It
cannot be emphasised enough: It takes time and energy to strengthen a marriage.
But it can be done. If you come to our afternoon-session B on the 30th
of August you’ve taken the first step toward making the marriage between
marine science and industry work. It shows that you are willing to devote some
time and energy to the identification of problems and opportunities in the
relation between marine science and industry for the sustainable use of the
marine environment.
Not
all marriages fail for the same reason. The most frequent causes are however:
~
Poor communication
~
Failed expectations or unmet
needs
Poor
communication often lies at the base of marital problems. Problems arise from
the different ways partners communicate. For example, a scientist who complains
about a terrible day at work probably wants encouragement, not a discussion
about dropping the project altogether. Alternatively, an industrialist who asks
where to go next probably wants an answer, not a vague response that “more
research is needed.”
One
of the constant subjects of marital disagreement is money. The key is to set
short- and long-term goals together and to make sure both partners have some
money to spend however they like.
To
keep your marriage healthy you have to commit time and energy to it. Infidelity
may occur when the expectations and priorities of a partner are not met or
shift. Needless to say that infidelity puts a marriage under enormous strain.
Always discuss your needs and each other's welfare openly.
It has been said that most of life’s happiness
emanates from one’s marriage. I hope that the advice provided here helps you
improve the relationship between marine science and industry.
Y
Don’t expect to get more
from your partner than you give of yourself. Respect intellectual property
rights and share
information at an early stage to
enhance the chances of collaboration.
Y
Learn to listen. Science and
industry have to improve their communication.
Y
Learn to express you
worries, but argue respectfully. Scientists have to take responsibility in
signalling non-sustainable use even if this may seem to conflict with the
interests of industry. Don't forget that both research & industry can be
stimulated strongly by public & political concern
Y
Don’t try to change your
partner; try to discover his or her strongest points and encourage these.
Y
Keep an open eye for your
environment and the way it changes. Understanding of the marine system as a
whole is essential to evaluate non-sustainable use and focus the contribution of
science and industry to sustainable development.
Y
Set clear goals that can be
evaluated. Meaningful indicators for sustainable development have to be target
specific, predictable and reflect the characteristics of your environment.
Y
Keep your relation exciting.
Give you & your partner the opportunity to explore new challenges.
Please
treat this sheet as merely an introduction to the process of working on a
relation. In addition to the tips contained here, your library or local
bookstore contains a wealth of information, as does the Internet. Couples should
also not be afraid to seek professional help from a trained consultant.