literature

Families and literature go hand in hand; fictional families to entertain, reflect and inspire.

Saudi Arabia Sees Surge in Early Divorces: Sociologists Reveal the Hidden Causes
Saudi Arabia, a country where traditional family values are held in high regard, is facing an unexpected and rising social challenge — the increasing rate of early divorces, often just weeks or months after lavish wedding celebrations. Despite promises of love and commitment, many couples in the Kingdom are separating before even completing their first year together. According to the 2025 report issued by the Saudi Ministry of Justice and the General Authority for Statistics, an average of 157 divorce cases are registered daily across the country. That’s roughly one divorce every 9 minutes. More alarmingly, divorces now account for 12.6% of all marriages in Saudi Arabia, a trend that experts say is both socially and psychologically concerning. Al-Baha Tops the Divorce Charts The report further reveals that the Al-Baha region, located in the southwestern part of Saudi Arabia, recorded the highest divorce rate in the country — with 36% of marriages ending in separation. Following closely are Riyadh with 21.7% and Hail with 19.2%. One particularly eye-opening statistic is that 65% of all divorces occurred within the first year of marriage. This finding strongly suggests that many couples lack compatibility from the start, or are unprepared for the realities of married life. Real-Life Cases: Love Turned Cold Take, for instance, the cases of Fahad Al-Otaibi and Reem Al-Qahtani, whose marriages lasted less than six weeks. Both unions ended over misunderstandings, lack of shared responsibilities, and poor communication. In another case, Ahmed Al-Raythi’s honeymoon became a turning point, not for joy, but for separation. His wife expected a luxurious and highly curated lifestyle, while Ahmed desired a simpler, more grounded life. Their differences, which seemed manageable during courtship, became insurmountable after marriage. These are not isolated stories — they reflect a growing number of couples who enter marriage with unrealistic expectations, often shaped by social media, peer pressure, and idealized romantic fantasies. Sociologist Insights: The Root Causes Prominent Saudi sociologist Dr. Ahmed Al-Najjar has weighed in on the alarming trend. He attributes the rise in divorces to a combination of social, economic, and psychological factors: 1. Excessive Wedding Expenses: Lavish weddings often leave couples (or their families) in significant debt. Once the celebrations are over, financial strain takes a toll on the relationship. 2. Immature Decision-Making: Many young couples rush into marriage without understanding the long-term responsibilities that come with it. Dr. Al-Najjar warns that emotional impulsivity is replacing thoughtful compatibility assessments. 3. Superficial Relationships: Pre-marital interactions, often limited or virtual, don’t provide a deep understanding of the partner’s personality, values, or expectations. 4. Over-involvement of Families: In many cases, extended family interference exacerbates even minor disagreements, especially in traditional households where parents may try to control the marriage. 5. Unrealistic Expectations: A marriage is more than just a celebration. It demands emotional intelligence, communication skills, and mutual respect — qualities that Dr. Al-Najjar says are often underdeveloped. > “Marriage is not just an event; it’s a lifetime partnership,” says Dr. Al-Najjar. “Without conscious effort, patience, and maturity, even the grandest wedding won’t survive the realities of everyday life.” Culture Shift: From Romance to Reality While arranged marriages still exist in Saudi Arabia, there has been a growing trend toward love marriages and self-selected partners, particularly in urban centers like Riyadh and Jeddah. However, this shift has not necessarily decreased divorce rates. In fact, romantic relationships formed without deep understanding may inflate emotional expectations, which later clash with the practical demands of cohabitation. Another emerging challenge is the influence of social media culture. Instagram-perfect weddings, filtered photos of couple goals, and viral videos promoting luxury lifestyles have created false ideals. When real life fails to live up to those illusions, disappointment sets in fast. Legal Developments and Women's Rights Interestingly, Saudi Arabia has also made strides in women’s legal empowerment in recent years, including reforms that now allow women to be notified via SMS when they are officially divorced. This transparency has encouraged many women to stand up for their rights, but it has also contributed to a spike in mutual or initiated divorces by women, particularly when the marriage lacks respect or compatibility. The Ministry of Justice reported over 350,000 divorce cases in one year alone, indicating that the issue is national in scale, not just regional. What Can Be Done? Experts suggest several long-term strategies to address this growing crisis: Pre-marital counseling programs to educate couples on marital roles and expectations. Promoting simpler wedding ceremonies to reduce financial pressure. Encouraging family boundaries, ensuring that newlyweds have space to build their own dynamic. Public awareness campaigns on mental and emotional maturity in marriage. Legal initiatives to streamline conflict resolution and post-divorce counseling for both men and women. Final Thoughts The rising divorce rate in Saudi Arabia, particularly among young couples and newlyweds, is a wake-up call for both individuals and society. It highlights the urgent need for a cultural shift in how marriage is viewed — not as a social milestone or display of wealth, but as a meaningful, lifelong commitment. As sociologists, religious leaders, and policymakers debate the root causes, one truth remains clear: a wedding can last one night, but a marriage demands a lifetime of patience, understanding, and effort.
