I just received this by email and the writer would like to know your opinions about her problem. Kindly share your thoughts and help ease the pain of Lovesick:




Hi!

I am an avid follower of your blog and I really like your style. Even though, of course, I can't always understand all the Arabic, it's been a great tool in helping me learn the language - well, and classes and cd's, blah blah blah :P

I'm writing because, like I said before, I'm American. I live and work in Kuwait and have for the past 18 months. I love the country, the culture, the learning (about the country and myself) and the travel that I've been doing since I arrived. Anyway, the gist of my problem is this: I met (by chance and I was totally not looking for it) and later fell in love with a Kuwaiti guy.... a wonderful, honest guy who also fell in love with me. To the extent that I would choose to make the rest of my life here, with him, and would be happy and lucky to do so.

We dated for several months and he went to his parents to discuss marriage - a big no. They wouldn't accept it, they would never accept me because of my nationality. Not religon, surprisingly, but because they rejected the idea of an American in their family. I am knowledgeable about the culture and traditions, and I know that this is not unusual thinking here, and that where I'm from is altogether different - I respect this. But, I have never been in love before this, and I've never been so devastated. I'm not young (mid 20's) and I'm not usually naive, but I truly thought that any parent would want their child to be happy... even if it is not ideal. That maybe in time they would come to be.... not thrilled, but ok, with it.

Neither of us (him or me) would marry without their knowledge and at least acceptance, not even an option. His love and respect for his family is one of his most attractive qualities.

I guess what I'm looking for is advice. I need rationale, any explanation, any advice - anything to help me move on and come to terms with this loss. So I thought I would appeal to your mass audience and get a more Kuwaiti-esque opinion. Is it really so horrifying a thought that I (an educated, well-traveled, caring girl, who happens to be American) be a part of a Kuwaiti family? My family is not thrilled at the thought of my life being in Kuwait, but they will do anything for me to be happy. They would visit and be supportive.

Very much appreciate your help!
Lovesick

.
.

I just received this by email and the writer would like to know your opinions about her problem. Kindly share your thoughts and help ease the pain of Lovesick:




Hi!

I am an avid follower of your blog and I really like your style. Even though, of course, I can't always understand all the Arabic, it's been a great tool in helping me learn the language - well, and classes and cd's, blah blah blah :P

I'm writing because, like I said before, I'm American. I live and work in Kuwait and have for the past 18 months. I love the country, the culture, the learning (about the country and myself) and the travel that I've been doing since I arrived. Anyway, the gist of my problem is this: I met (by chance and I was totally not looking for it) and later fell in love with a Kuwaiti guy.... a wonderful, honest guy who also fell in love with me. To the extent that I would choose to make the rest of my life here, with him, and would be happy and lucky to do so.

We dated for several months and he went to his parents to discuss marriage - a big no. They wouldn't accept it, they would never accept me because of my nationality. Not religon, surprisingly, but because they rejected the idea of an American in their family. I am knowledgeable about the culture and traditions, and I know that this is not unusual thinking here, and that where I'm from is altogether different - I respect this. But, I have never been in love before this, and I've never been so devastated. I'm not young (mid 20's) and I'm not usually naive, but I truly thought that any parent would want their child to be happy... even if it is not ideal. That maybe in time they would come to be.... not thrilled, but ok, with it.

Neither of us (him or me) would marry without their knowledge and at least acceptance, not even an option. His love and respect for his family is one of his most attractive qualities.

I guess what I'm looking for is advice. I need rationale, any explanation, any advice - anything to help me move on and come to terms with this loss. So I thought I would appeal to your mass audience and get a more Kuwaiti-esque opinion. Is it really so horrifying a thought that I (an educated, well-traveled, caring girl, who happens to be American) be a part of a Kuwaiti family? My family is not thrilled at the thought of my life being in Kuwait, but they will do anything for me to be happy. They would visit and be supportive.

Very much appreciate your help!
Lovesick

.
.

Hmmm, is it really so?.. Do I "challenge our societal norms" ?
This is what some email is blatantly accusing me of.

And " .. where else would it come from if not out of Kuwait" !!
What does he mean?

Who is this "A"?

The email was beautifully written, stating that he liked my blog and wishing me and X well. But the sentence mentioned above threw me off a bit and made me think..

As I keep on reading, X enters the room, but I hardly look up. I'm thinking of what to write as a reply to "A". I start typing when all of a sudden:

"GLITTER, bassich blogsat o ta3alay!! ", X shouts from the other room.
"Kani kani.. ", I press SEND quickly and hurry to him.
.
.

The next day, I check my inbox, and there it was, another email from Mr. "A".

I carry my laptop, and settle myself onto my comfy sofa. Pull my hair back. Take a deep breath and press OPEN.

Nothing could have prepared me for what I read next....

Listen to this:

" Yes it was a compliment; I don't think the (insert name of his country) mindset is quite ready for such openness. I think it's a healthy thing in a society to be able to look with a humorous/critical eye and learn from our mistakes and scenarios. And it is well known that Kuwaitis in general are more open-minded than most Khaleejis, and each state has it's own experience and peculiarities."

Then he goes off and tells me his story. How he had been studying abroad for many many years now. How the thought of him getting married soon never crossed his mind, let alone an arranged marriage to a complete starnger! But reading my story kind of sold it to him !! ( Yaaay Me!! ) hehehee

So when the opportunity, of a similar situation to mine, came his way he took it. And now after all these years he's finally engaged and on his way to be a married man within the next few months. :")

" I guess it takes a LOT of courage and blind faith to make that big step, but I firmly believe it should be done sooner than later, and when one has the backing of his family then there is little reason to delay (unless there really is major incompatibility between the parties).

Sooo you see how your lil blog did a bit of good and touched someone's life far faar away. Small world. "

I swear to God I can feel my heart warm up with each word, and my smile is growing bigger bigger with each sentence. This has got to be one of the most precious emails I have ever recieved.

He ends it with:

"I hope that my future bride's experience is as happy as yours :D "

Needless to say that that email made my day. I walked around all day with a happy glow in my heart. His sincere words lifted up my spirits and for that I am greatly thankful, and forever grateful.




Roo7 3sa Allah yfarri7 gulbik methel ma farra7t gulby.. O ybarik lik, o ybarik 3alaik, o yejma3 bainik o bain ur future bride eb kel khair o 7ob o mawadda, yaaaa rub..

*raises her hands to the sky earnestly*

**Note to Masq:

That prayer goes to you too, dear bro.