< PreviousGET YOUR TOXIC POSITIVITY AWAY FROM ME From saccharine quotes about happiness on Instagram (#GoodVibesOnly, anyone?), to over-bearing friends or colleagues who are well-meaning but express platitudes like “Just look on the bright side” or “Everything happens for a reason”, toxic positivity is my biggest current gripe. I would like to think of myself as a fairly positive person; it takes me a lot for me to lose my temper, I’m always ready to offer empathy to those in need, and if there’s a work-related issue I am nothing if not solution-driven – but I am also a realist. But I’m nding it increasingly dif cult to hold conversations with people who try and put a positive spin on quite literally everything. When someone tries to smother my pain or distain with upbeat statements, it’s not supportive. It’s toxic. A by-product of the Feel-Good movement, a sugar-coated form of false reassurance, toxic positivity is very real - and very annoying. I can’t bear anymore conversations with those who put their focus on positive emotions, to the exclusion of all else. The people who do their utmost to paint every event with joy. Some events, however, are simply not joyful. They are upsetting, annoying, or emotionally draining – and that’s ok. The term was popularised by Whitney Goodman, a psychotherapist and author of Toxic Positivity: Keeping It Real in a World Obsessed With Being Happy. “The core of toxic positivity is that it’s dismissive and it shuts down the conversation,” she writes. And she’s not wrong. The act of brushing off a person’s negative emotions – well, in my case, anyway – result in me giving a watered-down version of myself that people nd perhaps more…palatable? “Sitting with uncomfortable emotions takes vulnerability and courage,” says Michelle Estekantchi, a CDA Licensed Psychologist at Thrive Wellbeing Centre in Dubai. “Many people have been taught from a young age to not feel or display certain types of emotions, and if this happens from childhood, it can be v ery dif cult in adulthood to recognise negative emotions and know what to do with them.” We live in a world that’s burning (global warming is here, ppl), and full of economic uncertainties, hiring freezes, layoffs and more – so, I get it, the urge to cling to optimism is an understandable one. Sometimes people really are just looking for reassurance and good energy. But by refusing to allow others to experience or express feelings of sadness, frustration, jealously and fear, you actively invalidate them. Often when people tell you how they feel, all they need is a bit of emotional realism and just to be listened to. Toxic positivity can be alluring because it gives you an easy way out. And, for many, optimism is a natural state of mind. But you know what? Sometimes, feeling really sh*t isn’t that deep at all. In fact, sometimes it actually just feels great to just be miserable. Milli Midwood Editor-in-Chief 8 Ed’s Letter COS_118_008_Editors_letter_13357850.indd 827/09/2024 20:21MEET THE TREE GLIDER BY NATURE EFFORTLESS SHOP NOW IN DUBAI MALL ALLBIRDS.AE@ALLBIRDSAEULTIMATE GAMING PLAYLIST Beats to emower your next gaming sesh WO R D S B Y S A R A - A I S H A K E N T Madiha Naz’s PLA Y 10 COS_118_010to011_PLAY_GamingPlaylist V4_13387967.indd 1027/09/2024 13:211111 L et’s be real, it’s the dream to turn a hobby into a career and one girl who has managed to do this is Madiha Naz. The gamer, who goes by Madi, has turned her passion for gaming into a full time career as a professional esports player and the captain of the rst ever all-female Middle Eastern esports team. Plus, she’s repped MENA in international women’s tournaments. Exclusively for us, the Dubai-based E-girl has curated the *ultimate* gaming playlist to power you up for those screen sessions. Madi has selected ten ~elite~ tracks that boost her up to give her all when she has a controler in her hand. The playlist has a selection of songs from pop princess endorphin-risers to chill tunes for when you need to be totally focused on getting to the top of the leader board. Get ready to press play. Ariana Grande – That Boy is Mine This song is mood booster on repeat. Her tracks are so infectious that I could listen to them all day, every day. Imagine if Ariana was a gamer – I’d de nitely want her on my squad. Her music is the ultimate power-up for any girl gamer’s playlist, bringing all the good vibes and con dence to fuel your gaming adventures. Lana Del Rey – Video Games Obvs, this song had to be on the list. Lana’s lyrics are like poetry and the vibe is super relaxing. It’s perfect for those moments when you need to wind down or just soak in the game’s atmosphere. Lana’s music brings that cool, calm energy that every girl gamer can vibe with. Lithe – Fall Back This is my late-night gaming anthem. It’s got that intense, no-nonsense beat that helps me stay focused and get into try hard mode. When I’m grinding through matches and don’t want to be disturbed, this track is my perfect companion. It’s all about locking in, staying sharp, and owning that victory screen. SZA – Saturn SZA’s Saturn is my personal chill button. Her voice is the de nition of calm and her lyrics are super relatable. Whenever my teammates get a bit too sus or things get a bit too heated, this track helps me stay zen. It’s like having a calming presence in your headphones, keeping me cool and collected. Makar – Mood This bop is a total throwback to my Bahrain days competing in the Girl Gamer tourney. It’s the song that brings all the feels from meeting new teammates for the rst time. The vibe was set with this track, making every moment unforgettable. The ultimate nostalgia trip, turning every gaming session into a blast of good memories. PocketKey – Fortune Teller PocketKey’s Fortune Teller is my go-to jam for when I’m feeling those serious gaming vibes. The beat is so intense, it’s like having a personal hype squad cheering you on. When I’m grinding to rank up, this track on repeat is all I need to stay pumped and push through those team ghts. Nancy Ajram – Bdna Nwalee el Jaw I’m all about that Arabic music vibe and this song is my ultimate jam. I was grooving to this track in Egypt when I celebrated making the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. This song isn’t just a feel-good anthem; it’s a reminder of those amazing moments. The perfect blend of fun and air, making every gaming session feel like a special occasion. Selena Gomez – I Can’t Get Enough This Selena song is straight-up re. It’s the perfect hype song to start any gaming sesh. The beats are so lit, it gets you in the zone and ready to slay. I always hit play on this track to get the energy up and make sure the vibes are on point from the get-go. Legends Never Die (ft. Against The Current) – Worlds 2017 A classic for any League of Legends fan. This anthem from Worlds 2017 captures all the hype and drama of competitive gaming. It’s guaranteed to get you pumped and reliving those epic tournament moments. Espresso – Sabrina Carpenter Espresso is my power-up track. It’s got that perfect mix of upbeat energy and fun that makes it impossible not to get into game mode. It’s like a shot of espresso for your gaming spirit – fuelling those epic plays and making every game a bit more exciting. IMA GE S : SUPPLIED Play COS_118_010to011_PLAY_GamingPlaylist V4_13387967.indd 1127/09/2024 20:2212 Play 12 My Life with the Walter Boys By Ali Novak After a tragic loss, Jackie Howard ditches her Manhattan life for rural Colorado with her guardian’s huge family. Amidst all the chaos of settling in, she nds herself entangled in a love triangle between two brothers. Available on Net ix MENA The Summer I Turned Pretty By Jenny Han Isabel ‘Belly’ Conklin spends her summers at Cousins Beach with her family and longtime besties, Conrad and Jeremiah. But this summer is different – Belly’s turning 16, and suddenly she’s caught between her childhood friends in a whirlwind of emotions. Available on Amazon Prime Video Daisy Jones and the Six By Taylor Jenkins-Reid This is your backstage pass to 1970s rock ‘n’ roll glory. Follow this ctional band’s journey from LA’s music scene to global stardom, where passion, fame, and the mysteries of their epic breakup unfold. Available on Amazon Prime Video Our prayers have been answered - the cinematic universe has officially embraced BookTok. More of our favourite stories are being picked up for TV and film adaptations than ever before. Beloved characters are coming to life, plot lines are being reimagined, and we’re all forming unapologetic obsessions over teenage love triangles (IYKYK). Consider this your ultimate book-to-screen guide. W O R D S B Y M E G A N T O M O S A N D E M A N A M I R I Big Little Lies By Liane Moriarty Dive into the scandalous world of glamourous women at an upscale elementary school in sunny California. Everything seems picture-perfect until a single mum shakes things up and secrets begin to spill. Available on OSN+ House of the Dragon By George R. R. Martin Time-traveling back 200 years to when Targaryens ruled with dragons and drama. Picture epic battles, juicy royal drama, and some serious girl power in this Game of Thrones spin-off. Available on OSN+ A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder By Holly Jackson Pip Fitz-Amobi dives into the twisted mystery of her classmate’s death for her senior project, convinced there’s more to the case than meets the eye. But just as Pip’s playing detective, she suddenly nds herself to be the one in the hot seat. Available on Net ix MENA IT’S THE ERA OF BOOK-TO-SCREEN ADAPTATIONS WHAT WE’RE ALREADY BINGING COS_118_012to013_PLAY_WhatToWatch_13357856.indd 1227/09/2024 20:421313 Mickey7 By Edward Ashton Sci- lovers, this is one to keep on your radar. South Korean director Bong Joon-ho, known for Parasite, is helming the lm adaptation of the popular story about human expedition to colonize the ice world Ni heim. Oh, and it stars Robert Pattinson stars as the lead. Say less. Releasing in theatres January 2025 It Ends With Us By Colleen Hoover Having made its way to the big screen in late August, get ready to play it again (and again, and again) at your disposal on a streaming site near you. The beloved story of love, abuse and second chances became an overnight bestseller in 2016. With Hollywood starlite Blake Lively helming the role of Lily Bloom in a movie adaptation, It Ends With Us has earned its place as one of the top rom-coms of the year. Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy By Helen Fielding The news that broke the internet: Bridget Jones is BACK. Hitting our screens once more for a fourth movie, gear up for more angst and drama with an older (albeit probably not wiser) Bridget. Renée Zellweger, Emma Thompson, and Hugh Grant will reprise their roles, with One Day heartthrob Leo Woodall also joining the all-star cast. Releasing in theatres February 2025 The Outrun By Amy Liptrot A memoir-turned-movie, the story of Amy Liptrot details her return to Scotland after ten tough years living in London. Starring Saoirse Ronan, expect a super emotional account of a story of addiction, rehabilitation and power. Releasing in theatres September 2024 One Day By David Nicholls Emma and Dexter start a lifelong friendship despite being from totally different worlds. For the next 20 years, they reunite every July 15th, sharing dreams, laughs, and tears. Spoiler alert: be prepared to grab the tissues. Available on Net ix MENA Bridgerton by Julia Quinn Immerse yourself in some regal drama, swoon-worthy love stories and high-society gossip. With plenty of the other Bridgerton siblings’ novels yet to be adapted, now is a great time to get up to speed with the show so far. Available on Net ix MENA Rule: A Marked Men Novel By Jay Crownover A YA romance staring Outer Banks’ Chase Stokes? Yes pls. Fans of the After series will love this adaption of the classic good girl-bad boy trope. Directed by The Notebook’s Nick Cassavetes, this movie is a guaranteed swoon-fest. Releasing in theatres September 2024 Play ALL THE EXCITING ADAPTATIONS YOU CAN’T MISS IMA GE S : SUPPLIED COS_118_012to013_PLAY_WhatToWatch_13357856.indd 1327/09/2024 15:0714 She is rewriting the rules of success —all while keeping it 100% authentic WO R D S B Y S A R A - A I S H A K E N T S T Y L I N G : C H A R L O T T E M A R S H W I L L I A M S H A I R ST Y L I S T: S E BA STI A N I S K A N D E R MAKE UP AR T I S T: S H AR B E L HA S B ANY S E NI O R P R O D U C ER : S T EF F H AW K ER VI D E O C R E AT I VE D I R E C T IO N : RO UHANA E L HA G E ST Y L I N G A S S I STA N T: M A A N O S H R I G A N G U LY L I GH T I N G A S SIS TA N T: YA SIR A L I SH A H THE HADIA GHALEB IS MODERN ARAB GIRLIE Play COS_118_014to019_Hadia Ghaleb_13394120.indd 1427/09/2024 17:4915 Play OPPOSITE PAGE: Top and Shorts: Guest In Residence Sweater: &Daughter THIS PAGE: Sunglasses: Hadia Ghaleb COS_118_014to019_Hadia Ghaleb_13394120.indd 1527/09/2024 17:4916 Play COS_118_014to019_Hadia Ghaleb_13394120.indd 1627/09/2024 17:5017 Play OPPOSITE PAGE: Jacket and Skirt: Zimmermann Top: Missoni THIS PAGE: Dress: Jacquemus Sunglasses: Hadia Ghaleb In the Arab world, where old traditions mix with modern vibes, Hadia Ghaleb is emerging as a force to be reckoned with. From a successful businesswoman to an in uencer and now a reality TV star, Hadia’s journey is one of resilience, ambition, and authenticity. As she steps into the limelight with her new reality show, El Ghaleb Ghaleb, she’s not just sharing her life—she’s rede ning what it means to be a modern Arab woman in the public eye. Hadia’s decision to move into reality TV wasn’t a spur-of-the- moment choice. In fact, it’s been six years in the making. “I’ve always felt like I had a story to tell, experiences to share beyond the small screen of social media,” she explains. “I wanted to show the real things happening in my life, not just the ten-second snippets on my Instagram stories.” What’s even more unexpected is that Hadia pitched the idea herself. “Six years ago, I had the concept, but Yango Play wasn’t around then. I pitched it to numerous platforms, but it didn’t work out at rst.” However, Hadia’s determination never faltered. “Last summer, people started asking for a reality show with me and my mum. So, I took screenshots of their comments—20 posts, each with hundreds of shares—and posted on my story, asking production companies to get in touch. That’s when Highways, the production company, reached out and pitched it to Yango Play.” Hadia’s journey is all about her grit and determination. “Nothing has ever been handed to me. Every step in my career, I’ve had to ght for it—from fashion weeks to the Cannes Film Festival. Even my business and agency, I built it all from scratch. I’ve always had to go into the lion’s den to get what I want.” A major theme of El Ghaleb Ghaleb is Hadia’s relationship with her family. Her parents, especially her father, were initially skeptical. “My dad didn’t believe it was going to happen until the contract came through. He kept asking, ‘How did you do that?’ Though her family doesn’t typically live in the public eye—her mother has a private social media account, and her father isn’t on social media at all—they ultimately decided to support her. “They knew it was a step in the right direction for me, for people to see the real us, the real challenges,” Hadia says. “So, they were all in.” When asked if lming changed their behaviour, Hadia admits that the anxiety was real the night before the cameras rolled. But once they began, the cameras faded into the background. “On the rst day, we were lming in the of ce, and I received samples from my brand. There was a major mistake, and I just went off. It was so natural—we forgot the cameras were even there.” While El Ghaleb Ghaleb is a new chapter for Hadia, it comes with its challenges, especially in terms of her relationships. “Fame is a double-edged sword,” she re ects. “It’s great, but it also isolates you. The people who truly stand by you are your family, and for me, that’s what this show will highlight.” COS_118_014to019_Hadia Ghaleb_13394120.indd 1727/09/2024 17:50Next >