Dear Newlyweds Start With Respect, End With Love

Marriage is often seen as a new chapter filled with love and excitement- but it also comes with responsibility. In a recent interview, Dr. Nisha Fernando highlighted the serious consequences of domestic violence within relationships, stressing that no form of abuse - whether physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual- should ever be normalised. The early days of marriage are not just about adjusting to each other’s routines- they’re about setting the tone for a lifelong partnership grounded in harmony and care.

Words - Sachini Perera / Dr Nisha Fernando

Marriage is a beautiful journey, but like any partnership, it requires effort, understanding, and above all, communication. One of the most important things I always tell newly married couples is that they need to talk to each other- really talk. It’s not just about solving big problems. Even small things, like deciding what to have for dinner, can become a source of tension if both people aren’t willing to meet in the middle. I once worked with a young couple who had just gotten married. The woman was a dedicated teacher, and the man was running his own business. Due to her teaching post being far from home, she lived separately and only visited once every two months. Unfortunately, the husband started drinking heavily. His excuse was frustration over the lack of communication and physical presence in the marriage. But I always say—no matter what you’re going through, turning to alcohol or any harmful substance is never a solution. It’s important to recognise that nothing justifies that kind of behaviour.

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