Love the Singapore way

The Hebrew word for love is "ahava", which means "to give". This implies true love is about giving, not taking.

So over the years, our generations have given their love the Singapore way.

Boyfriend, Tian Peng, in the late 1960s: Xiaolian, let's go apply for a flat together.
Xiaolian blushes and says coyly: Ok.
They ride into the HDB horizon together.

Boyfriend, Ah Peng, in the 1980s: Here's the car, condo, country club, cash and credit card. Or rather, the credit card first. Let's work towards the other Cs together.
Lianmei's eyes light up and she says: Yes, you can give me the 5 Cs.

Ah Beng in the 2000s presents a one carat diamond ring on his knees and says: I give you my caring heart, good stimulating conversation and crack many jokes to make you laugh. Will you marry me please?
Ah Lian: Can!

Corny scenarios aside, I see love giving itself around me in Singapore, even though the common complaint is that we are too materialistic and caught up in the rat race. My colleague shared in the car today that he gives his wife all his bonus money, pays for the big ticket items, and even gives her a monthly allowance, not to be spent on the family but on her.

Even though he was complaining that his wife has the better deal, I felt that his actions spoke louder than his words. Our salaries represent our blood, sweat and tears every work day. For him to give the bulk of it to his wife shows his commitment and love for her and the family.

It puts him in a vulnerable position, especially if his wife chooses to run away with the money, but I want to think that it won't happen to him.