Have you hit things off with an Egyptian single and are now looking for tips to take things to the next level? Or are you actively trying to join the Egyptian dating scene and need pointers to help your search? Do you want to meet Egyptian singles online? Signing up for a location-specific website, such as an Egyptian dating site, could significantly help your search!
Whichever question it is that led you here, we have the answers. Whip out your pens and take notes, because we’ll be sharing helpful tips on what to expect when dating Egyptian singles. Of course, it’s not a one-size-fits-all handbook. Still, it will give you a general insight into Egyptians’ culture and lifestyle and hopefully help you understand your partner (or potential partner) better.
Let’s dive into details real quick so you can put your best foot forward and enjoy dating!
Dating Egyptian Singles: Things You Should Know
1. Be ready to adjust to cultural differences
Since you searched for tips on relating to Egyptian singles, we think it’s safe to assume that you’re a foreigner. So the first thing you need to know, if you didn’t already notice, is that Egypt’s culture and lifestyle may be vastly different from what you’re familiar with.
The taboo of one society is the norm of another, so what is appropriate in your culture may be considered taboo in Egypt, and vice versa. Prepare your mind to be open to learning, adjusting, and adapting. You’ll be doing a lot of that when you’re dating Egyptian singles.
2. Egyptians like to cover up
In Egypt, the predominant religion is Islam. So, Egyptians tend to be very conservative and modest in dressing. Many women wear hijabs and skirts or dresses. To dress otherwise is unusual and, at worst, impolite in their culture.
If you’re a foreign woman dating an Egyptian man, he may try to make you dress like the locals, different from what you’re used to. That can get annoying, we know, but he’s probably trying to protect you from getting embarrassing stares in public. If you can, endeavor to cover your head with a scarf and wear clothes that are not too revealing, unless you don’t mind the stares.
Sometimes, a bold Egyptian or someone who feels strongly about being a custodian of the culture could walk up to you and tell you to fix up with your dressing. That’s just the way Egyptians roll, and you’ll need to prepare for it.
For men, the unspoken dress code is not as strict but there’s still a pattern. Local males in Egypt wear gallabiyahs, a long tunic that reaches the ankle. In more urban areas like Alexandria, males wear more Western clothing, but shorts are sometimes still frowned upon.
You should know that Egypt is probably not the place to show off your banging bikini bod or your ripped abs. Save those for the ‘gram, maybe.
3. Family is everything
Egyptian families are very close-knit, and parents always keep a close eye on their children’s activities. Most Egyptian families do not allow their children to ‘date’ because it is against the Islamic religion’s dictates to date before getting married. If you leave it to the older Egyptian generation, there is no such thing as ‘getting to know each other’ or ‘being in the talking stage with someone.’
So if things get serious with your Egyptian partner and they decide to introduce you to their family, brace yourself for quite some opposition. They may not always welcome you with open arms and ask what the weather’s like in your country. They may outrightly show their displeasure at your ‘un-Egyptianness.’
Don’t take the rejection too personal; instead, communicate with your partner. If you guys have a solid bond, you can fight for your chance at a happy ending.
It is more likely for a local Egyptian man to get serious with a foreign partner than for a woman to do the same. There are exceptions, though, and some Egyptian women prefer to date foreigners.
4. ‘Dating’ is an alien culture to Egyptians
If you come from a Western culture where dating is normal and acceptable, the Egyptian dating scene will shock you. Islam does not permit dating or even social interaction between opposite sexes. So the process of meeting someone is also still arranged by some families. Typically, the process starts with a khatba, a traditional matchmaker, to bring a prospect to meet the family. After an hour so, an Egyptian man or woman can decide whether they will marry them.
But many Egyptians are looking for other ways to meet people.
More Egyptians are online because of the social norm restrictions and easier access to the internet. Besides, going out is expensive for most people, so dating Egyptian singles online is a more affordable option. That’s good news for you if you’re still looking for an Egyptian single to date.
5. Egyptians don’t do PDA
If you haven’t already gotten the gist of what it’s like to be dating an Egyptian, let’s spell it out. Don’t get touchy-feely! Especially when you’re in public, keep your hands off your partner.
Egyptians typically frown at any kind of public display of affection, so it is in your best interest to keep your hugs and kisses private. If you need something to show your love in public, try a smile.
