accountability, character, commitment, credibility, integrity, personal growth, professional reputation, promises, relationships, self-confidence, self-esteem, trust, values, work ethic

Beyond Words: The Value of Keeping Your Promises

The two words “I promise” carry a lot of weight, which is why when people break promises, it can create a crack in the relationship and lead to a loss of trust. Some may argue that not all promises hold the same weight. However, whichever way you look at it, a commitment is still a ...

Arianne Ayson

Young businessman in a navy suit wearing glasses.

Song Dynasty Love Story: The Tale of Liu Tingyi

In the annals of Chinese history, some names shine brighter than others. Su Dongpo, also known as Su Shi, is one such luminary — a renowned poet, essayist, painter, and statesman of the Song Dynasty. His influence was vast, comparable to the likes of Shakespeare in the West. Su’s writings give us a profound window ...

Mikel Davis

Artwork titled 'Lone Scholar in the Autumn Woods' by Zhang Daqian, using ink and color on paper.

The Truth About Cohabitation Before Marriage

Moving in with your significant other before marriage was considered taboo for years, and couples would be criticized or shamed. If you look at the situation now, cohabitation with a partner without getting married is deemed more acceptable. Cohabitation before marriage has become prevalent, challenging traditional beliefs and norms surrounding relationships. By sharing a living ...

Viena Abdon

Cohabitation without marriage carries several risks.

7 Signs That You and Your Partner Are Ready for Marriage

If it has been years since you and your partner started dating, do you think it’s time to take your relationship to the next level? Entering marriage is a life-long commitment. Hence, you and your partner should work and decide if you already see each other together forever. Before you plan your engagement proposal and ...

Viena Abdon

Two wedding bands.

What Makes a Marriage Thrive for a Lifetime? (Part 3)

This is part three of a three-part series; please see Part 1 and Part 2 How couples have come to marry has changed drastically since ancient times. Initially, couples would marry without getting to know each other before marriage. Then arranged marriages came into being followed by individuals making a conscious decision to select a partner of ...

Emma Lu

Older smiling African American couple at home.

What Makes a Marriage Thrive for a Lifetime? (Part 2)

This is part two of a three-part series; please see Part 1 and Part 3 True character will thrive and shine through marriage in grueling circumstances and situations. Fu Ruojin, a poet of the Yuan Dynasty, wrote: “Newlyweds vow to grow old together, and the kindness and righteousness will last forever.” However, it is not ...

Michael Segarty

An elderly couple bike riding.

What Makes a Marriage Thrive for a Lifetime? (Part 1)

This is part one of a three-part series; see Part 2 and Part 3 The divorce rate in China has soared from 2 percent in the 1970s to 40 percent today. In this commodity and consumer-driven world, so many modern marriages are fleeting and disposable, with many now heading for the rocks. Marriages have become ...

Michael Segarty

A happy newly married couple.

The Bamboo Pole of Love

They are husband and wife; his name is Huang Funeng and hers is Wei Guiyi. They didn’t know each other for long before they got married. That year, he was 25, and she was 21. They have been married and in love for 55 years. They are from Donglan County, Hechi, Guangxi. They have no ...

Helen London

A pink lotus flower.