Marriage is like a durian.

Durian stinks. It has thorns. And it could mess you up good and proper.

But to those who are passionate about durians, its devastating smell is a delicious invitation to a wonderful world.

The durian lover will travel far and wide to find the perfect one-the right colour, right weight, strong and sweet aroma, right size thorns, right shape and spacing.

The durian lover is a discerning one, and many lesser durians will discarded along the way.

The pleasure attained in the actual eating is a pure bliss. A bit like living happily ever after.

The durian hater however, will hate durians all his life. No force on earth and certainly no advertisement can change him.

BUT if you are someone who can on occasion be persuaded to try durians, please heed this warning : Don't let peer pressure or insistent relatives push you into it.

IF you do not cherish the RITUAL, you will not devote enough time to choosing the right one. After all, a durian is just a durian to you.

Then because you've picked just any old durian, you find it doesn't taste all that wonderful anyway. It's okay, but it doesn't exactly move heaven and earth for you.

You'll eat it, but you'll find the side effects quite intolerable; the heatiness will have you tossing and turning all night. And with every burp, you'll regret having eaten it more and more.

The durian lover however, takes it in his stride as part and parcel of the entire experience.

There is no resentment as they expect some bad to come with the good.

Whereas you, who weren't that keen on durians in the first place, will just want out. And that's why people get divorced.

Look, marriage is thorny, difficult and messy. It even stinks, sometimes.

And it is not for everyone.

Only for those who are passionately believe in it. Those who are prepared to love even the thorns. And those who will do whatever it takes to be true to this commitment.

They are the ones who will find peace and contentment.

The other can always resort to divorce.

But the bad taste will linger on. And even when it's over and done, the memory will continue to haunt you for long, long, time. As anyone who has ever carried durians in the car boot can tell you.

MARRIAGE.

IF YOU'RE NOT PASSIONATE ABOUT IT, FORGET IT.

Ana.