13 Unspoken Etiquette Rules In Lebanon

There are unspoken rules that we all must abide by in Lebanon, and you really do not what to be caught breaking any of them. Here are thirteen of the most prominent unspoken rules we have in our Lebanese culture.

1. Fight over the bill for a minimum of 35 minutes before conceding

Be assertive, really make it seem like you’re ready to throw hands if you don’t pay. Bring it up a minimum of 6 times after the fact.

2. Insist that your guests stay longer even if they’ve been at your house for 18 hours

“Wlek mabsooteen fikon!”

No. No, we’re not.

3. Shove baklawa down your guest’s throat in the event that they reject a piece

4. Refuse dyafe at least 5 times before finally giving in (even if you were really craving some)

Your mom will be glaring at you from the corner of her eye to make sure you do just that.

5. Offer to give someone something they said looked nice on you (and silently hope they won’t actually take it)

Very risky but necessary.

6. Laugh at your guest’s jokes regardless of how lame they are

And agree with them at all costs. “The customer is always right” applies here.

7. Wear the ugly ass sweater your aunt bought you the next time you see her, then never wear it again in your life

She has to see you wearing it at least ONCE.

8. Invite acquaintances over when you bump into them on the street knowing very well it’s never going to happen

9. Bring in as much dyafe as possible even after they say “lashu t3azzabto” or “nehna jeena nshufkon” like 20 times

10. And if you’re the guest in that situation, act like you’re annoyed that they’re doing all that work

You know you’re most excited for the dyafe. Don’t deny it.

11. Prepare coffee at the end of a visit to indicate that it’s time for guests to leave

12. Never say “manne jo3an/e” when your teta offers you food she made

You’ll break her heart.

13. Never show up empty-handed, no matter how much they insist not to bring anything

“Ya 3ayb el shum” *excitedly takes what you brought*