The Secret of Peaceful Life from the Loving Married Couples

(Oita Godo Newspaper, Morning December 8th 2008 page 9)

Oita City

There are in total nine couples (husbands and wives) who always come together every year and to celebrate "Good Couples' Day" on 22nd November as a social gathering.

The event has been held since 1989 and this year is the 19th "Dai Ma Kai" gathering to promote understanding and to cultivate friendships among the married couples. The members of this association range from the couples who have married for thirty-eight years, to the couple who have married only for three years.

They usually have a good conversation while enjoying their bentos. Normally, the married couples will express their respect and gratitude towards each other in front of the other couples. The participants of this gathering said that on that day, this day is an important day when they can re-examine themselves.

A senior couples (60-years-old couples) said that "The secret of living a peaceful life is to take care of each other's health and to have conversation with each other".

Comments: It is heart-warming to know that this even had been initiated, which means people are actually aware and care to treasure their relationships with their spouses. However, today many young couples who are very busy and are overwhelmed with their hectic schedule often neglect the importance of relationships with people around them, especially their loved ones.

NUGROHO Katarina Marsha Utama

Indonesia

APM2, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University