Thanks to Lisa

Submitted by Julie (Australia), May 10, 2008 at 10:03

I am so happy that you have come to your own conclusions Lisa. Long distance relationships are very hard to manage and as you say the cultures are so very different. I live a third of the year in Egypt and am fortunate enough to have a job which allows me the time off. I also have the supprt of my family and friends in this relationship which is comforting.

When I first found this site I was amazed at the negativity and how many women that thought they had found the man of their dreams on-line and in the middle east. No scenario could be more dangerous. There is of course the scamming factor but also the fact that western women do not understand how an Arab displays affection - they are full on and it is easy to hang ontovevery flattering word they say .They also say these words to their own women in courtship too.

If you cut the "I love you" and "beautiful" comments down by half you would be nearer the mark with their afction. No western woman who had not visited a middle eastern country could possibly understand how different it is from the west. Fortunately, I had visited Egypt before I met my man and we knew of each other for a year before we actually got together. I can't say that it has been all smooth sailing as both of us have had to adapt and we still have slip ups on this but at least we can compromise and move on with our relationship. We also both know how to laugh and enjoy the moment and I think that is the most important aspect of any long distance relationship. Anyway, all the best and thank you for your reply - most refreshing.

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