Dating an Egyptian man or woman, what to actually expect

Egyptian humor comes first

Egyptians are known across the Arab world for being funny. Expect teasing, wordplay and a lot of film quotes you won't recognize at first. If someone Egyptian is joking with you, it's usually a good sign. If they stop joking, ask what's wrong.

Dating an Egyptian means the family will ask about intentions

Many Egyptian families, Muslim and Coptic, want to know early whether a relationship is serious. "Is this going somewhere?" can come up sooner than it would in other families. A lot of parents were raised that way, and they mean well.

If things get serious, you'll hear about the engagement. Families often talk about the shabka, the jewelry given at engagement, and about where the couple will live. Some couples follow every custom. Others keep it small. Talk about it together before the families do.

Religion matters differently in every home

Egyptian Americans are Muslim or Coptic Christian, with some Catholic and Protestant families. For some, marrying inside the faith is a must. For others it matters less. Ask early and honestly, so neither of you is surprised later.

Food, tea and Friday

Expect molokhia, koshari, mahshi and fiteer, and expect someone to tell you their mom makes it better than any restaurant. Tea is constant, usually with sugar and sometimes with mint. Friday family lunch is a fixed event in a lot of homes.

Meet someone Egyptian

On HeyArab you can see someone's country of origin, religion if they share it, and how involved their family is before you match. See Egyptian singles in the US, or read how to tell your Arab parents you're dating for the conversation that comes after.