BISHA, 6 November 2007 — According to some tribal traditions, a groom cannot see his bride even after the marriage contract is signed. The custom allegedly protects the woman’s dignity. He is only allowed to see her on their wedding day at the marriage hall. Our story today highlights a fundamental flaw with this tradition and the disturbing trend of men who are impressed by looks rather than character and personality. A bride here was divorced on her wedding night because apparently her looks didn’t suit the groom’s family, the Al-Riyadh daily reported yesterday. As the guests started arriving, the bride came out to surprise the groom’s family. The groom’s family was shocked at her appearance and immediately told him that she was ugly and pleaded with him to not go ahead with the ceremony. The groom was easily persuaded and without even seeing her, divorced his ugly bride. What a way to shatter a girl’s self-esteem!