Culture Shock! Egypt - A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette

Social Interactions 121

Compliments

Complimenting someone on something they have or are
wearing can be a little confusing in Egypt. While it is standard
practice to tell someone in the United States, for example,
that they have a beautiful necklace or ring or anything,
you should be a little careful in Egypt. Why? Generosity to
a guest is important to maintain a good reputation. As a
result, if you are not careful, what is meant to be simply a
compliment of good taste places your Egyptian hosts in the
awkward position of needing to demonstrate their generosity
by offering you the admired object, especially if it is a small,
portable object.
The way it works is more or less like this. You can say
something like, ‘Oh, you have a lovely home.’ People are not
likely to try to give you their home. But if you say something
like, ‘This box is so beautiful. I have been looking everywhere
for one just like it’, watch out. The person you say this to
may feel obligated to offer it to you. They want to make you
happy and welcome. Now assume that you were not ‘hinting’
that they give you their treasure, you suddenly feel guilty
because you realise that their innate generosity means they
will offer the box to you. If you find yourself in an awkward
position like this (and it can happen when you least expect
it), thank them and refuse. It can get even trickier because
they will then try to insist that you take it because they are

A Short Recap

„ Be generous with tips

„ Be cautious with smiles and eye contact with persons

of the opposite sex

„ Be respectful of the role of women

„ Holding hands with a same-sex individual does not

mean people are homosexual

„ Being a friend can be very intense and involves a

signifi cant commitment

„ Dress rather conservatively