Dating Egyptian guy....many questions...looking for feedback....

Submitted by Cherese (United States), Feb 5, 2007 at 19:55

I've read a lot of your posts and I am hoping to get your feedback> I have just recently begun dating an Egyptian guy who is 26, I'm 29. He has been living in the US for about 2 years now. (I guess I should be wondering what his visa status is? We're in the US). Things have been going very well and we get along smashingly, but like most, I don't know in-depth info about Islam but enough to have concerns about my status as a woman... I have actually dated a few Middle Eastern (from Palestine, Kuwait, and Syria) men before but not quite so seriously . so that is why my concern is a little stronger.

He seems pretty liberal right now, but I am concerned about how things might be later down the line as we continue to be involved. I am wondering if there are any warning signs that he might not be as liberal as he seems? Are there any customs specific to Egypt (he's from Alexandria) that may influence his views? Is Egyptian culture strict or liberal in terms of Islam and it's application towards women? Does anyone else have experiences (pos or neg) with Egyptian men?

Do you think he will try to 'convert' me (I am not a practitioner of any religion, but grew up with a Methodist background. What else should I be concerned about? How would I know if he has a wife back in Egypt? I find it starnge that at 26 he is not married, even though he says he considers himself too young and has many things to do before he marries, but as far as I know this seems contradictory to custom since he already has a degree from an Egyptian college (what status in Egyptian society would this indicate, if any?).

I could have sworn he had a ring on his right hand when I met him, if so I am assuming he is married? It seems all of his friends are the same way...I don't know. I'd love to hear any feedback. Thanks!

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