“…Resistance to love may take various forms, as couples defy expectations by family members, are deemed too young, or face strained family relationships. In some cases, resistance may provide opportunities for those usually lacking the power to exercise power, however, women also find other opportunities to exercise agency in ways that challenge common assumptions about patriarchy and Islam in this region as well as men's expectations of them (Gallagher, 2012;Mahmood, 2001;Rabo, 2008;Rugh, 1997;Zuntz et al, 2021), for example, through seeking to work. Along similar lines, men may challenge notions that love is not to be spoken about by expressing feelings for a wife (Khuri, 2007).…”