By Ikram Ullahabout a year ago in Families
Echoes of the Wild: The Lion and the Silent One
In the vast, untamed wilds where the sun painted the horizon with gold and fire, the lion ruled with strength and pride. His mane shimmered like the morning sun, and his roar echoed through the valleys, reminding every creature that he was the king of the land. Yet, beneath the roar and the power, there was a loneliness that even the strongest beast could not silence.
By Abbas Hilalabout a year ago in Families
How to Recognize a Toxic Relationship (and Find the Courage to Walk Away)
We all crave connection. We want to feel loved, valued, and understood. But sometimes, the person we trust the most can become the one who hurts us repeatedly. It doesn’t always start that way. In fact, most toxic relationships begin with warmth, affection, and promises of forever. But over time, small red flags turn into patterns—patterns that leave you drained, anxious, and doubting your own reality. If you’ve ever stayed up at night wondering “Is this normal?” or “Maybe it’s my fault?”, know this: you’re not alone. Recognizing toxicity is the first step toward freeing yourself. Here are the most common signs you’re in a toxic relationship—and how to find the courage to leave: --- 1. You Feel Drained More Than You Feel Loved Healthy love energizes you. It feels safe, even during disagreements. But in a toxic relationship, everything is exhausting—simple conversations, making plans, expressing your needs. You might feel: Tired all the time Like you’re walking on eggshells Relieved when they’re not around This isn’t love. It’s emotional depletion. --- 2. They Make You Doubt Yourself A classic sign of toxicity is gaslighting—when someone twists your words or denies things they’ve done to make you question your memory and judgment. Examples: “You’re too sensitive.” “That never happened.” “You’re imagining things.” Over time, you start believing them, and your self-esteem crumbles. --- 3. Your Boundaries Are Constantly Violated In healthy relationships, boundaries are respected. In toxic ones, they’re ignored or mocked. Whether it’s your privacy, your time, or your emotions—your limits don’t matter to them. If you say “I need space,” and they respond with guilt trips or anger, it’s a red flag. --- 4. They Use Love as a Weapon Toxic partners often alternate affection with cruelty. One day, they shower you with attention. The next, they withdraw it to punish you. This cycle keeps you hooked, always hoping for the “good times” to return. This is manipulation, not love. --- 5. You Feel Like You’ve Lost Yourself When you compromise again and again to keep the peace, you slowly disappear. Maybe you’ve given up hobbies, stopped seeing friends, or silenced your opinions to avoid conflict. You deserve to be your full self—not a version edited to please someone else. --- 6. They Never Take Responsibility No relationship is perfect. But in toxic dynamics, one person never admits fault. Every argument is somehow your fault, even when it clearly isn’t. If apologies are rare or insincere, and you’re always the one blamed, you’re not in a partnership—you’re in a power struggle. --- 7. You’re Afraid to Leave Toxic relationships thrive on fear: Fear of being alone Fear of what they’ll say or do if you leave Fear that you’ll never find love again This fear is powerful. But it doesn’t mean you should stay. --- Finding the Courage to Walk Away Leaving isn’t easy. It’s a process of grieving what you hoped the relationship would be and accepting the reality of what it is. Here are steps to help you move forward: ✅ Talk to Someone You Trust Whether it’s a friend, family member, or therapist—sharing your truth lifts the shame. ✅ Make a Plan If you live together or share finances, prepare practical steps: Save important documents Set aside emergency funds Research housing options ✅ Remember: You Deserve Respect Love should never cost you your self-respect or mental health. You are worthy of kindness, stability, and peace. ✅ Cut Contact if You Need To Sometimes the only way to heal is to go no-contact. This doesn’t make you cruel—it means you’re protecting yourself. --- Final Thoughts You didn’t fail because this relationship turned toxic. You’re not broken or unlovable. You’re simply learning what you will—and won’t—accept. One day, you’ll look back and realize walking away was the bravest thing you ever did. And in that space you create, something healthier, calmer, and more real can finally grow.
By Kim Jonabout a year ago in Families
The Teacher in Black
🎓 The Teacher in Black – Part 1 A Widow, A Pioneer, A Legacy Begins By Chrystalleni (Lenia) Mitsidou Kalli. In a small Cypriot village in 1891, a girl was born who would one day become a legend. This is the true story of my grandmother, Chrystalleni, the first woman in our family to break barriers, raise four remarkable sons alone, and leave behind a legacy that shaped generations.
