To Banita - mothers

Submitted by Isis (Australia), Sep 22, 2008 at 06:41

"is this bit about the sisters and mother normal? can anyone help?"

In middle eastern culture the sons are bound to their mothers for life and mothers will control their sons for life. I have been with my Egyptian man for 4 years and whilst I have met and socialised with his entire family including father, brothers and sisters, I still have not met his mother and doubt if I ever will. She stays at home during these outings and although I know that she does not disapprove of me, I think that it would be a too big a step for her to actually meet me.

I get along well with both his brothers and his brother's new wife and they are accepting of our relationship. We always have a great time together and a lot of laughs. A couple of times I have been ill whilst in Egypt and his mother has phoned with advice to make me feel better. She has also prepared fabulous meals and sent the food via a brother to our flat for a treat. After consideration of these points, I don't think that resentment is the issue. I think that the women prefer to stay in their homes amongst their family as they have allways done and as their mothers and grandmothers have done. Sisters can also share this responsibilty to their brothers and sisters are usually consulted when a brother wishes to take a wife or needs family advice.

Middle Eastern men will also put their brothers, male first cousins and second cousins before most else and it is not unusual for them to spend a lot of time with them and support them in any way they can in family matters especially.

I hope that this helps.

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