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Sarah Tarhini

What Dating Advice From Your Lebanese Family Looks Like

Introducing a romantic interest to your Lebanese family is probably one of the most nerve-wracking experiences that you can have. A risk-it-all step that will either end with your family dragging you through the dirt or actually accepting you. So, here’s what dating advice looks like from your Lebanese family.

Your Lebanese dad:

Lebanese dads are literally the reason why your boyfriend drops you off b manta2a teyne 3a shway la ma hada yshufkon. They collectively agreed to raise the bar too high so that any other man stands no chance. Accepted suitors exclusively include an engineer, mo7ame, or doctor. Otherwise, he’ll emphasize that bente bela b darsa, when you actually graduated from university two years ago. Critical questions include “Is he min jame3tna?” and “Does he know a guy who knows a guy who can help you out?”

Piece of advice: laugh at all the lame dad jokes.

He’s also the same guy that will ask his son “mwazafe?” when he introduces his girlfriend to the family. But he’ll also lowkey show off how many girls he dated back in the day (so long as your mom is not in the room) and say how much his son “tale3 la bayyo”. *wink wink*

Your Lebanese mom:

She’ll be happy that you’re finally seeing someone (or anyone, actually), proceeding with tons of advice on how to “ta2le halik”. According to her, your dad dal reked waraha 4-5 years lhata eblet fi, making it sound like a charity work.

She also believes that her son is the brightest and most handsome man to walk this earth, completely digressing to “Leh b shou hinneh a7san minnak?” when met with the possibility of another’s existence in her son’s life. Btle2e mit shakhes gheir.

Your Lebanese sister:

A bit perplexed on how someone could ever choose to date you. As long as you’re not spending your nights crying your eyes out, byo2ta3o. If they’re funny and cute, that’s a plus. Your sister can range from being completely invested in your love life to not giving a shit.

The drama begins if it’s her brother. She’d go from “Ah sert t7ebbon aktr mne?” to “Baddee ellon enak btdlak zetet tyebak 3al ared” in seconds.

Your Lebanese brother:

The absolute definition of unbothered. Whether you’re his sister or brother, you’re getting nods and blank stares – probably quietly judging your taste in partners. If he’s a know-it-all type of brother, he’ll take this as a chance to flex his more refined dating choices.

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