To ask if you know anything about Lebanese people?

[CuriousMama]

Dn has started dating a Lebanese girl. I don't know much about them or their culture. Is there anything I need to be cautious if not doing when they visit? Or are they usually pretty relaxed?
I don't think I've ever met anyone from Lebanon?
I did Google but nothing much came up so am hoping I needn't worry?

Generous. Lovely food which they love to prepare and share. Caring. Intelligent. Family orientated.

My Lebanese clients are all lovely human beings.

Of course, there will be lovely people from Lebanon and not so lovely people from Lebanon as there are from every country!! There will be people of no religion and people of faith!

My own personal experience of Lebanese people is that they have been some of my best friends, some of the kindest people I know and some of the most welcoming and forgiving! But I'm sure everyone from Lebanon is different! Much like every English person is very different - some are in prison, some are religious, some are atheist, some believe in traditions like Christmas, some celebrate Ramadhan.

I wouldn't worry, get to know her!

They are people, just like we are also people. Is your whole identity defined by the Country you originate from?

Yes it is 😉

Thanks for the helpful responses.

I know 1 man and a different family so not many but they are really lovely and friendly, serve amazing food, very generous BUT pretty tough underneath as well.
Intelligent and driven and very successful
They are Christian I believe.
But as I said very small sample.

What exactly are you worried about? What do you think you shouldnt' do?

What is it you imagine you might need to ‘be cautious about’? If you were visiting your foreign boyfriend’s parents at home, what would they need to be cautious about in relation to your nationality?

\i've dated a couple of lebanese men but i was mainly in it for the food if i'm honest

Perfectly polite and friendly though.

No idea that's why I asked.

Seems there's nothing to worry about.

Dn is mega into food so he'll fit in well when he meets her family. He's great anyway and gets on with most.

I'm quite excited for him as he hasn't had much experience dating but they sound pretty keen?

Be very careful OP. Most of them have only 1 head.

The food is a perfectly valid reason!

Well when I visit a foreign country, I look up some basics of the language and culture to know what is valued and what gives offence. That's my culture - to be respectful.

Did you know, for example, that in some places it is very disrespectful to leave food on your plate - it implies you were hungry for it but didn't want more. In others, it's an embarrassment to your host if you clear your plate - it implies there wasn't enough.

Nothing wrong with following some manners/conventions.

I'd just be led by her tbh. She may drink, she may not; she may be religious, she may not (more likely if she's dating your DN tbh). If she grew up in Lebanon, she will most likely speak English, Arabic and at least some French, and also have a lot more experience of civil war/unrest/genuinely frightening times than most people.

She'll just be a person, don't worry. Be friendly and all will be well.

Why don't you ask your nephew what she's like first

Do you usually worry so much about who your nephew is dating? Seems a bit odd. But yes, ask your nephew.

Yes I am obviously odd. We're very close (more like a ds)

I don't want to pry too much yet was just getting excited for him.

Sounds like nothing to worry about.

I’ve lived all over the world, speak five languages well, and have friends from a lot of places. All the instances you mention are about a guest knowing how to behave to a host when they don’t share dining/manners conventions. Here the OP is the host, and as her guest presumably lives in the UK, I can’t imagine there will be any potential for cultural misunderstandings.

Lebanese food is amazing.

The Lebanese people I know are on the whole very warm and friendly, and more open and kind than the western Europeans I am and know (in general).

Warm, generous, friendly people, and their food is THE best in the world. Been through the mill a bit, so they’re quite tough. Most of the ones I know speak French as well. Family is important, education is important.
Did I mention the food? 😂😂

Did she grow up in Lebanon? Depending on how old she is, the last 5ish years have not been good there.

I have had a few Lebanese colleagues over the years. Mixture of Christian and Muslim. Most spoke English, Arabic and French. Some observed Ramadan but were very relaxed about being in the presence of those of us who did not at lunch break etc as they grew up in a mixed culture themselves.

Culturally the people I know grew up there in the 70s-80s, read up on the civil war if you aren't already aware, a young girlfriend may not be affected but parents and wider family may have passed this trauma on. There was a period where (despite Hezbollah) the country was more stable for most locals and becoming a great travel destination once again ('Paris of the middle east') however in more recent years instability in the region means it's no longer safe to travel there and many locals or Lebanese expats lost their savings due to chaos in the banking system. The people I knew were obviously no longer resident but shared they no longer felt safe travelling back to see family and would not take their children if they did. I will always regret not visiting Beirut in the early 00s when I had the chance.

Lebanese food is wonderful.

I am no expert this is just based on my conversations with others I'm sure someone more knowledgable can advise better.

I speak some French. She's fluent in English afaik?

Thank you all for your responses. Well almost all but that's mn for you.

I'm going to hide the thread now as can see I don't need to worry 🙂

Replace the word Lebanon with Norway and this thread reads so bizarre, no?

What would make you think you’ve got something to worry?

Huh?