By Lenia M. K.about a year ago in Families
Can't Finish Books?
Can’t Finish Books? You’re Not Alone - There’s Finally a Solution In today’s hyperconnected world, millions of readers struggle to complete the books they start. A recent Pew Research Center report found that 27% of Americans didn’t finish a single book last year, highlighting a widespread crisis of attention in our always-on culture.
By Martin Uabout a year ago in Families
When I Came to My New Home - I Found Myself on the Night of June 22nd Like a Full Moon and a Half Sun
I still remember the moment I turned the key to my new home. It was a strange feeling—excitement and fear woven together like threads in an old tapestry. The house was centuries old, perched on the edge of a quiet forest, with ivy climbing the weathered stone walls and windows that looked out on nothing but shadows. I had bought it in a hurry, desperate for a change after a messy breakup and a job loss. It was supposed to be a fresh start.
By Echoes of Lifeabout a year ago in Families
Benefits of Drinking Enough Water Daily: Stay Healthy and Energized
Water is essential for life. Every cell, tissue, and organ in your body needs water to work properly. However, many people don't drink enough water daily.
By MUHAMMAD Abbasabout a year ago in Families
How to Boost Your Immune System Naturally
Your immune system is your body’s defense against germs, viruses, and infections. A strong immune system helps you stay healthy and fight off sickness. The good news is that you can improve your immunity naturally with simple lifestyle changes.
By MUHAMMAD Abbasabout a year ago in Families
Busy Hands, Silent Heart — A Father's Love You’ll Never Hear About
7:00 AM — Sabya, Saudi Arabia. The sun hasn’t even softened yet, but the heat is already biting through his work clothes. He lifts a cold steel hammer, wearing gloves torn from weeks of labor. His back aches, his stomach growls — but he smiles anyway. Because three little faces live inside his heart.
By Muhammad Aqibabout a year ago in Families
Imperfections
Amberlyn holds the dusty box in her trembling hands. The smell of tattoo ink still lingering on her clothes overpowers her and she finds herself leaning into that smell, hoping it will ground her. She has always been a person of confidence; even when unsure of her next move, she knew that whatever path she chose, there would be no doubt in her decision. But now it feels as though the ground beneath her is unsteady, like being in the center of an earthquake. She rocks back and forth on the heels of her shoes and paces the walls of her New York City apartment, unable to sit still. She stares at those same walls, the gigantic paintings from her favorite artists fill the space, a mural of magnificence. She recites the artists from memory, then the style they used. She fixes her gaze on her favorite and is struck by its beauty as if it’s her first time seeing it. The mirage of colors pop out at her, their elegance calling her name. She tries to envision a world where her art is framed in someone else’s shitty apartment and smiles to herself, because above all else: she craves a space where her passion can live. The box, carefully placed on the coffee table, entices her and she attempts to take a deep breath, but can’t quite remember how. The oxygen her body searches for gets lost in a place of uncertainty. She puts her hand to her heart without thinking, unsure of what to do next. Ever since she was a child, she’s stood on her own two feet, able to solve every obstacle the world threw at her; she did this with pride. She has never needed anyone, but there is one person she’s always wanted—still wants. One person she loves more than anyone. Loved. Her grandmother. As she thinks of her, she can feel her entire body ache at the absence of her. She feels she’s being pulled toward where her grandmother should be. Like gravity. Nothing in her being has accepted or even understood the loss. There’s always a moment before she wakes when she forgets she has to live in a world without the person who kept her whole. Like her brain cannot comprehend that she no longer adds to the space of Amerlyn’s world. She still goes to call her when she’s created something new, or a client leaves a good tip. At random moments, the paralyzing agony of that loss punches her in the chest, and she feels as though her heart’s exploding from the emptiness. In those moments, she reaches for her grandmother to hold her up, like she always did, and has to endure losing her all over again. She squeezes her eyes shut so tightly that she sees colors. Her grandmother loved colors, so much so that she could never choose a favorite. When she found the box containing her grandmother’s old letters, she was unsure if she would be able to read the words she’d written, knowing that those words were all that was left of her. But she can barely breathe, she misses her so much, and she needs to hear her if only the echo of her.
By sashaabout a year ago in Families
🕵️‍♂️ "The Room Across the Hall"
The apartment was small, but it had clean floors, cheap rent, and enough space for Ava and her books. After everything that happened in the city—the panic attacks, the stalker, the job loss—it felt like a reset. The town of Westridge was nothing special, but it was quiet. Exactly what she needed.
By Pir Ashfaq Ahmadabout a year ago in Families
The Letter I Never Meant to Send"
The Letter I Never Meant to Send A forgotten love letter, a rekindled spark—and a second chance she never saw coming.* I never expected to see him again.
By Samar Omarabout a year ago in Families