Social Interactions 89Mixed gender situations are where things can become
problematic. So much of what is acceptable depends on
how well you know the person and upon how familiar the
person is with foreign social practices. Obviously, the more
educated Egyptians accept differences in social interaction
more easily without misinterpretation than do those who
are not familiar with other cultures. Most social situations in
which you are likely to be involved will tend to be a bit more
formal than is customary in the United States. Therefore, I
definitely recommend using some caution in interactions,
particularly at first, until you become familiar with what is
acceptable behaviour. Probably the best rule to follow is to
let your Egyptian colleagues or friends establish the pace of
interactions. In general, the following guidelines apply.
If you are in a social situation, whether for business or at
the home of a friend, and spouses are present, male-female
interaction stays on a rather formal level. Smiles between
men and women may appear somewhat distant though
sincere. Conversations revolve around non-personal topics.
Male-female touching should be limited to a handshake. Eye
contact in these situations should be rather limited, but you
should not appear to be avoiding looking at someone with
whom you are talking as this can be interpreted as aloofness
and lack of sincerity. Once you become very good friends,
these types of situations become more relaxed. Rather than
being the initiator of a cheek-kissing greeting upon arrival or
departure, just follow the Egyptian person’s lead, especially
in mixed company.
Men should always be somewhat reserved when interacting
with Egyptian women, even with women they know fairly
well. ‘Showing too much interest’ can compromise the
woman’s reputation and honour, and thus the man’s as
well. The concept of ‘showing too much interest’ is relative,
but remember, even the slightest personal attention could
compromise an Egyptian woman in the wrong situation.
In most social situations, it is fairly easy for foreign men to
avoid close interactions with Egyptian women because the
women will generally keep fairly distant, either physically
or by demeanour. Often men and women will retire into