You were wise Keri

Submitted by Isis (Australia), Jan 1, 2009 at 17:53

You were wise to guard your feelings and your money. You noted that you met him twice and he travelled to stay with you for a month. I assume that you met him over the internet and that should have been the first warning sign. This was the platform for the "lies" but I don't need to reinforce that. For two years over the internet, he could fabricate himself into the man that you wanted him to be without any question from you. You never visited him in Morocco but maybe if you had, you would have seen the cracks earlier. You have not elaborated on the lies but were these a misinterpretation of cultural differences or out and out lies?

"Further, when there is an imbalance of power, cultural awareness, and financial stability, it does not make for a good Rx. It is not the natural order that these men are used to."

100% spot on! This is also true for western relationships The cultural aspects of the Moroccan way of life has been built up over hundreds of years and they are not going to change overnight. This is a direct reference to him wanting children and wanting to take a second wife. My experience is with Egyptians and they are more westernised. Yes, some still sit in cafes but the Muslim women rarely work outside of the home so if the men didn't get off their backsides and work they would all starve. Also, putting aside the bureauracy and other unique Egyptanised factors, more and more Egyptian men have ideas of being successful business men so they do strive to work hard and create a safety net for their loved ones. Albiet there are still those that rely on scamming tourists but they are sill making money to support their families. I feel that the power and financial gap is narrowing in Egypt to a certain extent.

With reference to Lisa's relationship - all relationships are unique and no two are the same.

All the best.

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