Can you share an example of how both of you cooperated for something that drew on each other's opposing strength?
CG Here’s a recent story: While working with contractors on our store renovations, we had to pool our strengths to get the job done. Being a perfectionist, I scrutinise every single detail and ensure it is exactly the way I like it—which can be stressful for my vendors. At this point, he steps in, as he is better at negotiations and handling interpersonal communication. While I iron out the details, he is good at taking in the big picture. It has worked very well for us.

What is one "opposing" thing about your partner that you had to learn to love?
CG He is incredibly easy-going, and he can be too lenient and forgiving. But I have learnt a lot from that and now tell myself to take things a bit easier, too, especially when it comes to handling our growing kids. He reminds me that I should also avoid being too harsh as they are still very young and need nurturing.

LCY Cheryl is very passionate and can be quite headstrong. After 15 years of marriage, I have come to see it as a good thing as I know she is always 100 per cent dedicated and never does anything halfway.

How do your different personalities complement each other in various aspects of daily life? 
LCY When approaching problems, I tend to look at facts and figures, while Cheryl will look at intangible factors such as environment, personalities, or attitudes. This type of discourse often gives us different perspectives.

CG At home, we slip into different roles. I tend to be the one who nags while CY is more of the “fun” parent.

What do you do to keep the flame alive despite your differences?
LCY Workaholics like her tend to have a huge capacity to focus but also need serious downtime. I have to remind Cheryl to relax more. It is very hard to tear her away from work so I always have to pop over to her office to insist she lunches with me. Of course, it helps that our offices are in the same building otherwise, I’d hardly see her at all!
In fact, work takes up so much of her attention that I join her on her work trips to spend more time with her. That works out well because we both love to visit new places and because of Cheryl’s work, I get to visit out-of-the-norm places, such as rural villages and plantations. It has made for more than interesting experiences and even learning opportunities for me.

CG Even though I’m not a foodie, CY loves eating so our trips always consist of lots of food. Ultimately we try to find a balance to ensure we both get to do what we like.

Read more about how these couples have journeyed through life as complementary opposites in the Fall/Winter 2017 issue of Singapore Tatler Weddings, out in November.