r/WomenInUAE

Hey! I’m a mom, millennial manager and business owner, and I’ve experienced burnout for years. I’m wondering if burnout culture started with us as millennials, the older generation don’t seem to understand it or relate to it. Are we the first generation to be impacted by this? And why? Curious to hear your thoughts on this.

I’m posting this because I genuinely don’t know what to do anymore, and I would really appreciate advice from women who may have experienced something similar.

I’ve been with my boyfriend for more than two years. We met through online dating, and over time I became extremely attached to him. I think part of that attachment comes from the fact that he has taken care of me in many ways. He has taken me to places around Dubai that I always wanted to experience, shared experiences with me, and made me feel like I had someone beside me while being far away from home.

But our relationship has also been very difficult.

He has cheated on me several times. I found out about some of it, forgave him, and stayed. There may even be things I still don't know about, and honestly, that thought alone eats at me.

I also eventually learned that he has certain sexual kinks and that he feels he needs some level of physical freedom. I don't want to go into the details. He tells me that emotionally he is attached to me and that he loves me, but that physical freedom is something he needs.

We've had countless fights about this. Eventually, things became calmer, and lately I genuinely feel like he may be changing. We don't fight as much, and there are times when I feel happy and loved with him.

But I don't think my mind has recovered from everything that happened.

I have become extremely anxious and insecure. Sometimes I need reassurance again and again. I worry that something is happening behind my back. I question whether he's telling me the truth. I notice small things and overthink them. And then I hate myself for becoming this person because I wasn't always like this.

I know that constantly asking for reassurance is exhausting for him. He has told me that he doesn't like having to reassure me over and over again, and I understand that. But at the same time, I don't know how to simply switch off the fear when the reason I have these trust issues is because he actually broke my trust before.

Sometimes I even think about catfishing him or somehow testing him to see if he would cheat again. I know that probably isn't healthy, and I don't know if it's the right thing to do. I don't have many friends here that I can talk to about this, so I feel very alone with all of these thoughts.

The worst part is that I love him. I love him a lot.

I don't necessarily want someone else. I don't want to start over. I don't want to throw away two years of my life. I want to believe that he is changing. I want to trust him. I want to feel like I am enough for him and that I can build a life with him here.

I'm far from home, and I think that makes this even harder. He has become such a huge part of my life here that the idea of losing him genuinely scares me.

But I also don't want to spend the rest of my life wondering whether I'm being lied to.

I don't want to monitor him. I don't want to catfish him. I don't want to constantly need proof that he loves me. I just want to feel secure in my relationship and know that the person I'm building my future with is being honest with me.

Sometimes I wonder if I'm being too anxious and ruining something that could actually be good now. Other times I wonder if my anxiety is simply my mind remembering everything that has happened and warning me not to get hurt again.

I feel completely lost between loving him and protecting myself.

For the women here, especially those who have stayed after cheating or been in a relationship where trust was broken:

How did you know whether your partner had genuinely changed? How did you learn to trust again without becoming controlling or constantly suspicious? And is it possible to have a healthy relationship with someone who says they need physical freedom when you personally want exclusivity?

I was away for three months, and a very kind gentleman who works in my building regularly kept an eye on my apartment while I was gone. He is Indian, middle-aged, and I had offered to pay him for his help beforehand, but he categorically refused.

Naturally, I would still like to thank him properly. Gratitude must occasionally be enforced against resistance 😉

I’m coming back from Europe and was thinking of bringing him some beautiful local tea and nice European sweets. I was also considering putting some cash in an envelope.

Is that a good idea? What would you give him? And if anyone here is familiar with Indian gift-giving etiquette: would cash in addition to a small gift be appropriate, or would that feel awkward?

Hi i have started a new clothing business
I am looking for a model in Dubai tomorrow or day after tomorrow
For shoot
I have western clothes but i am looking for an eastern model or girl
I will pay aswell
So lemme know if anyone is interested!

