Be careful

Submitted by Amy (United States), Jan 15, 2008 at 16:42

I would be very very careful. Go ahead and visit him, but spend some time in Egypt and get to know him and his family before you marry. If necessary, rent an apartment to give yourself time. Green card marriages are very, very common, even among very decent people. He doesn't have to be sleazy to want to marry for such a practical reason. The man might even think he loves you. Keep in mind that in many countries (egypt included) marriage isn't always based on "love," but certain other practical considerations---like family, religion, jobs, economics, etc.

I am happily married to an Egyptian who I knew four years before marriage, and I lived in Egypt and got to know him, his family, friends, etc. very very well beforehand. It has worked (we've been together 11 years now). But that said, we also have a lot in common---educational level, values, extensive time abroad, similar economic background, etc., I learned his language and he is fluent in mine, etc. So it can be done.

But please, do it right. Don't make the mistake so many well-meaning women make. You have plenty of time. Otherwise, you could easily end up regretting this.

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