88 CultureShock! Egypt
on one cheek and then the other between persons of the
same sex, often while shaking hands.
Handshaking patterns tend to differ between Westerners
and Egyptians. Rather than a perfunctory, strong, short
handshake typical in much of the West, Egyptians tend to
have a less-gripping (even limp, by American standards)
handshake. Sometimes, they may continue to hold your hand
long after it would seem appropriate by Western standards,
but this is normal in Egypt. Both men and women shake
hands but in most circumstances, a man should probably
wait for the woman to offer her hand in mixed company.
Since men do not typically kiss one another in many
parts of Europe and the United States, this can be a little
unsettling until one gets used to the practice. More shocking
to the Western male, Egyptian men hold hands as they walk
and talk. Contrary to some people’s beliefs, holding hands
among males and cheek- kissing does not mean Egyptian
men are homosexuals. The only comparison I can think of in
Western society translates to the type of camaraderie shared
by men on sports teams where traditional Western touching
barriers among men tend to disappear. It is perfectly fine for
American men on a football team to hug each other following
a touchdown. Once you begin to get accepted in Egyptian
society, an Egyptian male friend may well begin to treat you
as he would an Egyptian male friend and casually take your
hand as you stroll along the street. In most cases, when this
happens, it should be viewed as a sign that you are beginning
to be seen as an equal, and not as an inappropriate overture.
Never fear, a person interested in a homosexual liaison is
likely to let you know in a myriad of other ways including
an outright statement of intent.
Oddly, although Western women do not usually find the
cheek-kissing greeting with other women uncomfortable,
they frequently find arm-in-arm or hand-holding with women
as they walk a bit unsettling. Normally, Egyptian women link
arms when walking to bring them closer to their companion
so they can talk more easily. Again, when an Egyptian woman
takes your arm in the normal course of walking, it symbolises
acceptance and friendship.