I had a spine surgery back in 2019, I’m having 4 screws on my spine… and my surgeon advised not to lift heavy.., he told me always listen to ur body if u feel like it’s gives pain just stop it.. earlier he told me not to lift more than 10kgs max… but now I recently started my workouts and also planning to have kids.. I’m a female in mid thirties and I always wanted to slowly lift weights and more fit… anyone else has similar experiences who had a surgery? I need some advises!

I have recently started my online buisness of women’s pajama sets and night wears . But I don’t have any community to share so i dont get many orders . Its been hard for me . Is there any platforms where i can share my business to get many orders . Any advices please ?

And which brands do you recommend? My bill comes out to 100 aed per month.

Hello, 25/F hijabi in bur dubai. It’s already half a year since i moved to dubai, i’m an independent student plus a home maker navigating life thru this newness and lonely times, trynna find myself while simulatneously doing what is also expected of me. I love pets so i have one and i interact with my apartment kids but what im truly looking for at this point of my life is friends.. or just one girlie pop that i can be myself with. Someone that i can share, hang out, hold convos without feeling forced, who doesnt judge, who understands you knoww! Aprt from academics, i love arts of all forms..I write my heart out, read thrillers, do watercolors, sketches, cook for the ones i love, makeup, watching movies, photographs, editing and i was taking bookings for henna back in hometown.. little things make me happy like when my coffee ratios are right, studying in a cafe, sunsets and scenics, road trips with no destination, going out in the eveng, nothing makes my day than an accidental good food find, love watching interviews, podcast, journalling, reciting quran and knowing that i can always rely on my lord when things get lonely.I have a lot of hobbies but still i dont do a routine.. some day i end up not doing any of them.. some days i just wanna be in a company, whenever i watch ppl my age thriving in friendship I cant help the void and hurt of missing out.. im also dealing with this sudden existential crisis, racing thoughts of being an adult very soon, the age is sounding serious and societal expectations being thrown at me, so it’s hard too sometimes.. i can’t caption my whole thoughts in this one sub but i do want to with a good friend.. i LOVE listening to ppl when they talk abt themselves, their lives, their thoughts and minds, their complexities and relashionships.. nothing excites me like a human’s mind and All my life i have been only a listener expecting that someone would in return be interested to ask about me too.. i would kill for friendships that doesnt revolve around surface level or for the sake of it or that centers around boys or that expects only a one sided effort from me( cuz been there tons of time ). I want the other person to know that they are being truly HEARD and SEEN just like i would want for myself.
I consider myself more of an introvert when it comes to socialising outdoors but my inner world is Vast and full of love🩷
i wish to find like minded ppl here to connect..

I wanted to share something that I think could add real value to your business.

We’ve recently introduced an AI-powered video analytics platform that goes far beyond traditional CCTV. It can automatically monitor SOP compliance, detect safety and hygiene violations, count customers, analyze footfall, monitor queues and occupancy, generate heatmaps, detect suspicious activities, automate remote inspections, and provide powerful business insights through real-time dashboards.

It’s ideal for businesses looking to improve operations, reduce losses, enhance customer experience, and make data-driven decisions instead of relying only on recorded footage.

Ideal for restaurants, retail chains, jewellery chain, luxury brands,etc

If you’re interested, I’d be happy to arrange a quick 15-minute demo and show you how it can benefit businesses.

I cycle from jumeirah to business bay and I notice when I have somone with me I can cycle for longer trips. Dm if you also need walking / cycling / workout buddy 👌🏻

Hi guys,

I’m 22 Persian and recently moved from Australia to Dubai.

I’m looking for some friends who share a passion for nature, reading, the arts, matcha, movies, cafes etc. 🩷

(F22) I’ve been living in dubai for almost 4 years due to my academics but I never found a friend as modest & someone who loves beach picnics or cafes . It’s hard to find a trustworthy friend here in this city . If anyone want to make a new friend & hangout let me
Know 🥰