Love Is Blind: Habibi

To be honest, this is not the best Love Is Blind Edition I've seen. I watched until the end because of the brand.

I can understand that cultures are different, but it still gives a very bad representation of what a woman is and should be. Between jealousy, egocentrism, support between men, some hatred between women, no real conversation or confrontation of ideas. The combination was not great.

Also, the modesty demonstrated by the couples is respectable, however it prevents the viewer from becoming attached to them and believing in their relationship. This is still understandable from a cultural perspective.

I still salute the very classy and extremely smart dancer as well as the fact that this edition brought a different tone and allowed us to know other traditions.

This show is crazy. The men fly off the handle at the slightest sign of "disrespect" from "their" woman. Very controlling.

Most of the women are very conceited and self absorbed. The one called Noor is the worst. With her enhanced lips and crappy attitude it makes the show almost unwatchable. She touches her hair every damn second and I just can't with her.

I do like that they all stay in their own rooms and there is very little alcohol. That part is kind of refreshing. I'm only a few episodes in and will probably keep watching it only because it is like a train wreck and I just can't look away.

I really want this show canceled and discontinued because it's traumatizing and offensive to watch women being manipulated and controlled. There is continuous disrespect towards the women. I cried for most of the show and it will continue to haunt me for awhile. The producers should be held accountable for choosing bad characters who are not there for a loving healthy and supportive marriage. Why would they not choose more good natured people for this show. It's unusual. I've never seen a reality show so dysfunctional. This is a show about love and marriage. Manipulation, control and emotional abusive is the opposite of love.

Many of the reviews for Love is Blind: Habibi begin with commenters claiming to understand the culture, only to then give it a low rating due to how they perceive the men's behavior or how they feel the women are being treated. While it's easy to apply a Western lens, it's essential to truly grasp the Middle Eastern cultural context before making such judgments.

Yes, the women in this series are strong, independent, and capable-there is no doubt about that. But understanding their strength within the framework of Middle Eastern culture is key. In these cultures, women often seek partners who deeply respect their faith, their families, and the traditions they uphold. It's a misconception to think that their independence is somehow diminished because they value a partner who respects the same beliefs. For example, respecting parental input in their romantic choices isn't about submission-it's about honoring family, a central pillar of many Middle Eastern households.

What many reviewers overlook is the importance of cultural norms embedded in the show, like placing God and family at the heart of decision-making. Unlike other Love is Blind versions where it's primarily about the individuals, Love is Blind: Habibi beautifully demonstrates how love is shaped by family blessings and faith. In many Western versions of the show, families meet the partners but don't hold much influence over the final decision. Here, we see how vital it is to secure not only personal compatibility but also the approval and blessings of loved ones-something deeply valued in Middle Eastern and Muslim cultures.

I personally found the series to be an excellent window into Middle Eastern and Muslim life, especially for viewers unfamiliar with the nuances of these traditions. Yes, some of the men have strong, culturally-rooted views that may not align with Western ideals. And yes, the women-who are fiercely independent-are looking for a partner who understands and respects their culture, values, and beliefs.

However, I give it a 9 out of 10 due to the language barrier issue throughout the series. Several different languages were spoken, including French, which caused confusion among some of the couples who didn't fully understand one another. I wish there had been stricter rules requiring participants to speak their native languages and English to avoid these misunderstandings.

That aside, Love is Blind means different things in different parts of the world. It's not just about individuals, but also about families, faith, and the values that hold them together. That's what makes Love is Blind: Habibi stand out. If you approach it with an open mind, you'll find a rich cultural experience that speaks volumes about love, family, and faith in the Middle Eastern world.

The bad reviews comes mostly from the ignorance of the culture. Traditionnal values seem to be the key word here. Specially for the men. The women too but they have obviously embraced the some of the modern life style with a suprising element for me: Seeing how the strong and independent women in the western world are, being more and more masculine, I thought that this was the main reason that made them so unacttractive (understand not wife material). Here, most of these women are strong and independent but are still very, charming, feminine and thus very attractive even if physically most of them were arevage or slighty below. The men are traditionnal, demanding and strict, I guess that's in their culture and it seems to be the norm. I really appreciated watching the interaction between the men and the women: they were honest, very affermative in the boundaries they set. No surprises, better communication, less deceptive tactics, less hidden intentions than in the previous seasons. Concerning the women some of them have fallen in the trap of feminism. There is a very high probability that Hajar, Asma, Safa, Karma and Nour will have to drop their delusionnal views and face reality. They "hit the wall" already and their best fertile years are behind them. Same for their attractiveness. The older you get, your chances of finding your significant half gets harder. I could be wrong but the stats are not in their favor. As for Dounia, she has a good chance of having a great life. I gave the show an eight because I enjoyed the cultural discovery.