The Marriage Ref

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The Couples

The Wongs

  • The Husband
  • The Wife

The Situation

Is Badminton Bad for Marriage?

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Sticking With the Call? Anniversary Memory

Shan Wong knows she is adored by her husband, Naveen. "He takes care of me really, really well," she gushes. Married just two years, she wants him to spend more time in their Marlborough, Massachusetts home and less time away from the house feeding his obsession: badminton. We see footage of Naveen furiously batting a shuttlecock.

"I want to be the best. Chinese people love badminton. I thought you would love it," he tells her.

Shan's looking for him to spend more time at home with her and their pets. "He gives more time to his badminton than to me," she laments. Naveen is spending 8-10 hours each week playing and practicing. He' scheduled a recent vacation to California so they could watch a tournament.

"I go to the badminton because I can't take this torture anymore. Constant torture. She's a Chinese torture machine."

The panel seems a bit baffled. Martha is first to weigh in with some practical advice. "The guy should be able to pursue the hobby, but limit the number of hours he'll be gone. She could use those hours for something productive, like baking or cooking."

DID THE REF MAKE THE RIGHT CALL?

Jason observes that a hobby requiring 8-10 hours a week is really no more than many golf-obsessed husbands partake in. Asked for his recommendation, he sides with Naveen.

"You can't cut down an athlete's dream—it'd be like telling Rocky not to go for it. He could take badminton to a whole new level: to where someone actually gives a damn about it."

Cedric agrees: Naveen should get to follow his dream to play competitively.




Tom addresses the couple via satellite, telling Shan how it's gotta be. "I know you think he spends too much time at it, but look at him at the gym, he's got 8 people watching him play. That's not nothing. Naveen, it's playing time, honey, you win."

Naveen celebrates.

The Wongs received a second honeymoon at the Luxury Included® Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island. For more information, please visit sandals.com.

Travel journals coming soon!

Tom Papa

A seasoned stand-up comedian personally chosen by Jerry Seinfeld, read Tom's bio.