I have been with my boyfriend for about 2 and a half years. His family is all in Lebanon, and this summer he wants me to go and meet them. This is really quite frightening to me because they all speak French and Arabic, which I don't. I have also never traveled across an ocean or anything before. My boyfriend keeps saying he is going to be the translator, but I don't see how I can really bond or get to know them with this huge language barrier. He is also the only son, and although my boyfriend says his family are so excited to meet me, I feel there must be some sort of resentment towards me for taking their son away. I feel I know about Lebanese culture, but I'm sure actually being there in person will be totally different from everything my boyfriend has told me.
Any words of wisdom or anything relevant would be greatly appreciated!
2007-02-01 05:03:05 · 17 answers · asked by Hola Everybody! 2 in Travel ➔ Africa & Middle East ➔ Lebanon
The Lebanese are open minded so I am sure you will be fine.
Good Luck too!
2007-02-01 18:54:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well let me begin by asking you a question. Do you speak English? Okay that was a joke... apparently you do.
You're making a big deal out of it. I'm not telling you that its going to be very easy, but again, it's not as hard as you imagine.
The things which will bother you will not be the things you have on your mind. You might be for example annoyed to feel that you don't have enough privacy, and that everybody is getting in your business. Things like that might annoy. You might find it nice in the beginning to see that everyone is paying you every attention, but on the long run it becomes irritating.
As you will learn, everybody gets into everybody's business here. They just can't help it LOL.
As a last word, I think they will love you, so you don't have to worry much and just be yourself.
Thank You
2007-02-01 08:59:15 · answer #2 · answered by Smutty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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RE:
Meeting my boyfriend's parents in Lebanon!?
I have been with my boyfriend for about 2 and a half years. His family is all in Lebanon, and this summer he wants me to go and meet them. This is really quite frightening to me because they all speak French and Arabic, which I don't. I have also never traveled across an ocean or anything...
2015-08-23 07:51:03 · answer #3 · answered by Siouxie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your situation is not as uncommon as you think, the war caused many people to migrate looking for a more stable future and leaving a family behind.
I am surrounded by Lebanese who have married, Australians, americans, french, italian....
Depending on your boyfriend's religion some of us have traditions a little different to the western world, so make sure you are well briefed as not to do anything that might offend them.
Also, since it will be hard to communicate with them, if you tried to learn a few basic arabic words, they will appreciate the effort, and it will amuse them, which will help break the ice between you.
Otherwise, prepare yourself to be surprised: lebanon is nothing like they portray in the media.
Socially, you will be amazed by the energy and friendliness of people there. touristically, it's a beautiful melting pot of modern and ancient. Enjoy!!
2007-02-01 07:36:53 · answer #4 · answered by webby 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure your boyfriend's parents are good people and they will be thrilled to meet you. Usually Lebanese are very nice to their visitors. Anyway, you have a point about Lebanese parents and their idea for a bride for their "only son" but if it makes you feel any better, they feel like that about any of their son's gf even if she was Lebanese or whatever.
Just be yourself and you'll be fine.
2007-02-01 15:50:17 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't be afraid. Lebanese people are very friendly. You will feel just like family.
Plus, you rarely see a Lebanese person that does not speak three languages (Arabic, French and English) therefore I dont think language is a problem.
So be confident because I am sure things will go just fine
2007-02-01 06:39:17 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I once visited my friend in Egypt and I could hardly speak to her parents because they spoke only Arabic and only very little English, but it was not a problem and everyone was very nice to me. Don't be afraid, if your boyfriend is with you and he loves you and he told you that his family doesn't have resentments against you, then there shouldn't be any problem, don't be afraid.
2007-02-03 03:51:09 · answer #7 · answered by Elly 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I traveled to Mexico on a mission's trip with my church and there was a huge language barrier because I didn't know spanish. We had a translater with us though and it was really fun. They treated us just like family even though we couldn't speak their language. I'm sure your boyfriend's family with be the same way. Trust him!!
2007-02-01 05:12:35 · answer #8 · answered by livingforGod24/7 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey dear...don't be scared ! I went in Jan last year for my first visit to meet my Mother's family......Lebanese people are renowned for their hospitality. Many speak Arabic ,French & English...language is no problem. I will be returning this Summer as well....if you get stuck for a translator let me know !!
2007-02-04 22:54:22 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am going to give you a little piece of advice I hope you take with you to Lebanon. I hope you remember it, because it is all you will need to know.
To us Lebanese people, language is the least of our worries. If you want to impress a Lebanese guy's family, you honestly just have to act comfortably around his family. I'm not kidding you, about 99.999% of Lebanese parents hate it when their son dates a girl who is shy around them, and they really don't like it when she doesn't know how to have a good time.
Ask your Boyfriend to teach you how to do "Dabkeh", its a very popular Lebanese dance, and we do it at every party/gathering. His family will most likely do it when you are there. If you know the basic steps, and his parents can see that, they will love you. Honestly.
Eat their food, tell them you love it. Lebanese mom's love it when they are complemented on their food. Tell his mom how pretty she is, she will like that. Make sure she knows you like her, because if the Lebanese mom does not like the girl, it can be trouble. As long as she knows you like her, she will like you to.
Lebanese parents do not care if their son is dating a white, black, Asian, or Lebanese girl, just as long as she is a nice, fun girl, who really appreciates their son and his parents.
You want to make them laugh? I my Lebanese friend taught his spanish girlfriend this sentence before they went to Lebanon, and they all loved her because of it. Say "Ma Feeh Kahraba". It means there is no electricity. When the electricity goes out (it often does) say it.
WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT ISOLATE YOURSELF FROM THEM FOR A MINUTE! Stay close with them the entire time you are there.
Being Lebanese myself, I can tell you first hand the parents just want a girl who is comfortable around them.
Good Luck, you will do fine. Lebanon is a beautiful place, it will feel like it's your second home. I hope my advice helps.
2007-02-03 14:02:20 · answer #10 · answered by Lebanese_Mafia 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
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Many girls break up with their significant others, is because they need time to figure things out. Don't take it personally, if you want her back, you have to show her you can help her. If you love her then you'll let her go, that's it. Not everybody who you date in high school you end up staying with, the chances are extremely unlikely. So if she doesn't want to, then you need to let her go.
2014-10-24 10:59:32 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