the couple's journey from an online match to a committed marriage highlights the importance of respect, communication, and celebrating love in everyday moments. Their story is a testament to how love can grow and thrive in the digital age, transforming virtual connections into lifelong commitments.
The extension of the "Better Halves" video series into an article is a project to bring impact by allowing for deeper exploration of the couples' experiences, emphasizing the educational aspects and providing a permanent resource for readers that highlights the importance of understanding love from different perspectives, which can help build healthy, lasting relationships. By offering thoughtful reflections and diverse viewpoints, the article can enhance readers' comprehension and application of these insights in their own lives.
Click on the video to learn more about their journey and understanding of love and marriage.
Register for Cinta Abadi Marriage Preparation/Enrichment programme here or check out for more marriage tips and resources here.
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Resources:
Source taken from Psychology Today