8 Things You Know Growing Up With Strict Lebanese Parents

Freedom? Who’s that? I don’t know her.

1. Your relationships come with restrictions

Yes I understand that you want to fly me abroad for my birthday, but we’re going to have to settle for Jbeil. That’s as far as I’m allowed to go.

2. There’s no such thing as a “spontaneous outing”

You can never just spontaneously get dressed to leave the house because hala2 da2ouleh aloule jahiz hale, you need to inform your parents of your plans AT LEAST 2-3 working days before.

3. Permission is key

Doesn’t matter if you’re 12 or 28, you still need permission.

Eh w iza 3omrak 22, mish be3id b bayteh? Btekhod ezne

4. You learn how to talk to them to get your way

Pros of having strict parents: it sharpens your communication and persuasion skills.

Iza brouh 3al sahra lyom, bwasselkon matrah ma badkon 3a jom3a

5. You can actually use “My mom said no” as an excuse to avoid plans

It’s perfectly believable. More pros.

5. Your friends know better than to ask why you can’t make it

Friends you’ve known for a long time understand your situation, they know perfectly well why you can’t make it and they don’t question it. Lowkey because their parents are the same.

6. You become a really good liar

Lying is bad, we know. But sometimes it’s necessary. No judging.

Ana lyom sahrane bel library, 3ande overnight… but you’re out partying.

7. Curfews are no joke.

If your mom says you should be home by 11 PM then you should be home by 11 PM. Don’t take the risk, it’s not worth it and any lateness probably translated into a 10 PM curfew down the line.

8. You will answer your phone every time they call you. It’s not an option.

Doesn’t matter where you are, or what you’re doing, when you see Mama calling, you answer.

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