Happy Valentine’s Day

Every relationship is different, and every couple should find creative solutions that specifically works for their circumstances because what may work for others may not apply to your relationship.

James Bolabiu who is married to Ana Tuiketei Bolabiu believes that effective communication is vital in any relationship.

Mr and Mrs Bolabiu are known in Fiji for their international achievements in their respective fields. They are proud Fijians and proud ambassadors for the Pacific.

Their journey like all relationships has had its share of challenges in terms of work, time and family commitments. They dated for five years and in 2018 tied the knot.

They believe that marriage has sealed their bond in terms of committing to the journey of love come what may.

Mr Bolabiu said one of their strong points was that they always talked to each other and in each other’s lives all the time.

Mrs Bolabiu said she agreed that they keep the line of understanding and communication open.

“James and I are still learning and growing as individuals and as a couple,” Mrs Bolabiu said.

“We don’t claim to be experts when it comes to love, but we try to be the best versions of ourselves and the best we can be every day. We are each other’s biggest cheer leader and each other’s constructive critic (sometimes it’s hard to find the balance but we get there).”

“We believe that Valentine’s Day is every day. We do have date nights and we take time out as it is very important.”

“The foundation of any relationship needs to be solid. Relationship is a partnership and not an ownership.”

Mr Bolabiu said dating an ambitious career woman was not easy, but together they have figured out how to make it work.

“Trust is one of the important things when it comes to relationships,” he said.

“We complement each other and we put our views and opinions and see which one is the best option.

“I knew Ana was the one for me because she brings out the best in me and helps me to always strive for the best.”

Mrs Bolabiu said they made sure that they don’t take work home.

“I already know that I am blessed because we give each other freedom and we do not take that freedom for granted as space is important in our world,” she said.

“One thing I have learned is to forgive each other quickly and mean it. You need to remind yourself about your vows and the good thing about James and I is that we take our vows seriously.

“I now know the importance of anniversary; it is not just a date on the calendar. On our anniversary we now have a ritual where we watch our wedding video to remind ourselves the importance of the lifetime commitment we took.

“We are now discovering that marriage is a labour of love (actual work) and it is not easy. With everything going on in this world, I don’t take life for granted, I am always grateful and I feel privileged to be married to James because of the qualities he possesses.

“We always put God first in our lives. We are grateful for His favour, His grace and abundance of blessings He spoils us with all the time.

“What works for us might not work for other couples and most importantly never compare your relationship to other couples.”

Mrs Bolabiu said: “Choose your battle wisely with each other.

“Not every battle is worth fighting and that’s where wisdom comes in.”

Feedback:  wati.talebula@fijisun.com.fj