THE FINE ART OF CORRECTION - By Janu Krishnan
Written By: Janu Krishnan
Category: ESSAY NON FICTION
Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026
Janu Krishnan's essay, "THE FINE ART OF CORRECTION," delves into the nuanced world of marriage and relationships. Submitted to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this piece reflects on the necessity of renewal and communication in sustaining emotional bonds. Drawing parallels between constitutional amendments and the evolution of personal relationships, Krishnan invites readers to ponder the dynamic nature of commitment and love.
About the Work
In "THE FINE ART OF CORRECTION," Janu Krishnan articulates the intricate dance of compromise, understanding, and growth that underpins lasting relationships. The essay is a contemplative exploration of themes such as communication, patience, and mutual respect, interwoven with insightful reflections on societal expectations and personal growth. Krishnan's work encourages readers to consider the importance of continuous effort and adaptation in nurturing enduring partnerships.
THE FINE ART OF CORRECTION
Original Submission by Janu Krishnan
THE FINE ART OF
CORRECTION
By Janu Krishnan
One peaceful afternoon, while the rain softly poured outside and relaxed my thoughts, I sat in my patio reading The Art of the Good Life by Rolf Dobelli - a remarkable writer whose insights differ greatly from many conventional self-development authors.
One idea deeply stayed with me. He spoke about how the Federal Constitution of the United States, established in 1787, has been amended 27 times to remain relevant as society, systems, and generations evolve. Likewise, the Swiss and German constitutions have continuously adapted over time. That made me wonder: if constitutions can evolve through correction and improvement, why don’t many people believe relationships and marriage should survive without constant renewal, reflection, and adjustment?
Why do we invest everything into one rigid expectation instead of understanding that life itself requires revisions, patience, and re-planning? There is always room for improvement until we find healthier and wiser solutions to our problems.
Especially when it comes to MARRIAGE. Smiling with hearts face with solid fill with solid fill
Many people in this generation fear marriage more than relationships or living together because marriage demands something deeper - responsibility, sacrifice, endurance, and emotional maturity.
Real marriage involves difficult conversations:
* How will we segregate the bills? Savings? Emergency fund?
* How will we manage finances? Debts? Job loss?
* How will we support one another emotionally?
* How will we will spend quality time with each other and family?
* How will we overcome anger and frustration from each other?
* How will we take care an unwell spouse?
* How will we juggle work and home? Children’s chores?
* How will we go through mental depression and etc?
* How will we prepare mentally if it’s not working?
* What happens when our plans fail?
And plans do fail. That is why re-planning becomes necessary. If one solution does not work, couples must continue working together to find another way forward.
Living together also means learning another human being completely - their habits, wounds, fears, upbringing, past traumas, beliefs, and emotional patterns. Miscommunication slowly replaces sweet conversations. Listening becomes weaker. Patience disappears. Yet communication is not something couples should practise once a year during special occasions; it must be nurtured daily.
Many marriages collapse not because love disappeared instantly, but because communication slowly died. Many sweet hearted couple gives up easily on each other. The women tried so hard to speak up but eventually one day she stopped questioning and just work like a machine at home.
Ironically, many individuals display excellent interpersonal skills at work, yet fail to show basic kindness, empathy, and understanding among family at home.
We often judge people entirely based on one action or one difficult moment. But every individual behaves differently according to their background, trauma, parenting style, financial status, emotional wounds, social influences, and personal philosophy each time. Not even our fingers are equal in size - so how can human beings ever be identical? Laptop Pusheen
Marriage is ultimately commitment - a commitment to understand another imperfect human being while carrying responsibilities together. And when children enter the picture, the responsibility becomes even greater.
The older generations did not necessarily stay married because their relationships were perfect. Many endured misunderstandings, sacrifices, pain, and even deep emotional struggles. Some relationships survived because couples genuinely tried to repair what was broken, rebuild trust, and continue for the sake of family and children. That does not mean every sacrifice was healthy or justified - some people stayed too long in painful situations and later sought peace for their mental well-being, which is equally important.
Today, however, we see extravagant weddings, luxurious ceremonies, designer outfits, destination photoshoots, and lavish celebrations - yet many marriages struggle to survive even three to five years. Some divorces happen within days; others after decades of accumulated pain and tolerance.
* It makes me wonder:
- How many of us truly try or ready to correct ourselves for the sake of the relationship?
- How many couples sit together and renew their understanding of each other as life changes?
- How many people are willing to apologise sincerely, remain patient, communicate better, and forgive repeatedly?
Long-lasting marriages were not built only on romance and accountability. Many were built on forgiveness - again and again.
Perhaps relationships, like constitutions, also require amendments, renewal, reflection, and conscious effort throughout life.
A healthy marriage consists of:
* Honest communication, even during difficult moments.
* Listening to understand, not just to respond.
* Respecting each other’s individuality, dreams, family, and personal space.
* Emotional support during failures, stress, illness, and uncertainty.
* Shared responsibilities - financially, emotionally, and within the household.
* Trust and loyalty that create security and peace of mind.
* Patience to grow together through changing phases of life.
* Accountability - admitting mistakes and correcting them with maturity.
* Forgiveness, because no long-term relationship survives without it.
* Small acts of appreciation, kindness, and affection done consistently.
* The ability to disagree without humiliating or destroying one another.
* Friendship and companionship, where both people still feel safe being themselves.
* Mutual effort to keep improving the relationship instead of taking each other for granted.
Healthy marriages are not built overnight through weddings, luxury, or social media appearances. They are built quietly in everyday life-through conversations, sacrifices, understanding, shared responsibilities, laughter, healing, and repeatedly choosing each other.
At times, love alone is not enough. Wisdom, emotional maturity, discipline, respect, and compassion are also needed to sustain a marriage long-term. A strong marriage is when two people come together as one team, working to grow, correct mistakes, and move toward shared goals. It cannot survive on one-sided effort; both partners must communicate, compromise, reflect, and continuously work on the relationship.
Often, women try seriously to protect relationships they value, enduring and attempting many times before finally walking away. Many only leave once they have reached their emotional limit after tonnes of efforts.
However, when constant conflict, emotional exhaustion, and unresolved issues continue, the relationship can become unhealthy. If one person keeps trying while the other refuses to change or communicate, emotional safety is lost.
At that one point, letting go peacefully may sometimes be healthier than enduring in pain. Not every ending is about hatred or failure. Some relationships end in mutual respect, friendship, or peaceful co-parenting. Choosing peace over toxicity is not weakness-it can be maturity, acceptance, and emotional wisdom. Delete Pusheen
Because love should not only survive through suffering - it should also allow both individuals to breathe, heal, grow, and live with dignity.
MARRIAGE should also sustain the storms, the diseases, the scenarios, the situations,
the falls, the rise, the fun, the celebration, the doubts, the prayers, the chaos and everything
comes in between with one same purpose (kokorozashi - mission) between the couple - to
be healthfully married forever, happily together.
About the Competition
The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, invites writers worldwide to showcase their literary talents. This prestigious event celebrates diverse voices and creative expressions across poetry, short stories, essays, and more, providing a platform for sharing powerful narratives and unique perspectives.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Janu Krishnan for sharing "THE FINE ART OF CORRECTION" with us. This thought-provoking essay offers valuable insights for the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. We appreciate Janu's contribution to the ongoing dialogue about love, commitment, and personal growth in relationships.
About Hashtag Kalakar
Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.
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