Im an American married to a wonderful Arabic man....He is wonderful to me but he never takes me around his fam

Question

We've been married for 4 years and I couldnt ask for a better husband, provider, father to my 3 children (from a previous marriage) Infact he is more of a father (spending time and providing emotional and financial support) to my kids than their real father is. I am blessed on many many levels in this marriage. The only problem is he doesnt bring me around his family or friends. He was born and raised in Lebanon as was all of his family and friends. Is it possible that they dont like me because I'm American and or because I've been married before and had children already?

Answer 1

Arabic communities are quite ancient in the meaning that they are hading back 5000 years and they are conservative. So it’s a hard time for some families to accept “an outsider” to their family maybe his family is even more conservative so it takes years for the family to accept. And even if all the family does accept they will not make any move until the elder (father) says so, as the respect thing is vital. Women with children from the previous marriage is not a prob at all as long as they respect the family and don’t interfere in internal affairs of the family.

Answer 2

I have two Lebanese children by two different men. I am not Lebanese but, from experience it might have nothing to do with your children. It is his family and friends. I am surprised that you even got to marry. Was his family at the wedding. A lot of Lebanese men don't want their women around other men. I hope this isn't too much of a hardship on you because as far as I can tell things don't change with these men.

Answer 3

I think the reason is the culture itself. Arab families are conservative by nature. They like for any new comer into a family to show respect for their traditions and perhaps sometimes comply by those traditions. I am sure that if you can start to do that, you will be so easily taken in.

Answer 4

I hate to be negative but I went through a similar situation and it wasn't easy. its true that arab families are conservative and it could take a while for them to accept you(considering you get to meet them). it took me five years to feel like i was really being welcomed in the house. I think things have changed these days but some families are still like this.

Answer 5

dont worry about that the truth will come out eventually on how they feel but just be happy for now - if it is the case that they disapprove of you then be happy you dont have to be around them and them putting on a fake face. Maybe they are very traditional ...who knows but all that matters is that your husband loves and supports your feelings and doesnt put you aside to please them. For a culture that embraces family as much as they do be happy he puts you first.

Answer 6

HI,,, being honest,, i would not worry about it,, things are different when they go home sometimes,,,, and it has been my experience that the Arab men are kind of tight lipped sometimes dealing with family matters....If he wanted you to know,, he would tell you.....
I work in Saudia and have learned so much from all the people that I work with ,,,,

Good luck

Answer 7

He loves you so much that he doesn't want you to be
be-headed like what would Muslims do to George Bush!
You're lucky lady !

Answer 8

Its all possible.Also he might not have told them.
Why worry about it? If you love each other and he is as great as you say.Let it go.

Answer 9

if u love ur husband, why worrying about his family?

Answer 10

both!! different cultures , different beliefs