No Acceptance

Do you ever feel you're not accepted in Egypt? Egyptians will always see you as a tourist even if you lived there for over 20 years. I, myself, lived in Egypt for almost 3 years and it annoys me that I'm still approached, and greeted with "Welcome to Egypt ".

However, this blog is not about being a forever tourist.  Instead it's about being accepted into the Egyptian family.  A year ago I fell in love with my incredible Egyptian husband! He fills my life with love and happiness! I fill so blessed to have travel half around the world to be connected to him. 

Unfortunately,  I have not had the same connection with his family.  It has saddened me. It's like they don't trust me or even like me. My husband reassures me they think of me as family but I never feel that.  His sister's never message or call me. They only "maybe" ask how I am through him. 

Just yesterday,  I was home waiting for our family to arrive.  Every Friday night, our family comes to visit. 

Last night, my husband had to step out before their arrival. So, I was waiting for them alone. Two hours later than the expected time, everybody arrived at once.  I was shocked! I asked my husband how can you all arrive at the same time? His answer saddened me to my core. The family waited outside (they all have keys because it's their childhood home that we live in), until my husband arrived. They were talking and visiting outside the building entrance,  while I stopped everything to wait for them to arrive. 

So, can I ask you, how would you feel? Did I overreact? I was so upset and saddened that they didn't want to come into our home before my husband arrived back. I seriously did not know how to react.  My husband didn't understand why I was so upset and insulted.  I told him I was mostly hurt. They clearly showed they didn't want my company without him. (I have always regarded his sisters as kind and caring people.) In my American culture, this was very rude and disrespectful. 

If it wasn't for my husband coming in and trying to calm me down patiently, I would have left until I knew they left. This is the first time to experience this, however, I have heard many stories from my expat friends how their husbands families don't accept them into the family.  Why? We are all human and deserve their time and love. Why so much distrust?

I hope someday, I understand why this happened. Until next time...