Yusof Haslam keeps a good relationship with his wife by practising the art of persuasion. Photos via mStar
Datuk Yusof Haslam admits he's surprised by the number of celebrities who have decided to end their marriages in divorce.
The producer-director himself has been married to Datin Patimah Ismail for more than four decades.
Sharing his secret to maintaining happiness with his wife for 41 years, the 70-year-old Yusof said that, as a husband, he has never been embarrassed to gently persuade his wife when she is upset with him.
Yusof added that there is nothing wrong with a man yielding to his wife either; rather, it can create a more harmonious marriage.
“I am not perfect, but I see that nowadays, there are divorce cases (among celebrities) every day.
"In my view, marriage requires patience, compromise, and, most importantly, the ability to coax one another.
“As men, we should not think that when we coax our wives means we are ‘surrending’. My marriage has lasted because of this approach. This was advice my mother shared, which my father practised as well.
“Conflict in marriage is normal. No marriage is entirely smooth; there will always be arguments,” he told mStar, The Star's Malay-language portal.
Yusof also reminded wives to play a significant role by being patient, unselfish, and setting aside their pride.
“If there’s hardship in a marriage, find a way to reconcile, set aside pride. Women should soften their hearts. This is advice I give even to my own children,” he added.
Yusof and Patimah are parents to four children, including Syamsul Yusof, a two-time divorcee.
