Jacob & Maureen Mallo
How did you both meet? Jacob: We met through my relation who doubles as her friend. What is the most exciting aspect of being married to your partner? Jacob: She complements my person. Maureen: Giving his all to our marriage. What were your fantasies about your relationship?
Jacob: I always thought of how wonderful life would be with her.
Maureen: I always imagined us being together with wonderful kids till the end of time. How much of that has become a reality? Jacob: Well, this year makes it five years and indeed life has been wonderful with her and our two wonderful boys.
Looking 10 years down the road, what would you like to see in your marriage? Jacob: Much more to thank God for. When you first met him/her, what attracted you? Jacob: Her intelligence. Maureen: His guts. Is that attraction still there or has something more attractive in him/her caught your attention?
Jacob: She is even more intelligent than I thought. She is what I’d call a “complete package”. She knows what to do and at any given time. She is not a wife whose capability a man would have doubts about. She’s helpful, resourceful, a great wife and mother. I could go on and on.
Maureen: Much as the first attraction is still valid, I’d say he is so selfless. I sleep with both eyes closed if my husband is handling my “matter”. Let’s just say he places my happiness above his and I’d like to use this opportunity to reiterate my appreciation. He is also very hardworking and godly. What is the best gift he/she has given you? Jacob: I am yet to see that ‘best gift’. (Laughs) .... Well, she “gifted” me this nice wristwatch on one of my birthdays. Maureen: That would be my favourite jewellery. How have you been able to keep your love strong? Jacob: Patience and prayers. Maureen: Tolerance and forgiveness. What is the best way he/she apologised to you? Jacob: She pretends to forget she had offended me and acts as if nothing happened but other times she says she is sorry.
Maureen: It’s also the same with him. In fact, I learnt acting as if nothing happened from him (Chuckles). That’s his best way of saying sorry, but he apologises when that tactic doesn’t work. (Laughs)
How have you been able to overcome marital challenges?
Jacob: When there are challenges, I remind myself about the love I have for her and that eases a lot of negative emotions.
Maureen: My answer would still be tolerance and forgiveness. Plus, I find that as marriage progresses, you find yourself being more mature and able to handle situations; especially if you love each other genuinely.