Relationships require effort, understanding, and communication to thrive. Kristy Yong, Director of Oasis Counselling Services, shares her expert insights on managing conflicts, strengthening bonds, and improving intimacy in your relationship. See this thread for full conversations.
Q: How can I improve my relationship with my spouse? Any tips?
Kristy: Spend intentional quality time together, like going on dates or planning special nights. Learn each other’s love languages to better express care and fill each other’s “love tank.” Take the love language quiz here.
Q: What are the most important things in a healthy relationship?
Kristy: Communication and trust are the foundation of a healthy relationship. For married couples, sexual intimacy also plays a crucial role in maintaining connection and satisfaction.
Q: How can we avoid arguing with each other?
Kristy: Healthy arguments are part of relationships. Focus on managing them constructively:
- Communicate clearly—your partner isn’t a mind reader.
- Avoid invalidating each other’s feelings.
- Seek to understand before being understood—try seeing things from your partner’s perspective.
Q: Why do we argue more after having a baby?
Kristy: It’s normal for relationships to change after welcoming a baby. Hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, and adjusting to parenthood can cause tension. Arguments often stem from navigating this new stage of life.
Q: What are the responsibilities of a husband in a relationship? How should I treat my wife?
Kristy: Understanding and addressing your wife’s love language can go a long way in strengthening your relationship. Regularly “fill up her love tank” with thoughtful gestures that align with her needs.
Take the love language quiz together.
Q: If a husband hides small things from his wife, can he cheat in the future? How can they build trust?
Kristy: It depends on the reasons behind the secrecy. Open communication is key—explore why he feels the need to hide things. A non-judgmental discussion can pave the way for trust and understanding.
Q: I’m 9 weeks pregnant and feel irritated with my husband. Is this normal?
Kristy: Yes, hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect emotions. Channel your feelings healthily through self-care activities, journaling, or confiding in a neutral party.
Q: What should I do if my husband forgets important dates like anniversaries?
Kristy: Share how his forgetfulness makes you feel. Work with him to find solutions, like setting reminders, so he doesn’t miss these special occasions.
Q: My friend’s husband shouts at her in public. How can she find peace in her family life?
Kristy: Escalated arguments often have deeper root causes. Encourage your friend to seek professional counselling to identify and address communication patterns contributing to these conflicts.
Q: My husband lacks experience in bed, and intimacy feels like a task while trying to conceive. How can I address this?
Kristy: Openly discuss your needs with your husband. Consider suggesting ways to enhance intimacy and explore resources together to improve sexual knowledge and experiences.
About Kristy Yong
Kristy Yong is the Director of Oasis Counselling Services and an internationally licensed counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association. With expertise in couple therapy and relationship coaching, Kristy provides compassionate guidance to help couples strengthen their bonds and navigate challenges.
Final Thoughts
A healthy relationship requires communication, trust, and effort. By addressing issues openly and fostering intimacy, you can build a strong, lasting connection with your partner.
For more expert advice on relationships, visit sg.theasianparent.com.
