WORKING couples are often driven apart by a clash of egos, says a leading family counsellor. Most divorce casualties are among the educated and in marriages where both husband and wife are working, says Father Poulose Parekkara.
Marriages in which the couples are less educated and the wife stays at home and is more submissive fare better, he says.
"The ego clash, coupled with selfishness, forces many couples to separate," says the preacher. "Many such cases can be saved from divorce through prayer and counselling."
Father Parekkara is in Bahrain at the invitation of the Thursday Prayer Fellowship.
He is Vicar of the St George Jacobite Church in Pothanikadu, Sharonkunnu, Kerala, and a regular speaker on Shalom Television, as well as president of the Pourasthya Suvisesha Sangham gospel team.
Father Parekkara will address the annual convention of the Thursday Prayer Fellowship tonight and tomorrow at the National Evangelical Church, and at the Indian School auditorium on Wednesday and Thursday, all at 7.30pm. All are welcome.
Free transport has been arranged to the Indian School from Muharraq and Manama. People who require more details should call K K James on 36001234.
Father Parekkara, who has counselled hundreds of couples in India and the Gulf, said it was sad to see an increase in divorce rates among working couples.
"When both husband and wife are employed and earn their own livelihood, an ego clash develops due to a feeling of independence," he said.
"Among the uneducated class, where only the husband works, a feeling of submission displayed by the wife keeps the marriage intact.
"It is important for the couples to understand, whether employed or not, that unconditional love is the basis of a successful marriage."
A recent survey among hundreds of couples revealed that 60 per cent pretended they were happy. "In fact, they are just acting so as to maintain their status in society," said Father Parekkara.
"I have seen children of many unhappy couples being influenced by bad company and becoming addicts of alcohol, drugs and similar vices."
Mutual acceptance and expression of love are important for the success of married life, said Father Parekkara.