Solemniser Thirunal Karasu Palaniappan, 60, makes it a point to get to know the couples he is marrying and let them know they can turn to him if they need someone to talk to after their wedding.
And some do – sharing with him the woes and issues they face.
Mr Palaniappan, who has been married for 33 years and has two grown-up children, said: “Building the relationship with couples is critical... They will open up if they trust you and are comfortable with you.”
Now, under the new Journey With You (Joy) programme, the solemniser of 16 years continues to offer couples a listening ear, advice and guidance.
The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) launched the pilot programme last month, with 20 solemnisers roped in to mentor about 40 couples in their first year of marriage.
The solemnisers will invite couples whose marriages they solemnise to be part of the programme and encourage them to attend marriage preparation courses.
Minister of State for Social and Family Development Sun Xueling said on Jan 10 in Parliament: “Many licensed solemnisers develop good relationships with the couples and have a wealth of helpful tips.”
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin January 24, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin January 24, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
‘Go on dates, parents’ student care centre takes care of kids till late
A student care centre is encouraging the parents of the children in its care to go on date nights.
Ong sets three freediving national marks in Camotes
It was the hunt for a sea turtle that took Patricia Ong into the world of freediving.
WE'VE DONE IT BEFORE: FODEN
Midfielder, who broke 50-goal barrier, says City's past will help nerves in '6 more finals'
Liverpool's title hopes suffer Hammer blow with draw
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp could not hide his disappointment as his side's slim English Premier League title hopes faded further on April 27, when Michail Antonio's late header earned West Ham United a deserved point with a 2-2 home draw.
HALIBURTON FLOATER SINKS BUCKS IN OT
Point guard overcomes poor shooting to hit winner in the Pacers' 121-118 Game 3 victory
Nadal eyes dream doubles pairing with Alcaraz
Rafael Nadal said it would be exciting to partner fellow Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz at the Paris Olympics and the 22-time Grand Slam champion hoped they can enter some doubles tournaments in the build-up to the Games.
Buddies Mcllroy and Lowry still among the leaders
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry are good friends, former Ryder Cup teammates and they have also enjoyed a dinner together with more to come according to the PGA Tour - since they touched down earlier this week for the Zurich Classic of New Orleans team event.
BATTLE OF LIM'S BIGHORN A CLASSIC
Team Meagher-Lerner-Lim show their Midas touch again in the 1400m leg of 3YO features
Why the markets have turned rocky now
Behind the turmoil are familiar culprits: inflation and interest rates, amid geopolitical tensions
The reality of being targeted by scammers daily
You open your eyes and grope for your phone. You check your inbox and discover dozens of spam email that made it past the filter.