Mervin Wee Jean Yip - 30 Years Of Marriage

An ever lasting marriage is dreamed by every couple. Below is a story of a couple who has married for over 30 years. Let's check what makes them able to have such a wonderful marriage.

“It felt like we were meant for each other as we shared so many things in common. There was excellent chemistry between us.” – Mervin Wee, on his first meeting with Jean Yip in 1975

 Q: Tell us about your love story prior to tying the knot.

Mervin: Who says that blind dates won’t work out? I actually met my wife Jean during a blind date, when we were just 16 years old! It was 27th December, 1975. A friend asked me to fetch a girl to a party from Odeon Cinema at 7pm. Upon meeting Jean, I immediately sensed a certain energy between us. We even ended up chatting through the night.

Jean: We dated for more than 10 years before Mervin proposed to me. It was a surprise proposal at Top of the M, where he asked my father for my hand in marriage. (Their marriage is hold in a wedding venue in Singapore)

Q: What do you love most about your spouse?

Jean: Mervin initially had me smitten with his good looks and charisma, but it was his generous and sincere character that captivated me even more. He puts the family and I first in everything he does. His love for us is phenomenal. We are best friends, and most of all, we are always selfless towards each other. 

Mervin: I love her caring personality the most. She is really unpretentious and good hearted as well.

Q: What is the greatest lesson that 30 years of marriage has taught you?

Mervin: Through 30 years of marriage, I’ve learnt that patience and tolerance goes a long way. To love at a deeper level, you also need to learn how to give each other space. Only then can you have a relationship that goes beyond the superficial.

Q: How do you think your marriage dynamics have changed over the years?

Jean: We literally grew up together as we met during our teenage years. So in a way, we have become very used to each other’s ‘style’. 

Mervin: In the early years, we were too busy with business (Jean Yip Group). However, we have mellowed over time. Currently, we even have the privilege of travelling together as a family, thus strengthening our family bonds in the process.

Q: How would you say you are similar to or different from your spouse?

Jean: We do complement each other in many ways. He is the ‘cool’ one, while I am rather impulsive. We are both creative, and share the same values. However, I am more domineering and vocal. Mervin on the other hand is disciplined, hardworking, humble and tolerant. His character brings great balance to mine.

Mervin: We are quite different! For example, Jean is more outspoken, and I’m more reserved by nature.

Q: As a married couple and business partners, are there any lines that you draw with each other at the workplace?

Jean: I admire the way he handles situations, and he takes my opinions very seriously. We have no issues working together, and we respect each other very much as partners.

Mervin: As partners in love as well as in business, we’ve learned to respect each other’s need for space, ideas, as well as decisions made.

Q: Now that your children are all grown up, do you find yourselves with more time to spend quality time with each other?

Mervin: Yes, we do. Some things that  we do together and enjoy very much are having family gatherings, as well as traveling together.

Jean: I’m always the one planning our holidays, dinners and outings together – but Mervin is the one surprising me with dates, flowers and anniversary celebrations.

Q: In your opinion, what are the ingredients to a lasting marriage?

Jean: Always love your partner more than yourself; to love is easier than to be loved, as you should compromise and learn to accept the other’s style and habits; instead of taking, you will enjoy giving more; and finally, to respect, trust and bond. When you and your family are filled with love, it will conquer everything.

Mervin: I think the key ingredient to a lasting marriage would be mutual understanding, trust and learning how to compromise.

Q: Can you share with us about the biggest challenge that you have overcome with your spouse together?

Jean: Disagreements are the greatest challenge for us, although most of the time we agree and compromise on our differences in likes and dislikes. When disagreements in certain situations arise, it can be rather tough.

Mervin: Together, we had to learn how to strike a balance. I guess the greatest challenge would be our differences in opinion and sometimes, even priorities. Source: Blissfulbrides.sg.