Meet Robert and Kay Lee Fukui, who have been married for 16 years and specialize in helping couples with their businesses and relationships. The Fukuis credit their success as a couple to pre-marriage counseling that taught them how to resolve conflicts and communicate effectively. We couldn’t agree more, communication and conflict resolution are key components to a healthy relationship and we loved hearing more of their relationship secrets when we interviewed them on the Kickass Couples Podcast!
Robert and Kay Lee didn’t just breeze into their relationship, though. Kay Lee shared her initial hesitation in getting into a relationship with Robert, who was previously married. She didn’t want to feel like she was competing with a ghost, and she wanted to know if he was ready for a new relationship. Robert had also been going to counseling to make sure he was in the right mindset and heartset for a new relationship.
As Robert started attending counseling, Kay Lee would ask him questions about his sessions over dinner. Eventually, Robert invited her to attend the sessions with him, and they started working on their communication skills and using tools to be open and honest with each other. The counselor also helped them delve into their pasts, which brought them closer and helped them understand each other better. The process wasn’t systematic, but it evolved over time.
Now, we know you’re all busy and hustling, but the Fukuis suggest blocking out time for what’s important to you as a couple. They recommend quarterly getaways for the weekend and setting priorities in advance to avoid getting busy with other things. They also advise listeners to protect their evening time and not let work interfere with their personal lives. Let’s face it, spending quality time with your partner is essential for maintaining a healthy and happy relationship.
When we asked about conflict resolution, Robert admitted that it can be challenging for him to admit when he’s wrong, but he recognizes the importance of being man enough to apologize. Kay Lee shared a funny story about how they argued over the color of green chili for their dinner, and both of them acknowledged that they don’t tend to remember the details of past arguments because they genuinely resolve them!
At the heart of it all, our time with Robert and Kay Lee reminded us that a healthy relationship requires constant work and attention. Communication, compromise, and prioritizing what’s important are key components to building a successful partnership. We hope you enjoyed this blog post, and we can’t wait to bring you more inspiring stories from couples who have navigated the ups and downs of relationships with grace and humor.
Until next time. Remember, happily ever after doesn’t just happen, it’s on purpose.
