I agree with your editorial, Marriage needs society's support (December 25).
Sadly, divorce rates are increasing these days as relationships are becoming complex and couples choose to dissolve their marriages over being cooperative and compromising.
To make the situation worse, some couples on the verge of divorce are encouraged to do so by family or friends. Also, some people are under the wrong impression that it will be easy for them to move on in life after divorce.
To be able to save a marriage, before anything it is very important that the couple tries to resolve matters on their own rather than allowing intervention of any sort.
If things still do not work, it is the responsibility of their families to reunite them and solve their differences amicably, rather than suggest separation. Consulting a marriage counsellor is likely to help in such cases.
Couples should try every possible way to remain in the union. Although divorce is permissible in Islam, it is not encouraged.
Fatima Suhil, Sharjah
When people in wider society don’t get along, how do you expect couples to get along with each other? Cut the ego and attitude, and build up respect, communication, understanding and love.
Don’t tie the knot in the first place, spending millions of dirhams, just to please society.
Mathew Litty, Dubai
Seeking peace and prosperity
I refer to Colin Randall's article, In 2016, the language of hatred was heard in many countries (December 24).
On Facebook you asked what we would like to see in 2017.
I hope for more economic development in the Arab world specifically the UAE, and peace and love for all Arabs.
J Makhoul, Lebanon
After another 365 days of toiling day and night comes a new year of light, hope and inspiration. This year I have realied that hard work pays off.
I hope in the new year I will continue to be strong and confident, and explore new vistas.
Name withheld by request
I wish for health, wealth, success and world peace.
Junaid Malik, Dubai
Immersion in culture needed
I want to share my thoughts on Haneen Dajani's report, 'We need Emiratis teaching Emirati traditions at universities and colleges', FNC hears (December 22).
Anyone can teach history, and you can teach culture from an observational point of view. But that can’t make people embrace the culture, you have to immerse yourself in the culture for it to be a part of your life .
Name withheld by request
Controls were not observed
Some readers seem to have the wrong understanding about the story Canadian tried to smuggle pet cat into New Zealand (December 22).
It has nothing to to do with the cat being on the flight. It’s all about the pet’s owner lying and trying to take a cat into New Zealand without going through the proper procedures.
Alison Macky, Australia
Cheers for our ice hockey star
My reaction to your Kit Bag blog post about Fatima Al Ali (Female UAE ice hockey player gets surprise from the NHL's Washington Capitals and Etihad, December 21) is: Go, Fatima, go.
As a Canadian, I also love hockey with a passion. To see her skill and dedication is truly inspiring.
Karen Neves, Canada
A bad time to promote US?
I am sure the United States has been a good place for many students from the UAE (US is best for Emiratis looking to study abroad, December 22).
However, it does not seem to be quite so inviting right now due to the incoming president’s recent tirades about banning Muslims from entering the country.
It also appears unfortunate that this article appeared at a time when a UAE family is mourning the death of their son who was a college student in Ohio.
My sympathy goes out to them at this difficult time.
Michael Latham, Abu Dhabi
