March 2011

Dear Readers

As I discussed this wedding issue with my better half Aruna, I remember one television show we used to watch back in Chicago named the “Newlywed Show.” I am sure those of you about to get married or even those who are newlyweds weren’t even born at that time. To play the show, one spouse of the newlywed couple was put in a sound proof room and asked questions about their spouse, some very intimate and some trivial, but mostly about what the other partner liked and disliked. Each partner took turns and was asked the same questions. Here comes fun part – some of the answers were completely opposite. The couple that got the most matching answers was declared the winner.

Now why I am talking about this 40 year-old show? (Yes, we have been happily married for the last 40 years!) First, I think all the newlyweds featured in this should play a game like this to find out how much you know your partner. But I also want you to tell your parents to play a similar game to find out that they still know their partners after 25, 30, or 40 years. In my opinion, success to a happy marriage is to know what your partner likes and dislikes. And not only while you are newlyweds, but also, more importantly, even after 10, 20 and even 40 years of marriage.

I remember reading an interview with Dr. Robert H. Schuller, pastor, motivational speaker and author, about his happy marriage. He said, “my wife and I have system. We grade our likes and dislike on a scale of one to ten, one being hate it and 10 being love the most. And then we made sure we do not go below 4 on any activity and that is how we are happily married since last so many years.”

I am not telling you something all of you newlyweds and newly engaged couples don’t already know, but am simply reminding you that this is very important. Enough of my advice, I do not want this column to become a “Dear Uncle” advice column.

Now, this brings me to another exciting My Shadi Bridal Expo we are doing in Atlanta. After several successful shows in Florida, we are embarking in this new area. We want to thank our new platinum sponsor Qatar Airways for donating two FREE tickets to India. From the initial response we have received from vendors as well as from brides and their family members, it is going to be one of the best bridal shows in Atlanta.

Plan to see us there.

Raj Shah
Managing Editor