I REFER to Ms Cheng Wan Ying's Online Forum letter on Monday, ''Why I chose a China bride': Women should seek to understand men better'.

First, I congratulate Ms Cheng on her happy marriage of 10 years. Second, letters critical of my views in my letter, ('Why I chose a China bride', Oct 19) centred on an unfair interpretation of the word 'submissive'.

While the dictionary defines 'submissive' as 'to give in, or to obey', it hardly does justice to the give-and-take attitude incumbent on both spouses for a happy marriage. Not for an instant would I imply that submissive women (or men) have no rights. This is rubbish and reflects a certain bias on anyone who interprets it as such.

Alvin Tan

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