Getting ready for marriage
My fiancée grows up in a single-parent family which her parents have been separated since she was in primary school. She worries that she will experience the same. How should I comfort her?
Family of origin shapes our perceptions on self, relationships, and meaning of marriage. The experience of parents’ divorce can affect one’s perception on intimacy relationship. It is more difficult for them to establish attached relationship. While longing to be loved, she may doubt whether her partner will be loyal for a long period of time. Even if they are about to get married, she still feel worried and insecure.
As a fiancé, when facing your partner’s worries, you may have spent a lot of time to accompany and comfort her. However, to rebuild a healthy and secure attachment, you should be more aware of the influence of her family of origin. You can attend pre-marital counseling together to examine the impact of her parents' divorce on her perception of marriage, encouraging her to let go the influence of her parents’ divorce. In the counseling, the couple will explore each other’s family of origin, personalities and communication patterns. You can establish your own meaning of marriage and build a securely attached relationship together.
Sources: Ms. Lai, Social Worker (Family Service), Hong Kong Family Welfare Society
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