The Couple Opens Up About Their Relationship Journey and the Strength They’ve Found Together

As Qi Yuwu and Joanne Peh celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary in 2024, they reflect on the highs and lows that have defined their relationship since their marriage in 2014. In a rare moment of candour on the reality travel show Camping Around the World, the couple shared insights into their often rocky early years together, characterised by intense disagreements and personal growth.

Looking back, Yuwu, 48, admitted that their early marriage was marked by fiery arguments that left lasting emotional impressions. “We fought so fiercely, it was the kind of argument that really stays with you,” he confessed. Joanne, 41, revealed that many of their clashes stemmed from his reluctance to open up, recalling how Yuwu once said, “If I have to say it out loud, then it’s meaningless.” This communication gap led to frequent misunderstandings, which added to the strain in their relationship.

However, over the years, both Yuwu and Joanne have learned to navigate their differences with more patience and understanding. Yuwu expressed his realistic view of marriage, acknowledging that while their relationship has moments of sweetness, conflicts are inevitable. “There are times when we argue, but I’ve come to accept it,” he said. His reflections also included a desire to improve as a husband, stating, “I want to be a better version of myself to give you a better life.”

Joanne, on the other hand, opened up about how she’s become more attuned to Yuwu’s moods, explaining how even the slightest change in his expression would make her anxious. Despite these sensitivities, she praised the progress they’ve made in understanding one another, particularly in how Yuwu now prioritises communication over bottling up his emotions.

In a heartfelt moment, Joanne reflected on the serendipity of their meeting, remarking on how they, coming from different countries—Guangzhou and Singapore—had initially hesitated to pursue a romantic relationship for fear of ruining their friendship. Despite their fears, they found themselves growing closer, and Joanne expressed how grateful she felt for finding her life partner, calling their connection “blissful.” Yuwu, equally touched, echoed her sentiments, saying, “I feel the same way too.”

The couple agreed that humour and not taking life too seriously were essential to maintaining a happy relationship. Yuwu added, “You need some non-functional things in life to have fun,” while Joanne playfully reminded him, “Don’t forget the humour.”

To commemorate their anniversary, Joanne surprised Yuwu with a thoughtful scrapbook, filled with memories of their happiest moments together. As they reflected on their journey, Joanne became emotional, expressing how time together still feels too short. “Perhaps it’s because the future is unknown… I hope we can be together forever,” she said, as Yuwu lovingly reassured her, reinforcing their unwavering commitment to each other.