You’ve heard of ‘Save the Whales’, ‘Save the Penguins’ and ‘Save the Rhinos’ – now, relationship counsellor Willy Conradie has a vision to ‘Save the Marriages.’

Willy has been counselling couples and families for 35 years, and he is convinced that successful marriages are the foundation for fruitful, happy families and for the health and wellbeing of society as a whole. He believes that the world needs good marriages, that children need stable marriages, and that – crucially – husbands and wives, in order to live their own best lives, need their marriages to be loving, nurturing and fulfilling.

“Marriage is an institution designed for our happiness,” says Willy. “Yet somehow we’ve lost the understanding of just how precious it is. We’ve taken what is essentially simple and we’ve made it complicated – a couple should be such a powerful unit, but all too easily we become enemies instead of loving partners.”      

Willy’s enthusiasm, expertise and passion are inspiring. An experienced professional communicator – alongside a full counselling schedule, he has written several books and spoken on radio and at corporate functions – he presents his ideas with down-to-earth practicality and humour. He has a fund of entertaining anecdotes from the 45 years of his own marriage and some unique, even unconventional, insights into how to achieve a solid foundation of understanding and respect between two very-different individuals who are committed to building a life together.

Above all, Willy believes in practical application. He would like to see schools establishing programmes to teach children about building and maintaining marriages, and he would like to see men and women from all walks of life discovering how to regenerate their relationships. His personal mission and the deep desire of his heart is to share what he has learned to help bring people to a place where they can transform their lives and their marriages. It’s time to start working together, he says, time to lay down our weapons and pick up the tools of love in stead.

Fiona Rom: Writer and Editor         

 FROM: THE RELTIONSHIP WATCHDOG.WILLY.

FROM: THE RELATIONSHIP WATCHDOG – WILLY.

 Never apologize for showing feelings. When you do so, you apologize for truth.  Benjamin Disraeli

 FROM THE RELATIONSHIP WATCHDOG: WILLY

 Now this to me this is height of rudeness. You can use he or she if you have introduced the story with your partner’s name first. If anything it shows respect toward your partner.   

 Think about this and try it the next time you are in conversation.

 FROM: THE RELATIONSHIP WATCHDOG WILLY

look out for the finest things first.

Be sure you have seen all their best traits,

before you have noted their worst.

Too often through misunderstanding,

past kindness we’re apt to forget.

The ties of affection are severed

by words that we live to regret.

And many a friendship is broken,

because when it comes to the test;

we remember the worst points of others,

and fail to remember their best!

From a friend Thanks 

FROM: THE RELATIONSHIP WATCHDOG. WILLY

He keeps his steps like mine

He doesn’t say ‘now hurry up!’

he always takes his time

Most people have to hasten they

do not stop and see

I’m glad that God made Grandpa

unrushed and young like me

 Being a dad is GREAT

Being a granddad is so SPECIAL

 Thank you Cindy-Leigh.

 FROM: THE RELATIONSHIP WATCHDOG – WILLY

 I watched some of the Royal Wedding especially the ceremony and the vows, listening to the priest brought back many memories. When I was a young boy divorce was not an option I don’t remember any of my friend’s parents being divorced or anybody else in our small town.

 My thought There were the billions watching live and on television for the pomp, glamour and fashion. There was many different opinions on who looked the best, who rode in the best transport, whether it was a car or horse and chariot or whatever.  Then the much awaited Kiss on the notorious balcony and not one Kiss but two!!

 I want to concentrate on the service and vows.  When I listen to couples explaining what their problems are, I wonder if they can still remember their vows.

  1^st Point of service was the Priest reminding the people why they were there and that was to witness the couple being joined together in matrimony. 

 2^nd Point because the guests are witnesses the Priest had to ask them whether they know of any reason why the couple may not be joined together in matrimony, now speak or forever hold your peace. (My take on this is the guests at any wedding need to be held accountable to the welfare of the couple, because verbally they have signed surety.)  They were not there just to have a good time.

 The Vows

Archbishop to Prince William: William Arthur Philip Louis, wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, to live together according to God’s law in the holy estate of matrimony?

Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?

He answers: I will.

Archbishop to Catherine: Catherine Elizabeth, wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live together according to God’s law in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honour and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?

She answers: I will.

The Archbishop continues: Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?

The Archbishop receives Catherine from her father’s hand. Taking Catherine’s right hand, Prince William says after the Archbishop: I, William Arthur Philip Louis, take thee, Catherine Elizabeth to my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse: for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health; to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy law; and thereto I give thee my troth.

They loose hands. Catherine, taking Prince William by his right hand, says after the Archbishop: I, Catherine Elizabeth, take thee, William Arthur Philip Louis, to my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse: for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health; to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy law; and thereto I give thee my troth.

They loose hands. The Archbishop blesses the ring: Bless, O Lord, this ring, and grant that he who gives it and she who shall wear it may remain faithful to each other, and abide in thy peace and favour, and live together in love until their lives’ end. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prince William takes the ring and places it upon the fourth finger of Catherine’s left hand. Prince William says after the Archbishop: With this ring I thee wed; with my body I thee honour; and all my worldly goods with thee I share: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

When things aren’t going well find your vows and be reminded of promises you made to each other.

 FROM: THE RELATIONSHIP WATCHDOG –  WILLY 

 It amazes me that people in this world of ours, both men and women achieve such amazing things in their lives, in business,  sport and all spheres of life. But when it comes to their relationship with their partner/spouse they can’t seem to keep it together.  Most couples wait too long before they go and see a counsellor or someone professional who can help them.

Please don’t let it happen to you!!!

 If there are any questions that you would like to ask,  e-mail me at info@willyconradie.co.za.  Your questions will be treated confidentially and I will answer them as soon as possible.            

 FROM: THE RELATIONSHIP WATCHDOG – WILLY

 Remember, your partner and family are not just your partners and children they are a Special Gift to us, so take great care of each other and your children. Don’t wait until tomorrow to tell them you love and appreciate them, for tomorrow you may not have the chance.

 FROM: THE RELATIONSHIP WATCHDOG – WILLY