By Regina Adaobi Aforgu

Marriage experts have urged couples to prioritise effective communication, forgiveness, mutual respect and shared values to build stable and enduring homes.

The experts gave the advice at a marriage enrichment seminar organised on Sept. 6 by the Infant Jesus Holy Childhood Society, Archdiocese of Onitsha, to equip couples with practical principles for strengthening their marriages.

Speaking at the seminar, a marriage counsellor, Mr. Celestine Okonkwo, described marriage as a lifelong commitment requiring deliberate efforts by couples to sustain understanding, mutual support and affection.

Okonkwo observed that while many people devoted considerable attention to preparing for wedding ceremonies, less attention was often given to the responsibilities involved in sustaining marriage.

He urged couples to communicate openly and resolve disagreements without resorting to insults, abuse or prolonged resentment.

The resource persons also stressed the importance of faith in Christian marriages, citing biblical passages including Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 and Genesis 2:24.

They advised intending couples to consider shared values, spiritual growth, respect and emotional maturity when choosing life partners.

The experts outlined 11 principles for successful marriages, including choosing partners based on character, developing effective communication skills and recognising that disagreements were normal but should be handled constructively.

On communication, the facilitators said some marital problems arose when couples stopped listening to and understanding each other.

They encouraged couples to discuss issues concerning finances, children, careers, faith and expectations openly to minimise misunderstandings.

The experts also described forgiveness as essential to sustaining marriage, urging couples to acknowledge their mistakes, apologise and avoid allowing resentment to persist.

Other principles highlighted included expressing love regularly, managing finances as a team, setting healthy boundaries with extended families and protecting marriages from inappropriate third party interference.

The resource persons further encouraged couples to continue growing together spiritually, emotionally and intellectually, while maintaining friendship and affection in their relationships.

They advised couples to continue courting and appreciating each other even after marriage.

The seminar ended with a call for couples to focus not only on choosing the right partners but also on becoming responsible, understanding and supportive spouses.